Zero Waste Team Internship - Deadline March 11

UCSC Sustainability Office’s Zero Waste Team Internship
Website: http://sustainability.ucsc.edu/get-involved/student-projects/zerowaste/index.html 
Organization/Agency: UCSC Sustainability Office
Sponsor: Elida Erickson, Interim Sustainability Office Director
Supervisor: Christian Monzon, Zero Waste Team Coordinator
Number of interns needed: 3-4 Interns, 2 units each
Email: zerowasteucsc@gmail.com
Needed for: Spring Quarter 2016

Who Are We?
We are a group of dedicated students who work diligently on encouraging and inspiring UCSC to reach the UC Office of the President's appointed goal of Zero Waste by 2020. Through campuswide projects and outreach involving students, staff, and faculty alike, we seek to kindle awareness of waste reducing efforts across campus. While fostering this relatively new education of UCSC's waste stream, we can succeed in reaching our Zero Waste by 2020 Goal.

Internship
The Zero Waste Team is seeking three dedicated interns that are interested in gaining professional experience and are passionate about waste reduction on the UCSC campus. Interns will be assigned to one of the following three projects based on interest: Assisting in planning and facilitating Zero Waste Events, planning and facilitating 2nd Annual Campus Clean Up, or standardizing waste infrastructure across campus. Each of these projects will grant interns a level of creative autonomy but will also provide structure, guidance and relevant training to be an effective asset to the Zero Waste Team.

Desired Qualifications:

• Enthusiasm and interest in waste reduction
• Basic knowledge of campus waste streams and infrastructure
• Strong and professional written and spoken communication skills 
• Willingness/ability to work independently/unsupervised and in a team environment 
• Willingness to participate in waste audits 

To apply please email your resume and a brief cover letter to Christian Monzon (cmonzon[at]ucsc[dot]edu) by March 11th stating your interest in the internship and the project that you would be interested in working on. We will be conducting interviews between February 9th and March 11th. Feel free to email Christian with any questions.

Climate Science and Policy Conference 2016

Distinguished climate scientists, policymakers, and practitioners participated in a major national conference on climate science and climate change right here at UC Santa Cruz on Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27, 2016. Presented by the divisions of Social Sciences and Physical and Biological Sciences, the theme of the third annual climate science & policy conference was "Earth's Climate Future: Uncharted Territory." The three panels focused on public health, geoengineering, and geopolitics.

The opening keynote address was given by Ken Caldeira, a world renowned climate scientist working for the Carnegie Institution for Science, Department of Global Ecology at Stanford University. He investigates issues related to the global carbon cycle, marine biogeochemistry, climate intervention, and energy technology.

Ken Caldera during his opening keynote 
photo courtesy of UCSC Social Sciences

The first panel, "Emerging Disease, Public Health, and Climate Change," discussed the potential links between public health, disease, and climate change. Marm Kilpatrick, Associate Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at UCSC, affirmed that climate change might play a role in the transmission of diseases. However, he and other panelists stressed that the relationship between climate change and disease is difficult to predict. Much is still unknown.  Policy-wise, Mercedes Pascual of University of Chicago said we must act with this uncertainty in mind by advocating for better surveillance and intervention globally. Daniel Brooks of University of Nebraska emphasized this point stating, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

"Emerging Disease, Public Health, and Climate Change" Panel
photo courtesy of UCSC Social Sciences

The second panel, "Geoengineering and Climate Change" discussed the ethics of geoengineering, the social, political, and economic issues, and the possibility of implementing it as a policy. Most of the panelists were skeptical of geoengineering, arguing that more research needed to be done before anything close to implementation could be considered. However, all agreed that an international governance must be implemented with an emphasis on transparency if geoengineering was ever implemented large-scale.  Jeffrey Kiehl of the National Center for Atmospheric Research raised a compelling point, stating that instead of looking for quick solutions (such as altering the environment, geoengineering), we must face the real problem of dependence on fossil fuels and the resulting greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions.

The third panel, "The Geopolitics of Climate Change" addressed the social and political issues revolving around climate change. Jaqueline Patterson of the NAACP Climate Gap Initiative highlighted the fact that low-income people of color are far more likely than wealthier white families to live next to toxic facilities. Also, these areas are already weakened by food insecurities and low numbers of health insurance carriers. She called for more regenerative, cooperative policies that uplift communities instead of extractive, unsustainable policies that represent only the interests of corporations. Diana Liverman of University of Arizone agreed, stating that "Those who are most vulnerable are usually least responsible." Liverman spoke on the concept of adaptation, the idea of helping people and other species survive in a warmer world through payments and allocations.

Chancellor George Blumenthal introduced Steven Chu, former U.S. secretary of energy and winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics, who spoke on "Climate Change and a Low-Cost Path to Sustainable Energy" at the Fred Keeley Lecture, the conclusion to the two day conference.  Chu served as secretary of energy under President Obama from 2009 to 2013. He spoke about the increase in carbon activity as an effect of human activity, and what must be done to lower it such as producing more energy from renewable sources, carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, and using fuels with lower carbon contents.

Steven Chu during the Fred Keeley Lecture
photo courtesy of UCSC Social Sciences

The conference provided attendees with plenty of information, perspectives, and thoughts about the challenges we face as a planet. Our task now is to take action and create solutions for a sustainable, just, and thriving future.

Click here for more useful links.

Join the discussion and check out the live tweets that Education & Outreach Associate Preethi Ruvva tweeted during the conference here!  

