February 2017: Classes, Trainings, and Community

Climate Change and Carbon Survey

Conifr is a team of students in Santa Cruz and Brisbane working together to develop an app that tracks individual carbon emissions from transportation. Their idea won them first place at Startup Weekend Santa Cruz in November. Their goal is to facilitate tracking of CO2 emissions and offer transparent ways to offset, or counteract, those emissions. Please fill out this survey so that they can better understand their market and know how to make the app as useful to you as possible! You can use this survey link or use the QR code above.

SEC Blueprint Breakouts throughout Winter Quarter: February 1, 8, 15
You're invited to the Student Environmental Center's (SEC) annual creation of the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus! Connect with students, staff, and faculty and share ideas on campus sustainability. Free vegetarian dinner will be provided each week. The events are on Wednesdays 5:30-7:30 PM. The dates and themes for each event are as follows: February 1: Waste Prevention and Land, Habitat & Watershed at Rachel Carson College Red Room. February 8: Green Building & Social and Environmental Justice at the Colleges 9&10 Namaste Lounge. February 15: Water & Green Purchasing at Rachel Carson College Red Room. For questions, please email seclead-group@ucsc.edu.

Zero Waste Campus Cleanups: February 4 & 26
The Sustainability Office's Zero Waste Team is hosting campus cleanups that are open for all to attend. Snacks and supplies are provided! The cleanups are happenings from 11 AM to 12 PM. Oakes & Rachel Carson Colleges' cleanup is on February 4, and Cowell & Stevenson Colleges' cleanup is on February 26. Each cleanup will meet in front of the respective dining halls. For questions or DRC accommodations, please email the Zero Waste Team at zerowasteucsc@gmail.com.

Labor Mobility & Precarity on a Global Scale Symposium: February 7
You are invited to attend this symposium on how global labor mobility and rising precarity affect and connect the experiences of citizens and non-citizens. Precarity, the experience of insecurity and constant risk of exclusion, is central to the experience of many labor migrants and citizen-workers in our time. Today’s labor migrants are new denizens—residents or inhabitants who are not quite full members of society. They are incorporated into societies that desire their labor, but reject their very presence. The event is on February 7, from 12-5:30 PM in the Stevenson Event Center. It is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register before event.

Common Ground Center World Cafes: February 7 & 21
Kresge Common Ground Center is hosting World Cafes this Quarter at the Kresge Seminar Room 159. February 7th's discussion is called Arts and Activism and February 21st is on Media, News, and Influence. For more information, check out their website or Facebook page. Can’t wait to hear what actions emerge from these conversations!

Film Screening & Conversation with Ron Finley: February 8
Ron Finley is the renowned "guerrilla gardener of South Central L.A." and an advocate for urban gardens as a way to address poverty, alleviate food insecurity, and promote community cohesion. With the help of activists and community members, he was able to legalize curbside gardening in the city of L.A. for community use. Ron will give a short talk before the film, and participate in a Q&A session after the showing. The event is happening at 7 PM on Wednesday, February 8 at the Colleges 9&10 Multipurpose Room. Admission is free and seating may be limited. For information or accommodations, contact coco@ucsc.edu.

Democratizing the Green City Conference at UCSC: February 17-18
This conference examines a paradox: urban sustainability initiatives that are so vital in countering climate change can, through their improvements, contribute to driving up rents and driving out residents, and in the process, exacerbate sprawl, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change itself. Our speakers examine this growing link between environmental improvement and social displacement and ask: How is it possible to break this link? What would it mean to include affordable housing and equity within sustainability efforts? And what are the consequences—socially and ecologically—if we don't? This conference is free and open to the public. Please register and find out more at their website.

Climate Science & Policy Conference - Changing Climate: Acting Now to Secure a Sustainable Future: February 24-25
The Divisions of Physical & Biological Sciences and Social Sciences are proud to announce the 4th Annual UC Santa Cruz Climate Science & Policy Conference. It will feature a keynote presentation by Veerbhadran Ramanathan on "Climate Change Morphing into an Existential Threat: Need for a New Approach," as well as panel discussions on Saturday covering a variety of topics. The closing panel Fred Keeley Lecture on Environmental Policy is titled, "Climate Change Science and Policy in a President Trump Administration." Learn more and register online here.

