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IN THIS ISSUE
Sustainability in the News
From the Director: Big Red Eats Green Food Festival
Remembering Christian Zabriskie
Internship Program Details
Events and Opportunities
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Sustainability in the News
Dunn's Woods restoration project is a success

The Dunn's Woods restoration project is a recent topic of discussion around campus as faculty, staff, students, and community volunteers work diligently to restore the deciduous woodland. One of the most important tasks in the restoration project is to eradicate the invasive purple wintercreeper plants that have overtaken the forest floor.

Current IU Office of Sustainability intern Haley Prihoda has worked closely with associate professor of biology, Heather Reynolds to develop an integrated program of research, teaching, and outreach focused on the mitigation of exotic invasive plant species and promotion of native biodiversity.

 Read IU Newsroom article>>   

Getting greener (and cooler)
2011 Energy Challenge Awards Ceremony

IU Bloomington is among the top 50 "coolest schools" in America, according to the  Sierra Club's sixth annual rankings of the nation's green universities. No other Indiana college or university made the list and, among Big Ten schools, only Penn State ranks higher.

The Sierra ranking reflects the success of IU Bloomington's recent green initiatives, as well as the campus' rapid movement toward a vision of becoming an international leader in university sustainability by the year 2020, says IU Director of Sustainability Bill Brown.

Brown credits strong administrative support, a campus master plan "infused with sustainability principles," hundreds of faculty and student volunteer leaders, and a nationally recognized sustainability

internship program with contributing to IU Bloomington's progress toward becoming a greener institution.  

IU Office of Sustainability seeks 2012-13 interns
Summer 2012 Internship Symposium

Continuing a tradition of student engagement in sustainability-related program development and research, the Indiana University Office of Sustainability is recruiting its 11th group of sustainability interns for the 2012-13 academic year.

Since its inception in 2007, the Internship Program in Sustainability has strived to promote experiential learning as an integral part of the campus sustainability initiative.  

The student interns, selected from both undergraduate and graduate student applicants, will work on a broad array of issues related to sustainability, under the mentorship of IU faculty and staff. Some interns will continue work on previous projects, such as Living Sustainably Off-Campus or coordinating sustainable purchasing efforts, while others will pilot new sustainability partnerships in the Greek community and at the IU Health Center.  

Ecological Society of America annual meeting draws more than 30 IU scientists as presenters

The meeting, themed "Life on Earth: Preserving, Utilizing, and Sustaining our Ecosystems," included more than 30 IU faculty members and graduate students from departments such as Biology, Geography, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and School of Education.

The presentations included a panel session lead by doctoral student Daniel J. Johnson and his adviser, Keith Clay, from the department of Biology who discussed their research on forest regeneration. Others, such as Biology graduate student Keenan Mack presented in a symposium centered around plant-soil feedbacks. Focusing on global change, Jay T. Lennon from Biology lead a panel on "Browning of freshwater ecosystems: culprits and consequences of global change."

Corn on the cusp: Another food crisis looms

DARK clouds gathered on the horizon foretell doom in the popular imagination. Yet it is the prolonged absence of them in America's Midwest that threatens global grain and soyabean markets. A lack of rain has brought the worst drought in over 50 years to a region that usually provides over half the corn (maize) and more than two-fifths of the soya to world markets. A downpour in the next few days will not save the corn-it has been too hot and dry for too long-but it might limit damage to the soy crop and the market as a whole.

After two lean seasons, expectations for a bumper corn crop were high, according to Kona Haque of Macquarie, a bank. The bad years meant high prices. Planting began early and hit a record as corn won the battle for acres with soya and cotton. The weather began well. In May three-quarters of the corn was judged in good or excellent condition by America's Department of Agriculture. Parched earth means that just a quarter of the crop now gets that rating, one of the lowest ever.

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OMG! We Are All Freaking Out About Big Red Eats Green (& Bikes) on September 6th!!!
By Bill Brown

 

Local Vegetables from the Farmer's Market 
An assortment of locally grown vegetables from the Bloomington Farmer's Market

The first Big Red Eats Green (BREG) Festival last year was a shocking success. Not shocking that students would want to explore the famous Bloomington local food cornucopia at bargain prices, but shocking at the, uh, feeding frenzy that ensued in spite of a last minute location change.

 

On the day of BREG, weather forecasts and radar indicated that the outdoor festival scheduled for Dunn Meadow should probably be moved indoors. So, at the last minute, with considerable ingenuity for all involved, it was moved indoors to venerable Alumni Hall. I personally assumed it would be a bust at that point as it would be hard for people to find it, in spite of a valiant attempt to place signs in Dunn Meadow.  How sad. So much work went into the planning.

 

I underestimated the power of social media. And I under-imagined how cool even an indoor event combining delicious, healthy, local gourmet food at affordable prices, live music, and campus and community organizations educating students would be. The vibe was magical! The cell phones came out, texts were texted, and tweets were tweeted. OMG! Get over here now! #iubreg @IUeatsLocal

And the People came! SRO! The ancient stone stairwells became dining bleachers. And they returned for seconds and thirds.