March 2016 Green Tip: Three Ideas for Eco-Travel this Spring

As the quarter draws to the close and we begin thinking about spring break and spring travel plans we may have, it is important to plan ahead to avoid causing an unnecessary impact on the environment of your travel destination. The ever-increasing costs of transportation and lodging mean that the most affordable vacation options are often the most green!

Greenest - Stay-cation: Take a Hike!

Spring has already begun to paint Santa Cruz with blooms, and a hike is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy this natural beauty. Even avid hikers know that there's always another trail to explore here in Santa Cruz. If you haven't had the opportunity to take a trek along one of the many routes located throughout the city and county, the upcoming break and weekends are the perfect time to try something new! Decide on whichever trail looks best at EveryTrail, HillTromper, SantaCruz.com, or ask a friend or colleague. Whichever one you decide, make sure to pack plenty of water in your reusable bottle! Hydration is key to a great hike!

Greener - Local Destination: Sleepaway Camp

There are many gorgeous campgrounds in the greater Santa Cruz area that are a perfect getaway for anyone who loves to enjoy the natural beauty of the redwood coast. Bring a tent or sleep out under the stars, and make sure to pack enough water or bring a filtration system. (Are you noticing a trend?) Find a listing of campgrounds, parks, and beaches at the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks website. For day trips, consider any of the fourteen state parks in the county. A comprehensive index of state parks and helpful information can be found at the California Parks and Recreation website.

Green - Long Distance Travel

If you've already booked your flight to Cabo for the break, fear not! There's still opportunity to make sustainable choices. Be thoughtful of where you're spending your money while abroad. Local economies can often be heavily influenced by tourism, so make sure you're comfortable with where your dollar is going. Research your hotel options and make sure that they're doing their best to make sustainable choices. And lastly, consider offsetting your long-distance car or air travel by purchasing carbon offsets. There is a lot of debate over the merit of these offsets, but we think it's worth reading up on and deciding if it's right for you. Remember, the best things to do for the environment don't require any offsets!


How do you make your spring travels green? Post in the comments!

Happy Travels!

March 2016: Classes, Training, Community

ESLP Spring Action Research Teams 2015-2016
This Spring quarter, ESLP is offering 5-unit Action Research Teams, all covering a wide variety of topics. These topics include: The Healthy Beauty Reform, DIY and DIY Culture, Mycology at UCSC, Poetic Visibility, Sustainable Health: Ayurveda, and Eating, Ethics and Environmentalism. Within ESLP, smaller Action Research Teams explore a specific topic within sustainability, facilitated by students in consultation with our faculty sponsors. To enroll in this ESLP class, follow the instructions here.

Garden Cruz: Organic Matters Workshop: Deadline March 1
Learn the art and craft of organic, French-intensive food and flower gardening in this 3-Saturday series. The workshops take place at the Alan Chadwick Garden and UCSC Farm from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, March 5, 12, 19th. This lecture and hands-on workshop series is designed to provide a “toolkit” of the knowledge and skills you need to create a thriving organic garden and optimize water use in your garden and landscape. Pre-registration is required by March 1. Register here. If you’re interested in registering for individual workshops, please call 831.459-3240 or email casfs [at] ucsc [dot] edu for details.

UCSC Activist Training Workshop with Green Corps: March 7
Green Corps is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that teaches recent college graduates how to run and win environmental campaigns. The activist training will take place at the College 8 Red Room on Monday, March 7th from 5:00-6:30 PM. It will teach students invaluable skills that would improve any group that is trying to achieve a goal and grow stronger, such as how to raise group visibility and membership (including working with the media), how to strategically plan campaigns (from fundraising, to advocacy, to grassroots campaigns), and how to develop leadership. Email ucscgreencorps[at]gmail[dot]com for more information, or visit the Facebook event page here.

CURC Webinar: Moving Toward Zero Waste in Office Settings: March 10
A growing number of campuses have found success diverting waste by reorganizing how materials are collected from staff and faculty office locations. This webinar will feature case study presentations from schools that have implemented mini-bin programs and other changes to reduce custodial labor and the use of bag liners, while at the same time improving recycling rates and reducing contamination. In addition to describing operational details, presenters will share steps they took to educate and build support with office workers and other stakeholders. To register, click here.

Lecture Series: Climate Justice Now!: March 28-May 23
As climate change threats grow more severe in the absence of government leadership, artists and activists are inventing creative strategies of consciousness-raising, mass mobilization, and ecologically sustainable thinking and living. This course will feature a diverse array of guest speakers, all leaders in the area of climate justice and cultural politics, and will explore current imperatives for making a just transition to a post-carbon future. Curated by professor T.J. Demos. Learn more here.

Kelp Forest Ecology Summer Course: Deadline April 15
This course is aimed at upper division undergraduates or beginning graduate students interested in benthic ecology & kelp forests. SCUBA certification (Advanced/Open Water II) & all personal diving gear is required (AAUS scientific certification is not required, but desirable). Summer tuition ($5080) will be covered; class size is limited. The application form is available here. Hopkins Marine Station, Pacific Grove, CA Jun 20-Jul 22, 2016 (5-weeks), M-F, 5-units

LEED Green Associate (GA) Training: April 21
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program acts as a method of evaluating buildings based on energy-efficient and sustainable design. The LEED Green Associate (GA) credential is the only entry level sustainability designation and shows that those certified are knowledgeable in the green building industry. A new LEED rating system (v4) was introduced recently and this training course is one of the few that has been updated to teach the current rating system. This training will take place on the UCSC campus on April 21 from 6-10 PM. For more information including cost and how to register, see here.