Campus Fun-Run with OPERS and Financial Aid on April 29 during Alumni Weekend
Fun run on campus in support of student scholarships! UCSC is hosting a challenging 5k on campus that covers all of our colleges and major nostalgic, picturesque areas on UC Santa Cruz. They’ll have water stations, photos stations, shuttle service just in case and lockers and refreshments at OPERS on the East Field. Register early for the family-friendly fun in the sun this Spring! Find out more at Alumni Weekend website.

Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project: February 4
The Santa Cruz Fruit Tree Project, in collaboration with the City of Santa Cruz Parks Department, will be breaking ground on a community orchard, bringing dozens of volunteers to amend the soil and plant about 20 fruit trees. The event will be on Saturday, February 4th at Mike Fox Park, alongside the river levee by the Riverside Ave Bridge. Check out their website for more information.

May 2016: Contests and Funding

Campus Sustainability Council Request for Proposals Available: Deadline May 6
The Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) would like to fund student organizations' sustainability projects or events in the upcoming year. The Spring 2016 funding round funding is available for Fall 2016 through Spring 2017. Proposals adhering to the criteria for student organizations and relevance to the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus are eligible for funding. There are mandatory trainings before the deadline. Find out more on their website.

AASHE Sustainability Awards: Deadline June 3
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Sustainability Awards is inviting faculty, students, staff, and administrators to submit applications by Friday, June 3 at 5 p.m. ET for a chance to be recognized for outstanding projects or research that advance sustainability in higher education.

Call for Submissions - Student Video Competition: Deadline June 15 
The US Department of Transportation's National Institute for Transportation and Communities is seeking videos to highlight the role transportation plays in creating livable communities. Videos must incorporate the National Institute for Transportation & Communities' theme of safe, healthy, and sustainable transportation choices to foster livable communities. Follow this link to see instructions.

May 2015: Contests & Funding

CSC Request for Proposals Deadline May 8
The Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) would like to fund your student organization’s sustainability projects or events in the upcoming year. Proposals adhering to the criteria for student organizations and relevance to the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus are eligible for funding. Here is the Request for Proposal (RFP), which outlines all requirements and mandatory steps to apply for funding from CSC. Please fill out the CSC Proposal Form to RSVP for the mandatory grant trainings.

UCSC Residential Housing Survey on Energy Deadline May 27
PowerSave is supporting the overall campus Climate and Energy Strategy project by collecting data related to energy use in residential housing units. Please take the short 3 minute survey here and be sure to enter your UCSC email address to be entered into a raffle for one $100 and 4 $50 bookstore gift certificates! The information collected in this survey will used to help prioritize investment in energy conservation projects and programs. Deadline to participate in May 27 at midnight.

Sustainability Film & Art Contest Deadline July 13
Calling all filmmakers and artists! Are you interested in having your short film or artwork displayed at a film festival series this fall? The Sustainability Office invites you to create a sustainability-related short film or poster. The winner(s) of the competition will have their films and posters shown at the Sustainability Film Festival to celebrate the campus’s 50th Anniversary! Learn more here.

Second Nature Climate Leadership Awards Deadline May 8
Second Nature invites applications for the 6th Annual Climate Leadership Awards (CLA) which recognizes innovative and advanced leadership in sustainability, climate mitigation, and resilience at signatory campuses of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Committee. Nominations are now being accepted. Nominees will be considered based on their commitment to climate neutrality, sustainability education, and innovative leadership. Applications are due May 8, 2015 For questions please contact gboscio[at]secondnature[dot]org.

Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund Deadline May 15
The Future Organic Farmer Grant Fund vocational and higher education grants are available for students enrolled in educational programs that will benefit their future careers in organic production or in becoming an organic professional. Applications are due by May 15th.