 

Hats off to last year's incredible BREG sustainability intern Sara Minard and her unflappable mentors Bruce Jacobs and Christine Barbour for a superb  initial event! They created an IU legacy.

 

This year, BREG sustainability intern Frannie Einterz has taken the lessons learned and upped the ante considerably by adding a new venue and a new partner to create Big Red Eats Green (& Bikes).  Another rockstar sustainability intern, Kevin Sonoff, in charge of our bicycle friendly university initiatives, contributed the idea of supplementing the event with a bike fair. This addition will feature vendors, bike clubs, bike repair experts and other active transportation interest groups. Of course, live music will also be provided.

 

The BREG committee, a subset of the CSAB Food Working Group , decided to hold this year's event at one of our most iconic architectural gems, the IU Art Museum. It would be hard to imagine a more tantalizing marriage than delicious affordable healthy local food, sexy bikes, campus sustainability, live music, fine art, community engagement, and architecture. The central location is accessible to everyone, and, in case of bad weather, the event can move inside to the delightfully daylit atrium. Ever willing to connect art with what is happening on campus, the Art Museum will feature 30-minute tours of art related to food. Luckily, you don't have to tour the exhibit on an empty stomach!

 

Opportunities to get involved in campus and community organizations will also be provided, as will information on special tours for foraging, the famous Bloomington Farmer's Market and area co-ops. Employment opportunities for students will  also be presented.

 

So, let's review . . . cheap, great, local food, healthy lifestyle, cool bikes, music, architecture, art, sustainability, community engagement . . . OMG! It's back! #iubreg @IUeatsLocal

 

Rain or shine, don't miss Big Red Eats Green (& Bikes) on September 6 from 2 to 6 pm at the IU Art Museum! Entry is free, and items will be priced at $1, 2 or 3. More information can be found at: http://www.sustain.indiana.edu/breg or email: [email protected]. And, of course, you can follow BREG on twitter.   

 


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Profiles in IU Sustainability - Remembering Christian Zabriskie 

 

Indiana University and the Bloomington community will greatly miss Christian Zabriskie, an undergraduate student majoring in Interior Design. Even before his tragic passing, Christian was someone who was not easily forgotten. With a striking personality and a kind heart, Christian was known for his positivity, drive, and passion.

 

Christian died of a heart attack at the age of 40 on June 30, 2012 at his home in Bloomington. At the time of his death, he was finishing his degree in Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design (AMID). After a hiatus from school, he returned as a general studies major. However, upon taking a design course with senior lecturer Marleen Newman, Christian changed his plans. Newman recognized Chris

tian as a gifted designer, and enco

uraged him to pursue coursework in the department. "When he first said to me that he was going to be a general studies major, I told him that he was far too talented not to be doing design," said Newman.

 

As a student, Christian was both analytical and creative, gracefully striking a balance between free exploration and critical analysis. Newman noted his willingness to take risks as critical to his success in the department. She was not surprised when Christian was one of the first to sign up for an experimental design project in Columbus, In. The project was the first of its kind to be conducted by AMID and the IU Center for Art and Design (IUCA+D).  Christian worked closely with several of his peers and faculty in developing a program for a mixed-use design project. Newman recalls this as her most memorable course experience with Christian-his passion, focus, and innovation were essential to the project's success.

 

Christian's unique personality and inclusive worldview set an important example. This passion for cultivating diversity and sustainability were evident in his work. In his final year of coursework, Christian began looking for ways to integrate his interests in sustainability and design. He became a charter member of IU's newest sustainability-related student organization, United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Students. He was also considering taking some courses through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs once he completed his interior design requirements.

 

"He wanted to make sure that whatever he did had a positive contribution," said AMID Professor Barb Young. "His keen interest in historic preservation, sustainability and public policy lead him in that direction."

 

This month, the IU sustainability community celebrates Christian's passion for good. His legacy will continue to inspire our sustainability project, working, as he did, to leave this place better than we found it, for everyone.

 

An Indiana University Memorial Fund in Christian's name has been established. Although the details of that memorial honor are not yet finalized, those who wish to contribute to the fund are asked to send checks payable to Indiana University Foundation-Christian Zabriskie Fund, and mail to: AMID Department, 1021 East Third Street, Memorial Hall 239, Bloomington, IN  47405. For further information, contact Janet Fox, 812-855-5223.

 

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Apply to the 2012/2013 Academic Year Internship Program in Sustainability  

 

The IU Office of Sustainability internship program is an excellent opportunity to build leadership, organization, and management skills. Interns are provided the autonomy necessary to develop and  work toward project objectives. 