Women of Wind and Energy WINDPOWER Fellowship: May 23-26
The Rudd Mayer Memorial Fellowships support women to participate in WINDPOWER, attending seminars on current wind energy issues, viewing state-of-the-art technology, meeting others in the renewable energy field, and connecting with employers about potential internships or permanent positions. WINDPOWER 2016 will be held from May 23-26 in New Orleans, LA. The Fellowship covers the cost of travel to and from the WINDPOWER conference site, conference registration (and included meals), and lodging. Find out more on the website here.

U Massachusetts Amherst to Open Online Food & Farming Degree: September 2016
The Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is now offering a fully online associate of science degree in sustainable food and farming. The degree will cover basic knowledge of plant and soil science, and train students in agricultural techniques, community development, public policy and education. If interested in receiving online credit, click here.

Portland State U Launches Food Systems Certificate Program
Portland State University has launched a new program that prepares students to work on contemporary food systems issues in a variety of sectors and industries. The Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems will educate students on topics ranging from business and urban planning to policy and public health, providing a multi-dimensional understanding of the social, environmental, and economic impacts of the food sector.

The SISE Program
The Summer Institute on Sustainability and Energy (SISE) is a two-week intensive workshop and lecture series for students and professionals at the University of Illinois at Chicago. From August 4-16, a diverse body of participants will engage a broad spectrum of energy and sustainability-related topics through daily presentations, collaborative projects, mentoring activities, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading research institutions and companies in the digital technology and energy sectors. They will accept applications through July 1st. Application information, program information, and more can be found at their website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Thomas Aláan uic.sise.admissions[at]gmail[dot]com, SISE Program Coordinator.

Permaculture Film Series
Common Ground Center is offering a permaculture film and discussion series on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:30 PM during winter quarter. The series is free & open to the public, and students enrolled in Kresge-161: Permaculture & Whole Systems Design are encouraged to attend the series to see examples of thriving, resilient and sustainable communities worldwide. For more information, contact commonground [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Education for Sustainable Living Program Team (ESLP)
ESLP is looking for engaged students who wish to be a part of the organizing team for the next year. Ideally, students will shadow current positions this winter quarter to gain skills and training to carry on into the 2016-2017 year.

Open positions include:

• Collaboration and networking sphere organizers: organizers work together to design and create colorful advertisement flyers for the organization. Regular maintenance of the ESLP website, Facebook page, and registering for on-campus events are other collaboration and networking sphere duties. The goal for this sphere is to increase awareness of ESLP, outreach for student facilitators, and Spring Speaker Series students.

• Academic Sphere organizers: organizers meet every 11-12:10am MWF for the Winter Training Seminar (WTS) to facilitate a group of students in preparation for their spring Action Research Teams. This group of organizers works closely with admin to build relationships and harbor the skills necessary for leading a successful action project.

• Heart Sphere organizers: Heart sphere organizers work closely with ESLP's staff advisor, Angela Harris, to manage our budget and personnel responsibilities. These organizers work all of Winter quarter contacting and booking guest speakers for the Spring Speaker Series. 

Students interested in working with ESLP who would like to shadow these positions can contact ESLP at eslp[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

Sustainability Studies Minor
The minor incorporates courses offered by College Eight and departments across campus, student-initiated classes through the Education for Sustainable Living Program, and an interdisciplinary capstone. The minor is open to all UCSC students. For more information, click here.

Cultivating a Daily Revolution: What's in Your Melting Pot?
Histories of Food in the USA: Wednesdays, 6-8 PM This 2 unit seminar and internship series discusses the social, economic and political conditions that give rise to the food cultures seen in the United States today. Working at the intersection of social justice and environmental justice, discussions (following a free weekly meal) aim to locate histories of food, ethnobotany and oppositionality in today's neoliberal socio-economic climate. For more information, email focan [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Produce Pop-Up Stand in the Quarry Plaza
Students from the Food Systems Working Group (FSWG) and the Global Food Initiative (GFI) are hosting a produce stand on Wednesdays from 2:30-5:00 PM in the Quarry Plaza! Come by to get fresh leafy greens from the campus farm and fresh fruit from the local farmers market! If you would like more information please contact Alyssa at abillys[at]ucsc[dot]edu or ucscfswg[at]gmail[dot] com.

Volunteer with Take Back The Tap
Take Back The Tap UCSC is on the lookout for new organizers and a candidate for the 2016-2017 campaign coordinator. Students interested in learning valuable skills like grant-writing, social media outreach, campaign organization tactics, meeting with decision makers, or team-building should contact Take Back The Tap at tbttucsc-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu, and/or come to meetings on Mondays from 12:15-1:45 PM in the Kresge Common Ground Center, near STARS. Check out the group's Facebook page, Take Back The Tap UCSC, to learn more.

Demeter Seed Library
The Demeter Seed Library will be hosting office hours this quarter in Oakes 307. Come by to borrow or donate seeds and learn more about seed saving and campus gardening efforts. Office hours are Mondays 2:00-3:00 and Tuesdays 3:30-4:30 or by appointment.