Brower Youth Awards Deadline May 18
The Earth Island Institute established The Brower Youth Award for Environmental Leadership to recognize the outstanding leadership efforts of young people who are working for the protection the planet. If you have created, organized or implemented a project or campaign that applies solutions and approaches to relevant environmental challenges, apply before May 18th. To be eligible to apply, you must be 13 to 22 years old.

Energy Dept. $2.5M for Collegiate Clean Energy Tech: Deadline June 7
The newly announced $2.5 million in funding for the Cleantech University Prize (Cleantech UP) aims to support the commercialization of promising technologies for sectors such as solar and wind that reduce carbon pollution and grow the clean energy economy. The Cleantech UP Collegiate Competitions will provide prizes for eight individual university-focused competitions that will equip students with business skills to move clean energy technologies from the discovery phase to the marketplace.

AASHE Sustainability Awards Deadline June 11
Applications for the Tenth Annual AASHE Sustainability Awards are now being accepted for outstanding ideas and initiatives that are furthering the higher education sustainability transformation. Award winners will receive one complimentary AASHE 2015 Conference & Expo pass, one invitation to a special reception during the 2015 conference, an opportunity to present submissions at the 2015 conference, and featured in Sustainability: The Journal of Record. Deadline to apply is June 11, 2015.

Tools of Change Landmark Designation: Deadline June 12
Tools of Change is now soliciting nominations for its 2015 Landmark behavior change case studies in two topic areas - (1) home / building energy conservation and (2) sustainable transportation. If you know of anyone working on a particularly effective, innovative or impactful approach for changing energy or transportation behaviors, please consider nominating them - or yourself. All nominations must include measured impact results. The Nominations Form must be submitted by June 12, 2015. Designations will be announced by October 2015, and case study webinars will be presented between February and May 2016.

Biomimicry Global Design Challenge: Deadline August 3
The Biomimicry Institute and the Ray C. Anderson Foundation announced the opening of the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge. Students are invited to submit commercially viable, nature-inspired solutions to global food system challenges. All participants get access to the Design Challenge Toolbox and supporting resources, including sessions with mentors and biomimicry professionals. The grand prize, to be awarded in 2016, is $100,000. The deadline for submissions is August 3rd.

Earth Summit Forums

Ever wanted to have a say in how UCSC is approaching sustainability? Here's your chance! The Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus is a student-run living document created by the Student Environmental Center. Every year students, faculty, staff and community members come together to share their visions for the future of sustainable growth at UC Santa Cruz. The Blueprint is meant to serve as a resource and guide for the campus community. The SEC hopes that it will encourage more students to become an active member in their community and take part in sustainability work.

The Earth Summit Forums, formerly known as Blueprint Breakouts, are coming up fast! Attend any of the remaining forums to voice your opinions about how UCSC can further sustainability:

January 14th - Social & Environmental Justice 

 January 21st - Energy & Water 

January 28th - Food Systems 

February 4th - Waste Prevention & Green Purchasing 

February 18th - Transportation 

February 25th - Land, Habitat, and Watershed 

March 4th - Academics and Curriculum

February 2015: Contests & Funding

Campus Sustainability Council (CSC): Deadline Feb 13
The Campus Sustainability Council (CSC) would like to fund your student organization’s sustainability projects or events in the upcoming year. Proposals adhering to the criteria for student organizations and relevance to the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus are eligible for funding.This funding is only applicable to those who have already done the grant training during week 3 of winter 2015.  Applications are due by February 13th. If you have any questions contact CSC at csc[at]lists[dot]ucsc[dot]edu.

Call for Submissions: INSS 2015 Conference: Deadline February 15
The Integrated Network for Social Sustainability is now accepting abstracts for its 2015 conference themed Social Sustainability and Infrastructure. Academic papers and non-traditional written media can be submitted that examine one of the two areas: defining social, political or ethical issues that emerge in the pursuit of sustainability, or encountering social, political or ethical approaches to addressing broad issues of sustainability. 500-1,000 word abstracts are due by February 15.

Call for papers: Water in the World: Deadline March 1
The conference on November 6-7th at Winthrop University, South Carolina focuses on the uses, politics, art, history, and economics of water worldwide. It is open to faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, activists, and community professionals.