 

The program utilizes campus as a living-learning lab, enlisting students as researchers in investigating important questions facing our community, such as:

  • How do the ways in which our campus operates and consumes resources affect the social, environmental and economic well being of our community?
  • How is our campus impact connected to more complicated global issues like climate change, resource scarcity and poverty? 
  • What opportunities do we have as individuals, institutions, communities, and governments to increase collective social, economic and economic health, and how do we best communicate these opportunities?
  • How will we adapt and ensure all people have the ability to thrive in response to dynamic climate conditions and limitations on resources? 

Through internships co-mentored by staff in operations and faculty members, interns conduct research and develop programming focused on general sustainability outreach and education or in specific topic areas such as food, transportation or resource use.

 

Logistics:

  • 10-15 hrs/week
  • $9/hr undergraduate and $11/hr for graduate
  • October - April
Hiring Timeline:
  • Applications and Recommendations due September 7th *Note: We strongly advise candidates to send recommendation requests no later than August 31 to ensure evaluators have enough time to submit their recommendation letters. Recommendations must be submitted online before you can submit your application.
  • First round reviews occur between September 8th - September 17th
  • Second round candidates are notified for interviews on September 19th
  • Interviews are conducted between September 19th and September 26th
  • Candidates are selected and notified: September 28th
Open Positions:
Mentored by the IU Office of Sustainability

 

 

 


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Events and Opportunities
Full event listings can be viewed on our calendar, while the latest news and opportunities are viewable on our blog

Upcoming Events:

  

Tuesday, August 27
Campus Garden Workday
When: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Where: Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 E. 10th St
Description: No need to sign up ahead of time, just show up ready to play in the dirt and grow food for the campus community! Gloves and tools are provided. Email [email protected] with questions. Visit  iugarden.wordpress.com for more information about the IU Campus Garden Initiative.

  

Wednesday, August 29
Student Involvement Fair  
When: 11:00 - 3:00 pm
Where: Dunn's Meadow
Description: Come to the IU Office of Sustainability tables at the fair to learn more about all of the opportunities our office has for getting involved from the internship program to Big Red Eats Green Food Festival. Find out more here.
 
Thursday, August 30 
Greening Cream & Crimson Orientation
When: 6pm-7pm
Where: E-House (704 E. 10th St)
Description: We will go over details for those interested in volunteering with Greening Cream and Crimson for Saturday's game and enjoy some free pizza. If you can't make it, still come out on Saturday! Find out more here.
 
Thursday, August 30
Women's Bike Ride
When: 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Where: Meet at City Hall
Description: Join us for the Women's Ride! We'll be leaving from the Bloomington Banquet (table and chairs) sculpture behind City Hall, next to the B-Line after a short intro to safe biking on city streets. All skill levels encouraged! This is an informal event, meant to get more women out and comfortable riding. No need to register, just show up! We'll gather at City Hall at 6:00 pm. Find out more here. 
 
Friday, August 31
Campus Garden Workday
When: 9:00 - 11:00 am
Where: Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, 2367 E. 10th St
Description: No need to sign up ahead of time, just show up ready to play in the dirt and grow food for the campus community! Gloves and tools are provided. Email [email protected] with questions. Visit iugarden.wordpress.com for more information about the IU Campus Garden Initiative.

  

Saturday, September 1
Greening Cream & Crimson
When: 3-6pm, or 6-9pm
Where: Booth near 17th and Fess
Description: Join volunteers at the festive environment of the IU football tailgate to help make it a sustainable event! Volunteers will help ensure that fans have the opportunity to recycle by handing out recycling bags and help bring recyclable items to the right place. There are 2 shifts available, for which you can sign up here
 

  

News, ongoing events, and opportunities:   

 

Apply to the 2012/2013 Academic Year Internship Program
We are now accepting applications for the 2012/2013 academic year internship program. See the details below or click here to be taken directly to the website.
Program Details:
- 11 internship positions available
-  October-April
-  10-15 hrs/wk
-  $9-11/hr
Hiring Timeline:
-  Friday August 31: We strongly suggest that you submit your recommendation request BEFORE Friday, Aug. 31 to           give your evaluator enough time to submit their recommendation letter.
-  Friday September 7: Online applications AND recommendations due. *Note: Applicants will NOT be allowed to            submit applications until their online recommendations have been received*
-  Saturday, Sept 8 - Monday, Sept 17: First round reviews
-  Wednesday, Sept 19: Second round candidates notified for interview
-  Friday, Sept 28: Interns selected and notified
 
Volunteer for Big Red Eats Green (& Bikes)
Consider volunteering for the September 6th festival. Big Red Eats Green (& Bikes) is a local/seasonal food festival featuring Bloomington restaurants and local farmers as well as a bicycle transportation fair. There will be several volunteer shifts available throughout the day. Go to the website  for more information or email [email protected] with questions
 
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About Us
The mission of the Indiana University Office of Sustainability is to advance sustainable human-environment interactions within the Bloomington campus and community by facilitating collaborative academic and operational initiatives. 
Contact Us
IU Office of Sustainability
E-House
704 E. 10th St. 
Bloomington, Indiana 47408
812-855-1822
 www.sustain.indiana.edu
 
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