The World Cafe: Food, Tea, Conversations That Matter
Mondays 5-7pm in the Kresge Seminar Room 159 The World Cafe is a weekly potluck of both food and ideas. It aims to bring a diversity of people together to explore whatever topics matter to them. Each night is focused on a different theme, often proposed by a student club or passionate individual wanting to develop their conversational leadership. Attendees savor the inquiry as they savor the food and tea, connect deeply with one another, form friendships, move projects forward, and create actionable knowledge. The World Cafe is a process used around the globe to surface the collective intelligence of groups of all sizes.

Divestment Student Network People Of Color Caucus
The People of Color Caucus is a place for organizers of color in the divestment movement to meet, collaborate on shared projects, and support each other to build the Climate Justice movement the world needs. Check out their Purpose, Principles and how to get involved here. Divestors of color who are interested in learning more can fill out this quick  membership form to be shared on their listserve, membership contact page, and Facebook group.

Campus Clean Up 2016

What do you do at 11 AM on a Sunday?  Volunteers helped to clean up our campus on TWO Sundays this quarter.

On February 7, the Campus Cleanup Committee had its first 2016 Clean-up Hour at Colleges 9/10 and on February 21, students cleaned up College 8 and Oakes. Both were successful events during which students collected more than six buckets of trash at each event! With 19 people cleaning up at 9/10 and 12 people at 8/Oakes, the clean up crew was able to accomplish a lot in only an hour of time. It doesn't take much to make a big difference when picking up litter around campus.

At the end of the hour vonunteers enjoyed fresh farmers market oranges and Costco churros provided by the Campus Cleanup Committee. These events are a lead up to the larger Campus-Wide Cleanup event happening on May 1st. They will be looking for volunteers and facilitators for cleanup zones in the coming weeks. If you want to get involved with the May cleanup, email Bella at bmontez [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Like the facebook page Annual UCSC Campus Clean Up and follow us them Instagram at #cleanupucsc

March 2016: Contests and Funding

Right Livelihood Award Nominations: Deadline March 1
Do you know any exceptional individual or organisation who deserves the recognition and support of the Right Livelihood Award? Then send us your proposal by 1 March 2016! Through the open nomination process, the Foundation gets a sense of what people around the world perceive as the most urgent problems - and who is developing the creative and effective solutions we need. Click on this link to learn more about the nomination process and procedures.

Energy Department Solar Funding Opportunity: Deadline March 8
The U.S. Department of Energy SunShot Initiative released a new funding opportunity designed to increase foundational knowledge of solar technology evolution, reduce solar deployment barriers and improve state energy planning practices. A brief, mandatory concept paper is due March 8.

Ride with Zimride and Win! Deadline March 12
Headed out of town for Spring Break? Let Zimride help you find others traveling to the same destination. Already have a car on campus; why not share the seats with other UCSC Zimride members who don't have a car? Post a ride as a driver and split the costs of the trip. If you don't have a car, find a ride and make a new friend along the way. Simply click the Post a Ride button and share your ride today.
UCSC Zimride users who post a ride or a commute between February 12 and March 12 will have a chance to win one of two $25 prepaid MasterCard gift cards from Zimride by Enterprise.

Plate of the Union: A Call for Action on Food & Farms: Deadline March 21
Plate of the Union is a campus challenge for young people to leverage their political power. Through the challenge, Plate of the Union is seeking student groups to develop and execute organizing plans that drive engagement in the 2016 election cycle. Groups can win up to $5,000. Applications are due by March 21.

Survey: Sustainability, Identity, and Community

This survey aims to assess how interactions with the concept of sustainability may be shaped by personal experiences regarding community and identity (including but not limited to race, class, disability, gender, and orientation). Feedback will be used in the creation of a series of posters regarding everyday sustainable choices. For further information, please contact Jay Nelson, Events Coordinator for the Sustainability Office, at jusnelso [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Participants may choose which questions to respond to and all responses are anonymous unless the participant chooses to disclose their name or email address. More information regarding privacy and usage of responses can be found past the link.

Take the survey here!

UCSC Welcomes Pacific Cookie Company as “Real Food” Vendor

In a strategic move to achieve their Real Food Challenge commitment by 2020, the University of California, Santa Cruz Dining Services (UCSC Dining) has partnered with the Pacific Cookie Company to bring local and sustainable cookies to the campus.

Pacific Cookie Company cookies have long been a favorite of Santa Cruz locals who frequent their downtown bakery, as well as cookie lovers nationwide who receive beautifully packaged cookies delivered right to their door. Now, the Banana Slugs at UCSC can enjoy these famous cookies at the dining halls, cafes, and coffee bars operated by UCSC Dining.

Josh Martin, UCSC Dining’s Executive Chef, shared, “We’re excited to welcome Pacific Cookie and we thank the Pearson family (owner/operators of Pacific Cookie Company) for their generous efforts in forming this partnership. We’re pleased to bring a Real Food-qualifying cookie to campus and get closer to achieving our Real Food Challenge goals.”

In 2012, UCSC Chancellor George Blumenthal signed the Real Food Challenge, committing to meet or exceed 40% Real Food purchases by UCSC Dining by the year 2020. The Real Food Challenge states that Real Food is “produced in a fair, humane, and sustainable manner,” and includes foods that are produced by local farmers, growers, and manufacturers within a 250-mile radius. Pacific Cookie Company cookies are made with locally-sourced, sustainably-farmed Giusto's Flour, and qualify as a step in the right direction for UCSC Dining.