Examples of possible topics include but are not limited to:
* The privatization of water
* Climate change
* Development goals and their water implications
* Water security and insecurity
* The politics and economics of water reuse
* Capacity building
* Food, water, and the environment
* Art and design contributions to water management
* Financing and investment schemes
* Historical droughts and floods
* Climate justice, ethical, cultural and religious values
* The role of water in post-conflict peace building
* The impact of water policy on the poor
* Creative solutions to water challenges
* Water in creative practice
* Media coverage of water issues
* Perceptions of risk and water quality issues

Papers will be reviewed for connections to the theme and an interdisciplinary approach to the subject. For more information on the Winthrop University Water Conference, conference updates, and deadlines visit the website: www.winthrop.edu/cas/interdisciplinary/waterconference2015.

Graduate Scholarships in Environmental & Climate Policy for Students from East Asia: Deadline March 15

The Bard Center for Environmental Policy is pleased to announce that Henry Luce Foundation Scholarships are available for students from East Asia (China, Japan or South Korea) to complete a two-year Master of Science degree in Environmental Policy or Climate Science and Policy starting August 2015. The LIASE Scholarships (Luce Initiative for Asian Studies and the Environment) provide tuition waivers of between 50% and 100% in the first year, and at least 50% of tuition in the second year. Students are responsible for travel costs, and for expenses for room and board. LIASE Scholarship students in the CEP program will participate in an annual conference featuring undergraduate and graduate research on Asia and the Environment with students from across the northeastern United States. Bard will award two-year LIASE Scholarships to qualified applicants each year for the next two years. LIASE Scholarship applicants must be citizens of one of China, Japan or South Korea, and must have a demonstrated interest in environmental policy in their region. Applicants for the LIASE Scholarship should, in addition to a regular application, provide a one-page letter discussing their research interests in Asian environmental policy. The LIASE Scholarship application letter should be emailed to Caitlin O'Donnell (codonnel[at]bard[dot]edu) by March 15, 2015 with the subject "LIASE Scholarship Application" to be considered.

Biomimicry Global Design Challenge: Deadline August 3
The Biomimicry Institute and the Ray C. Anderson Foundation announced the opening of the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge. Students are invited to submit commercially viable, nature-inspired solutions to global food system challenges. All participants get access to the Design Challenge Toolbox and supporting resources, including sessions with mentors and biomimicry professionals. The grand prize, to be awarded in 2016, is $100,000. The deadline for submissions is August 3rd.

International Film Festival: Deadline May 4
The International Film Festival for Environment, Health and Culture is accepting submissions for films pertaining to environment, health and culture issues. There are five submission categories: international feature film, international short film, documentary feature, documentary short and newcomer. The film festival will be held on May 27.

October 2014: Internships, Employment, & Volunteering

INTERNSHIPS

Transportation & Parking Services Walk to Class Challenge Paid Internship Available

The Provost's Sustainability Internship Program is still seeking a Transportation & Parking Services intern to coordinate the second annual Walk to Class Challenge! If you are interested in applying for this year-long internship, receive 12 units for the year, and a $1500 scholarship, please email Melissa at mott [at] ucsc [dot] edu. Information about the position is available here.

Student Environmental Center Internships Available

Are you looking for a sustainability internship this year? Check out the Student Environmental Center, an organization where students can grow as individuals, learn leadership skills, and gain invaluable work experience. Interns with the Student Environmental Center learn about current campus projects and policies and have the opportunity to participate or take on leadership roles in many topic areas. They have 2-unit and 5-unit opportunities available for the following positions:

• Blueprint and Earth Summit Intern - The Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus is a multi-use, living document that strives to encompass the current visions of students, faculty, staff, and community members that have come together to share their ideas and goals for the future of UCSC. The Earth Summit is an event held in Winter quarter to celebrate sustainability on campus. A year-long commitment preferred.
• College Eight Garden Intern - Every quarter SEC interns facilitate a gardening class. The campaign coordinators create a syllabus, organize the class, and oversee maintenance of the garden. Interns are needed to assist the campaign coordinators in these tasks. They need 2-unit or 5-unit interns to help maintain the garden this quarter. No gardening experience necessary!
• Outreach and Media Intern - The Student Environmental Center is seeking a student to serve as a Outreach & Media Intern who will work directly with the Outreach and Media Coordinator, staff advisor, and SEC leadership. The intern will gain knowledge in the sustainability organizations on campus, media, and outreach. 

To apply, attend their General Gathering on Wednesday, October 8 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM in the College 8 Red Room. Free vegetarian dinner will be served. Details can be found here. You can also email seccochair [at] ucsc [dot] edu to apply.

Food Systems Internships Available

The Food Systems Working Group has an exciting new cadre of student leaders working across their partnerships with Dining, the Farm, and Garden efforts. Are YOU looking for an internship to join them? Email ucscfswg [at] gmail [dot] com if you'd like to find out more!

Environmental Studies Internships (2 or 5 units!): Deadline October 9
Looking for an environmentally related internship for fall? You do not have to be an Environmental Studies major to get an internship through the program! Internships allow students to apply the concepts and theories they learn about in academic settings to workplace settings. As an intern, you can see how people relate with one another, test out theories learned in classes, and observe the inner workings of the work environment in a myriad of different fields and disciplines. Deadline for learning contracts is October 9--view a list of available positions here and contact Chris Krohn at ckrohn [at] ucsc [dot] edu for more information.

Want to Teach a Class in Sustainability?

The Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) is looking for outgoing, organized and intelligent students who want to create, innovate and teach their own class in sustainability in Winter Training Seminar in 2015. Students will create their own syllabus, lesson plans, learn to lead and facilitate a class, and prepare to teach their own class in Spring 2015. Interested students can email ESLP [at] ucsc [dot] edu or visit their website.

EMPLOYMENT

PICA is Hiring - Applications Due October 13

Program in Community and Agroecology (PICA) is hiring five new interns to commit for the full academic year in the following positions:

• PICA Garden Assistant II (ER # 6573), the Main Garden Coordinator position.
• PICA Program Assistant (ER #6769), the Administrative Assistant position.
• PICA Program Assistant II (ER # 3372), which has three open positions: the Community Meals Coordinator, the Compost Coordinator, and the A-Quad Garden Coordinator 

If you would like to apply, please visit the UCSC Employee Request (ER) system and type in the ER number for the position you're seeking. On the ER system application, please include a cover letter, a resume and two professional references to be considered for the position.

VOLUNTEERING

Apply to Volunteer with Sprout Up

Sprout Up provides free, youth-led environmental education programs to 1st and 2nd grade classrooms in Santa Cruz. Their college student-instructors teach children vital concepts in environmental science and sustainability during the earliest stages of their educational development, cultivating the next generation of passionate caretakers of the earth. Through activities, experiments, and discussions, they get kids thinking in new ways about the world that surrounds them, inspiring them to bring the message of environmental stewardship home to their families and friends. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact them at directorsc [at] sprout up [dot] org, and feel free to visit their website at www.SproutUp.org.

Get Involved with Integrated Climate & Energy Study
Interested in climate and energy sustainability? Want to get hands-on experience exploring these topics in relation to our campus? Chrissy Thomure, Climate Action Manager in the Sustainability Office, is coordinating an Integrated Climate & Energy Study with key stakeholders and a consultant. The study launches this year, and students are encouraged to participate! Email Chrissy at cthomure [at] ucsc [dot] edu to find out more.

Volunteer at a PICA Garden Workday

Want to get your hands dirty and enjoy this sunny weather? Volunteer for the first PICA garden workday of the quarter on Saturday, October 18 from 10 AM - 2 PM. Everyone is invited and a free garden grown lunch will be served. They will be planting veggie starts, digging garden beds, making compost and harvesting from the garden. Come learn about where your food comes from! Meet at the entrance to the A-quad by the Village at UCSC. Check out this website for more information.

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

Volunteer for Sea Slugs!
Sea Slugs is a UCSC student-based organization built around environmental activism and community evolvement. The organization has ties with many local organizations including the Save the Waves Coalition and the Surfrider Foundation. For information about meeting times or any other oceanic shenanigans, contact Sea Slugs at seaslug.ucsc [at] gmail [dot] com or visit their website.