2016 Carbon Fund Grant Awardees

The UCSC Carbon Fund has recently announced their 2016 grant awardees. Funded by a student fee measure, the Carbon Fund allocates approximately $150,000 in grants to sustainability projects each year. They provide funding, support, and participation in student, staff, faculty, and community projects that directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conduct relevant research, or carry out educational programs. This year the Carbon Fund awarded grants to 24 projects, which is 15 more projects compared to when the Carbon Fund was established in 2010. The three projects that were awarded the largest grants this year are the Green Labs Retrofit Fund, Porter Stormwater to Toilet project, and Calabasas Elementary Rainwater Catchment System project.

The UCSC Sustainability Office student-led program, Green Labs, has been awarded a $17,000 grant this year to start an equipment retrofit fund. Labs account for over half of the energy use on campus, which is partly due to their outdated and inefficient equipment.This fund will provide Green certified labs with a funding source for energy-efficient equipment lab equipment, such as freezers, centrifuges, and incubators. It is estimated that this project will save 4.76 tons of carbon emission a year. To learn more about Green Labs, please visit their website.

The Porter Stormwater to Toilet project has also been awarded a $17,000 grant this year. This project proposes to use rainwater capture for toilet flushing in the Porter residence halls. This project will reduce Porter residence hall potable water usage by nearly 25% annually, as well as contribute to our campus's green infrastructure. It is also estimated that the project will save 15.7 tons of CO2 annually. This project is not only a turning point for UCSC, but for the entire UC system as well. To learn more about this project, please contact Courtney Trask at trask[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

The third largest project to receive funding from the Carbon Fund this year is the Calabasas Elementary School Rainwater Catchment System project, which received $12,000 this year. A group of Colleges Nine and Ten students have been working with Calabasas Elementary in Watsonville to cultivate a 1.5-acre community farm on the school's campus.The creation of a community farm will provide these families with a space to grow their own food, as well as help mitigate climate change in their community by sequestering carbon. This grant will be used to help finish the project by installing a rainwater catchment system on the farm. To learn more, please contact Dr. Flora Lu at floralu[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

To learn about all 24 of the projects that received Carbon Fund grants this year, please visit the website here.

The next Carbon Fund grant cycle will begin in fall 2016. For more information about the Carbon Fund, please contact carbon[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

By: Amanda Roletti, Carbon Fund Outreach Coordinator

Stories of Sustainability Research and Engagement from the Students and Scholars at UC Santa Cruz

Kristy Kroeker, Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, isn't just interested in how climate change is impacting the world's oceans. She's also interested in sharing that research with the public and policy makers in order to enact solutions, as well as helping other scientists and researchers communicate their work.

Building from of a new graduate course,  Communicating Sustainability Science and Policy,  taught by Professors Kroeker and Mark Carr this summer, Professor Kroeker has started a blog to feature UCSC student and faculty research and engagement on issues of sustainability. The Coastal Sustainability blog provides a platform for students in the course to continue practicing their science communication, as well as to highlight UCSC's leadership in sustainability research more broadly and coastal sustainability more specifically. The Stories of Sustainability Research and Engagement from the Students and Scholars at UC Santa Cruz blog will be featured each month in our Sustainability Newsletter under "Research Stories."

The blog is available online here.

March 2016 Sustainability Profile: Diane Lallemand

Each month, our newsletter features a person or group on campus that is working toward a more sustainable world. This month features Diane Lallemand, the Principal Analyst for Records and Policy Coordination and organizer of Disposition Day, the campus-wide event that encourages safe and secure destruction of confidential files through recycling.

What is your title on campus?
I’m the Principal Analyst for Records and Policy Coordination. I oversee the Chancellor's administrative archive and act as Campus Records Manager, providing guidance to campus business offices on system-wide records management policies and practices. Other side of my job is the policy coordination. I work with campus leadership in the vetting and approval processes of administrative policies that have broad application to the local campus community.

What does “sustainability” mean to you?
I think sustainability is an emerging field of study that is too often pigeon holed into topics like recycling or saving kilowatt hours. Those things are extremely important and excellent starting points. But broadly, the word “sustainability”, for me, encourages an understanding of all ecological relationships with the goal of reaching a stable equilibrium between the interdependencies of living things and life providing resources.

Sometimes sustainability can come off as “what are the set of actions that would ensure humans stay dominant in the future”. But, I like to focus on what we can do to the balance factors.

On a personal behavior level, it means always looking for ways to improve efficiency, reduce consumables, fix rather than replace, encourage my family to think critically about their behavior, and support the visionaries who can lead actual change. What it doesn’t mean to me is running out and getting the hottest “green” product and putting my old one in the landfill.

What made you interested in sustainability?
It feels good (laughs). I mean, it’s the same feeling I get after spring cleaning. The largest role that people play in the issue is one of “consumer”. Over consuming is actually stressful. Taking only what I can use and using what I take leaves more time and energy for me to be wholly engaged with my family and friends.

Have you had a favorite sustainability moment at UCSC?
My favorite moment comes one a year; the day my office makes its biggest impact, Disposition Day. Each year we reach out to departments and ask that they go through their files and dispose of records that have passed their retention date according the UC Records Retention Schedule. On Disposition Day, we provide a service to pick up the confidential records for secured shredding free of charge. This year we removed 5,034 pounds (or 2.5 tons) of paper from the campus. To understand the impact paper can play in the workplace, we created this infographic based on the last year’s results.