Local Bike Clubs Seeking UCSC Volunteers

Want to join Green Ways to School as a volunteer for local middle school Bike Club rides? They are seeking dedicated interns who are available Wednesdays from 1 - 3 PM. Below are some of their upcoming activities:

• 10/8: Bike Skills presentation and practice at school
• 10/15: Mountain Biking practice
• Mountain Bike at DeLaveaga or Emma McCrary trails
• Visit HUB/Bike Church
• Cyclocross Ride
• Intro to Bike Polo
• and more to be determined!

If you're interested in volunteering, please email Tawn at cyclerevolution [at] gmail [dot] com

Volunteer at a Stevenson Garden Workday

Come by the beautiful Stevenson Garden from 1-2 PM on Fridays to help plant seeds, harvest, and have fun in the sun!

Find or Upload Projects to Sustainability Project Clearinghouse
Interested in getting involved in a campus sustainability project, but don't know how? Are you looking for partners for your current project? Have you completed a project that you would like others to learn from? Visit the Sustainability Project Clearinghouse, a centralized database of UCSC sustainability projects, today! You can view published projects or upload your own projects and ideas. For training on how to upload a project, please contact Shauna Casey at scasey [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

New! Online Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus

The Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus is now online! Check it out here!

What is the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus? It is a multi-use, living document that strives to encompass the current visions of students, faculty, staff, and community members that have come together to share their ideas and goals for the future of UCSC at the annual Campus Earth Summit. This document is meant to serve as a launching point for students to create meaningful, collaborative projects on campus that inspire lasting change. The Blueprint also acts as a guide for student organizations interested in receiving funding from the Campus Sustainability Council for the upcoming school year.  While the Blueprint reflects no commitments from the administration, the process through which it is compiled displays multiple points of collaboration throughout the campus and community.

Explore this year's Blueprint and get involved in sustainability efforts on campus!!!

The Blueprint is brought to you by the Student Environmental Center: sec.enviroslug.org

April 22nd - Walk to Class Challenge Day!

Walk to Class Challenge Day will take place on the UC Santa Cruz campus on Tuesday, April 22nd to promote walking as a viable and sustainable transportation mode for cross-campus travel, to reduce UCSC’s carbon footprint and to improve individual health.

The Campus Sustainability Plan and Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus both contain visions and goals for a more sustainable campus. The transportation section of the CSP calls for 75% of cross-campus travel to be made by human-powered modes and to engage students in choosing more sustainable modes of transportation. The Blueprint calls for the creation of a Walk to Class Challenge Day.

Every student is welcome and encouraged to participate in the Walk to Class movement!

Registration begins Tuesday, April 1st. Students can sign up at http://ucscwalk2class.walkertracker.com.

All participants will take a quick survey upon registration and the first 100 students to sign up will receive an event T-shirt and pedometer! Upon completion of the Challenge Day, all participants will take a brief post-event survey and be eligible to win a $50 VISA gift card.

Challenge yourself and challenge your friends to participate and try walking to class on this day -- Earth Day!

Interested in participating or volunteering? Contact Jessica Pearson at jrpearso [at] ucsc [dot] edu for more info.

February 2014: Classes, Training, and Community

Sustainable Transportation Lectures & Activities Every Friday
People Power: Engaging Sustainable Transportation Solutions meets every Friday from 8 - 10:40 AM in the Kresge Seminar Room. This 2-unit course is being co-taught by two undergrad students and is open to all, even if you aren't enrolled or can only attend one meeting. Each week features a different theme, ranging from the local community to bicycles to walking to feminism & social justice to public transportation, and much more! Speakers are lined up throughout the quarter, including Paul Lee of the Homeless Garden Project, Mark Lakeman of the City Repair Project, a representative from Tesla Motors, TAPS Director, a representative from the Regional Transportation Commission, and many more! The class blog can be found here, and the syllabus with week-by-week details and speaker information is available for viewing here. For more information email Melissa at mott [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