Are there sustainability practices you’ve picked up specific to your background or culture?
I have always been especially mindful about water use, and I guess it is because I have heard stories about my grandfather in the Philippines. He was the first in his village to construct elaborate water catchment systems from bamboo stalks. The water he collected helped his family sustain the long hot dry seasons and water their farm. Hearing and seeing first-hand the amount of invention and effort it took makes me cherish every drop.

If you know of a person or group on campus that you think we should profile, or if you would like to be profiled, please send us an email at susted[at]ucsc[dot]edu.

5034 lbs Paper Recycled in Annual Disposition Day

At the Sustainability Office, one of our main focuses is student sustainability, but we are invested in the sustainability of all campus users, including staff who work in offices on campus. Think about the office setting; there are many ways to incorporate sustainability into your work life from practicing energy efficiency to reducing waste.

The Records and Information Management (RIM) and Policy Coordination Office is one of the leading green offices on campus. Each year they sponsor a Disposition Day event, offering the secured shredding, and recycling of confidential and restricted paper documents to UC Santa Cruz business offices. This year, 10 offices participated and 5,034 pounds (or 2.5 tons!) of paper were securely recycled.

We sat down with Diane Lallemand, who organized Disposition Day, and had the opportunity to ask her some questions about sustainability.

Diane and Evette -- Records and Information Management Office

What is your position on campus?

I am the Principal Analyst for, Records and Policy Coordination. I oversee the Chancellor's administrative archive. We preserve records of enduring historical value and those that show evidence of the University’s administrative actions. Over the past year we been curating the archive which includes document that date back to the establishment of the UC System. The other side of my job is campus-wide administrative policy. I handle the vetting and approval process of the Executive Vice Chancellor (EVC). This includes all of the campus policies that are not specific to a division or a department or an office, but those which apply widely and broadly to the entire campus. It does not include academic, academic personnel, admissions, or student policies. Its more about the business side of the university.

How does your position relate to sustainability?

Well, we're a pretty small group so the EVC office runs pretty clean and smooth. My part of it is the Records and Information Office. I'm the Campus Records Manager. Part of my job it to promote best practices in records management, while informing and outreaching about UC Records Management Policies. For example, vital records are those that would help us rebuild the University after a disaster. They require special handling and long term preservation. outreach to departments on how to classify, manage and properly dispose those records when it's time -- and our biggest outreach of the year is the Disposition Day event.

How did Disposition Day go this year?

It went really well. There were about 10 offices participating and the numbers afterwards were great. Each year, we sponsor the secured shredding of confidential paper documents. This is a great way let people know about the Records and Information Management office, our resources, and its an opportunity to ask about retention, and other burning records management questions.

Normally, departments would have to make their own arrangements for a confidential shredding service to pick up and dispose their records, but as a part of this sponsored event, it's free for all departments. This is now the 5th year of Disposition Day. We were actually the first UC that started it and now all the UCs, including UCOP, have a Disposition Day.

Is there anything you've learned this year that you want to do differently for next time?

We did get a higher level of participation this year than in the past, which was surprising because in general I thought departments wouldn't need to dispose as much since more are shifting more to electronic records, but there's still lots of paper processes happening on campus. I think there's so much potential to get more people involved. We had 10 departments participate, but I’d like to see even more departments involved. There are a lot of stale archives out there that need attention.

What advice would you give to an office trying to be more "green"?

My advice would be to look and keep looking for efficiencies in consumables and processes. Individuals can consider: do I really need to print that, can I print that two per page, or can I reuse the blank side? One area I would really like to see the campus tackle is the distribution of flyers and junk mail. Offices who haven't already should get in touch with the Green Office Program to find out more ways to incorporate sustainability into their daily business.

Click here to learn more about the RIM office.

March 2016: Internships, Employment, and Volunteering

Internships

2-Unit Zero Waste Team Internships - Deadline March 11
The Zero Waste Team is seeking three dedicated interns that are interested in gaining professional experience and are passionate about waste reduction on the UCSC campus. Interns will be assigned to one of the following three projects based on interest: Assisting in planning and facilitating Zero Waste Events, planning and facilitating 2nd Annual Campus Clean Up, or standardizing waste infrastructure across campus. Each of these projects will grant interns a level of creative autonomy but will also provide structure, guidance and relevant training to be an effective asset to the Zero Waste Team. Read all of the application details here.

Campus Food & Garden Guide Intern
Want to contribute to the creation of this year's annual Campus Food & Garden Guide? Food Systems Working Group is hiring an intern to support this project. For more information and to apply, please contact Alyssa at abillys[at]ucsc[dot]edu. See previous Food & Garden Guides online here.

Spring CASFS Internships through Environmental Studies
The Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems will be hosting 2 unit and 5 unit internships in spring quarter on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-12pm. Apply through the Environmental Studies Internship Office. Contact Alyssa at abillys[at]ucsc[dot]edu for more information.

Internships with Stevenson Garden
Spend time outdoors in the sun this spring quarter with a 2-unit Stevenson Garden internship! Interns get hands-on gardening experience and contribute to the growth and abundance of the Stevenson Garden. Credit is through the Environmental Studies Internship office. Contact Dave Shaw at daveshawlistens[at]gmail[dot]com for more information.

Environmental Studies Internships Open to All Majors

The Environmental Studies has many different internship opportunities available for spring. These 2 and 5-unit internships are open to all majors. Review some of the internships and learn how to apply on the Environmental Studies website here. Contact Chris Krohn for more information and additional internship listings at ckrohn [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Seeking Mentors & Students for Provost Sustainability Internship - $1500 + 12 units!
Are you interested in working to make our campus more environmentally and socially sustainable? The PSI program is a great way to get involved! The program pairs students with staff and faculty mentors to plan and implement a year-long campus sustainability project. Students receive internship credit for the fall, winter, and spring quarters and a $1500 scholarship upon completion of the program. Environmental Studies Senior Exit can be fulfilled with this program. Share this opportunity on Facebook here. Learn more on the website.
>>Student applications are due April 28th at 5pm; student applications are available here.
>>Mentor applications for departments to host an intern are due April 15th at 5pm; mentor applications are available here.

Summer Internships for Current Students with Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN): Application due March 11 
PLAN is seeking current students for six internship positions this summer. Positions available for this summer are Storytelling Intern, Grant Writing Intern, Visual Media Intern, Movement-Building Intern, Goodwill Intern, Business Development Intern. Interns work out of Dover, NH. For more information, click here.

Campus Coordination Summer Fellowship with Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN): Application due March 11

The Campus Coordination Fellowship is a position for a recent grad looking to build a career in organizing for the zero waste movement. Duties include working with the Director of Campus Coordination to update campus contact databases and identify campuses for outreach and outreaching to campuses nationwide. Fellows work out of Dover, NH. Click here for more information.

Stream Ecology Field Assistant
The incumbent would help the lead researcher collect benthic macroinvertebrate samples and assess habitat condition in streams in Marin and Sonoma counties. The project will span a 4-6 week period from late March to early May, and typically involve 3-4 days of work per week. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to bstanfor [at] ucsc [dot] edu. For more information, click here.

Naturalist Internship at Foothill Horizons: Deadline April 1
Interns work with sixth grade students during week-long outdoor education sessions. Interns lead students on hikes and outdoor exploration while teaching hands-on science curriculum in a fun, engaging way. On certain weeks, interns also serve as the recreation leader for freeplay and various activities. For more information, click here.

Naturalist Internship with Sierra Outdoor School
Interns will teach 4th through 6th-grade students science concepts and lead team building activities in an outdoor setting in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This position involves leading small and large groups in day classes, field trips, and night program activities. For more information, click here.

Citizen Outreach Director for Fund for the Public Interest
Fund for the Public Interest is hiring Citizen Outreach Directors to run grassroots campaign offices across the country next fall, working on behalf of groups like Environment America, US PIRG, and the Human Rights Campaign. Directors will run campaigns to ban fracking, end LGBT discrimination in the workplace, and reclaim democracy by getting big money out of politics, all while hiring and managing an office of committed activists. Find information about this and other jobs with the Fund here.

Employment

Student Sustainability Adviser (SSA) and SSA Administrative Assistant
Applications for the positions of Student Sustainability Adviser and SSA Administrative Assistant for the 2016-2017 academic year are now open. The primary role of Student Sustainability Advisers is to raise awareness and offer educational opportunities within their designated college communities about the many ways in which campus residents can positively affect and contribute to UCSC's sustainability goals. More information can be found via the Employee Request System at ER #7056 for the position of SSA and at ER #7534 for the position of SSA Administrative Assistant.

UCSC Take Back the Tap Campaign Coordinator and Organizers
Take Back the Tap is currently looking for new organizers and outreaching for candidates for a paid coordinator position for the 2016-2017 school year. Organizers and the coordinator will have the chance to work with outreach, event planning, fiscal, and community organizing projects. If you are interested in organizing with the campaign, attend their meetings on Mondays from 12:15-1:45 PM in Kresge Room 166, or contact them at tbttucsc-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Assistant/Associate Professor in Sustainability Science at Colorado State Universiry: Priority Deadline March 6
The Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability at Colorado State University (CSU) seeks candidates for the position of Assistant/Associate Professor who have expertise in the role of how socio-economic factors constrain and provide opportunities for solving current sustainability challenges for social-ecological systems across multiple spatial and temporal scales. More information can be found here.

Sustainability Analyst for University of Virginia: Application due March 9
The UVA Office for Sustainability is seeking an Energy and Sustainability Engineer to contribute to developing solutions to meet university-wide goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and overall environmental stewardship. More information can be found at jobs.virginia.edu under the University Staff section or by searching for posting number 0618198.

Energy and Sustainability Engineer for University of Virginia: Application due March 9
The UVA Office for Sustainability is seeking an Energy and Sustainability Engineer to contribute to developing solutions to meet university-wide goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and overall environmental stewardship. More information can be found at jobs.virginia.edu under the University Staff section or by searching for posting number 0618196.

Food Recovery Network Positions: Applications considered on rolling basis through April 8
Food Recovery Network is the largest student movement against food waste and hunger in America. The network is currently seeking to fill the positions of Communications Associate, Programming Associate, and 2016-2017 Fellowship Cohort. Position descriptions and application instructions can be found here.

Employment with the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
SACNAS is a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Santa Cruz and the largest multicultural and multidisciplinary diversity in STEM organization in the country. SACNAS is currently seeking applicants for the positions of Accountant/Administrative Services, Program Manager, and Director of Programs.

Energy Manager for Pomona College in Claremont, CA
The Energy Manager provides leadership to the College’s energy program and utility systems and to advance Pomona’s Sustainability Action Plan. This position requires a Bachelors degree in a related technical or engineering discipline or equivalent career experience, Energy Manager Certification strongly preferred and LEED AP or ability to obtain within 18 months. For more information, see here.