Earth Summit 2014: March 6
The Student Environmental Center is excited to announce the 13th Annual Earth Summit on Thursday, March 6, 2014! The Earth Summit is a space for students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community members to come together and celebrate the history and current actions in campus sustainability, plan for future projects, and strengthen student involvement. There will be empowering speakers, exciting workshops, and delicious local food! If you would like to be involved in the planning of this great event, lead a workshop, or volunteer, please email Lily Urmann at lurmann [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

"The Story of Stuff" Creator Annie Leonard Speaking at UCSC February 12
Join Annie Leonard, creator of "The Story of Stuff," for a panel discussion about consumption and waste and how we can be more conscious about waste on our campus. Her original video, which is only the first of many, "is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns.” What considerations go into purchasing decisions on campus? What are our biggest waste issues? And what initiatives can students take to reduce consumption and waste? From problems to solutions, Annie, along with faculty, staff, and alumni panelists, will connect the “stuff” that enters and leaves our campus with issues of social and environmental justice. February 12, 5-7 PM in the College 9/10 Multipurpose Room, with a reception and book signing following.

Blueprint Breakout
Want to have a direct impact on future sustainability projects on campus? Have visions of UCSC sustainability that you'd like to share? Or are you just interested in learning more about campus sustainability initiatives? Then come to the Student Environmental Center's last Blueprint Breakout of the year! The topic for Wednesday, February 19 is Water Conservation & Energy, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM in the College 8 Red Room. Free vegetarian dinner included!

Civinomics Workshop on Illegal Mountain Biking in Upper Campus
On Wednesday, January 29, a panel discussion hosted by Stevenson Residential Life, Hilltromper, and Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz brought together 5 panelists to discuss the illegal mountain biking trail network in upper campus at UCSC to share information and perspectives on what the issues are. Now it's your turn to weigh in on the issue through this Civinomics workshop. Vote on ideas, share your perspectives, and ask questions--engage your civic citizen muscles! Read more about the January 29 panel at Hilltromper, Santa Cruz Sentinel, and the Civinomics blog.

Demeter Seed Library Now Hosting Garden Parties
Demeter Seed Library wants to help you get dirty! A garden party is a novel way to learn more about backyard gardening, utilize community labor, and make new friends. If you have any land that should be growing veggies or flowers, contact them and they will see if they can rally the troops to turn your yard into a beautiful garden! They are also looking for a core group (about 2-4 people) of individuals to join the garden party team--this core group would join in leading the party of brave volunteers in the transformation from dirt to soil. If you think you have what it takes, contact Conner at cspears [at] ucsc [dot] edu.

U.S.-Denmark Summer Workshop on Renewable Energy

The four-week workshop takes place annually, in California and Denmark, with the 2014 edition in California. It starts with one week of online preparation and continues with three weeks of lectures, seminars and field trips in California. Participants will learn about the economics, politics, science, and technology behind renewable energy implementation from leading experts, while exploring communities and relevant energy sites where such technology is in place or currently being implemented. The faculty is composed of U.S. and Danish professors, as well as, external professionals and researchers with proven experience in their field. Students will work on team-based projects related to renewable energy solutions to specific problems. The interdisciplinary approach and holistic perspective allows students with various academic backgrounds to interact and develop concrete final project ideas, while targeting today’s energy problems from different angles. For more information click here.

IDEASS Student Project Presentations at New Tech MeetUp: March 4
Interested in sustainable enterprise? Don't miss the IDEASS presentations at the New Tech MeetUp downtown at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, March 4. Come support your fellow slugs and take advantage of this amazing networking opportunity and connect with some of the top talent from the growing green economy. A lot of top talent from Silicon Valley attend these events and are looking to support creativity on this side of the hill. More information about new Tech MeetUp is here.

CAN Announces the XV International Agroecology Shortcourse Nicaragua

The Community Agroecology Network (CAN) and the Social Development Organization of Nicaragua (ASDENIC), along with an interdisciplinary coordinating committee, announce the XV International Agroecology Shortcourse, which will be held in the Parque de las Ciencias Estelimar, located near the city of Estelí in the north of Nicaragua from July 6-18, 2014. The main topic of the course is Agroecology and Social Transformation: transdisciplinarity, health, and human development. Applications are due April 15, 2014. See the announcement and event poster for full information.