Electric Vehicle Program Associate for the International Council on Clean Transportation
The ICCT seeks a highly motivated, self-directed person to contribute to a wide range of research on electric vehicle technology and policies to promote advanced efficiency and plug-in electric vehicles. This position will be located in San Francisco, California. Find more information here.

Safe Routes to School Project Manager, New Jersey
RideWise, a non-profit agency located in Bridgewater, NJ that promotes the use of sustainable travel alternatives is seeking a full-time Safe Routes to School Project Manager to plan and implement projects and activities that improve bicycle/pedestrian access and safety for school-age students. Learn more online.

Sustainability Project Manager for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology  
The project manager will provide leadership and implementation strategies on sustainable building design and construction, energy, water, stormwater, land management, and waste systems. They will lead the development of and enable the implementation of current and future related sustainability commitments, relevant data management, strategic planning, analysis, and collaborative relationships. More information available can be found here.

Volunteering

Earth Day Volunteers Needed
Earth Day Santa Cruz is an annual event to raise environmental awareness; address concerns; showcase solutions; and present balanced modes of living for the well-being of each individual, the community, and the planet. Earth Day Santa Cruz needs about 75 volunteers to help promote, set up and support the booths at the event. If you are interested in volunteering for this great event, email Rebecca Sale at rsale [at] ucsc [dot] edu or earthday [at] ecoact [dot] com.

Volunteer with the Student Environmental Center (SEC)
The SEC is a great way for students to grow as individuals, learn leadership skills, and gain invaluable work experience. Volunteers learn about current campus projects and policies and have the opportunity to participate or take on leadership roles in many topic areas. To get involved, please email seclead-group [at] ucsc [dot] edu, visit the website at sec.enviroslug.org, or attend General Gatherings to meet members and learn about specific volunteer opportunities.

Volunteer with Sea Slugs, an Ocean Conservation Org 
Sea Slugs is an ocean-minded campus organization dedicated to environmental stewardship. It is an excellent opportunity for students (both undergrad and grad) to engage in the greater community through public service while making a positive impact on the local environment. For information about meeting times and opportunities, contact Sea Slugs at seaslug.ucsc [at] gmail [dot] com or visit their website.

Join Banana Slugs for Animals 
Banana Slugs for Animals welcomes all to their weekly meetings. During the meetings they discuss animal rights and plan events! If you would like to know more please email slugsforanimals [at] gmail [dot] com or visit their Facebook page.

Sprout Up
Sprout Up is environmental education for the next generation. Sprout Up is an organization that teaches environmental science and sustainability to 1st and 2nd grade students in elementary schools all around Santa Cruz. To learn about joining Sprout Up, email communitysc [at] sproutup [dot] org.

Arboretum Volunteer Gardening Opportunities 
The Arboretum has volunteer gardening hours throughout the week. Visit their website for details.

The Bike Church Community Repair Shop Seeking Volunteers
Have a knack for cycling, biking and learning to maintain bikes? Interested in learning to divert bike parts from the waste stream? Then this is the opportunity for you! Click here for more information.

Volunteer with Coastal Watershed Council
The Coastal Watershed Council invites you to join its efforts to protect and preserve local watersheds! If you are interested in volunteering on the San Lorenzo River, doing water quality monitoring through programs like Snapshot Day, First Flush, Urban Watch or any of CWC’s other events and programs, please visit their website.

Hummingbird Days – Saturday and Sunday, March 5 & 6

Hummingbird Days – Saturday and Sunday, March 5 & 6, 2016 Time: 10am-4pm
Admission: $10 Public, $5 Members, Free: UCSC students & children under 17.

Visit the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum on March 5 and 6, 2016, for the central coast’s premier family-oriented educational event celebrating one of nature’s vibrant aerial acrobats, the Hummingbird.

During the event, nature lovers of all ages will experience and learn about these amazing birds and the particular flowers at the Arboretum that host and support them. Visitors will have plenty of opportunity to see and hear hummingbird courtship and shenanigans as well as participate in a variety of activities focused on these amazing creatures (and more!).

Garden and Bird Tours

Activities for children including
*  Art projects
*  Music
*  Face painting
Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult

Lectures and Workshops including

* How to compost

*  Gardening to attract Hummingbirds
*  Photographing hummingbirds with Dan Suzio See website for details and bio
(additional cost; rsvp required by calling 831-502-2998)

See http://arboretum.ucsc.edu/news-events/events/recurring-events/hummingbird-days/index.html for more info.

4th Annual Zero Waste Youth Convergence on March 26, 2016!

Join Zero Waste Youth for the 4th Annual Zero Waste Youth Convergence

Saturday, March 26, 2016, City College of San Francisco, Ocean Campus, Multi-Use Building

Hear from inspiring speakers on hot zero waste topics from young professionals and community leaders.Topics and hands-on workshops include food waste reduction, composting & soil health, reducing & reusing, and student-led projects. 

*Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided!*

Please BYOE--Bring Your Own Essentials: reusable cup, plate/bowl, utensils, and handkerchief. The goal is to have a true Zero Waste event!

Register now at www.zerowasteyouthusa.org or click here!

Please share this event with your network! Join their Thunderclap campaign to help spread !the word! (http://thndr.me/viVERv)

Connect with Zero Waste Youth! Like them on Facebook. Email them at info@zerowasteyouthusa.org