Seymour Center Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Learn more about exciting marine research behind the scenes and experience the spectacular surroundings of the Seymour Center at one of the tours offered each week, including Marine Mammal Research Tours, Younger Lagoon Reserve Tours, and Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Tours. For details, please visit the website.

TAPS seeks to connect with Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers

Interested in learning more about electric vehicle charging developments planned for UCSC? Want to know of potential electrical shutdowns at Core West? Transportation and Parking Services is wanting to be in better touch with our electric vehicle user community at UCSC – please send an email to Teresa at tabuika [at] ucsc [dot] edu to be added to the list of current electric vehicle users. Learn more about UCSC's current EV accomodations on the TAPS website.

Garden Workdays with the Program in Community and Agroecology (PICA)
Join PICA to help with planting veggies, digging garden beds, building compost, and sowing seeds! A free garden grown lunch will be served. Meet in A-Quad in The Village every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM (Winter Quarter: January 18th to March 8th). For more info check out: ucscpica.org

Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus 2013 Available Online Now

The Student Environmental Center published its 2013 edition of the Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus this summer on their website. This resource is an innovative, user-friendly, and informative campus resource to sustainability at UC Santa Cruz. It compiles ideas and visions for a more sustainable campus that were gathered throughout the year at blueprint breakout discussion meetings on the major topic areas. The Blueprint can be used to learn about current, past, and prospective sustainability-related projects on campus and is especially useful for students in student organizations who would like funding to complete their project on campus. Find out more by visiting their website.

Earth Summit 2013: Branch Out! Fostering Inclusive Solutions: March 8

Hosted by the Student Environmental Center, this all-day event will celebrate sustainability on campus and in our community. Throughout the day there will be fresh local foods, informative and fun workshops, tabling, keynote speakers, spoken word, live music and entertainment, and much more! Oh, and did we mention it's all FREE?

Don't miss this amazing opportunity to get more involved with the sustainability movement on campus and to network and meet awesome people!

Earth Summit 2013 will take place Friday, March 8 in the College 9/10 Multipurpose Room from 11 AM - 5 PM.

Are you interested in leading a workshop? Contact Workshop Subcommittee Coordinators Amy Chau or Marlayna Kirby for more information.

For tabling, contact Volunteer/Tabling Coordinators Anna Fairehrenreich or Melissa Hanson for more information. All tables will be educational and opportunity-based. Organizers are also still looking for volunteers who would like to help make this wonderful event possible. They especially need help setting up the day of from 9:30-11 AM and cleaning up that evening from 5-7 PM.

Questions, concerns, or in search of any other information? Contact Katie Lippus, the Earth Summit and Blueprint Coordinator.

Campus Sustainability Planning & Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus

Want to share your thoughts, visions, and project ideas related to sustainability at UCSC? The Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus and the Campus Sustainability Plan are two campus-wide sustainability goal and vision documents that are currently being updated, and input is needed from everyone for both plans.

The Campus Sustainability Plan is a document that identifies goals for UCSC to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of campus operations. Each topic area has targeted goals for the coming years, and it is time to revisit and update the document so we are seeking input from staff, faculty, and students. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Elida Erickson at ekericks(at)ucsc.edu. Click here to view the Campus Sustainability Plan.

The Blueprint for a Sustainable Campus is overseen Student Environmental Center, and it is a document encompassing current visions of students, faculty, staff, and community members who share their ideas and goals for the future of UCSC during a series of Blueprint Breakout sessions throughout the year, culminating with the Earth Summit event in spring. There will be two Blueprint Breakout sessions this month on November 14 and 28 in the College 8 Red Room from 5:30-8:00 PM, and staff, faculty, and students are encouraged to attend and provide input. Find out more about the Blueprint and view past versions here, and to find out more about the topics of upcoming sessions, please view our calendar and scroll to November 14 and 28. For more information, please contact Katie Lippus at klippus(at)ucsc.edu.