June 2019: Classes, Training, and Community

Student Environmental Center

The Student Environmental Center (SEC) is a student-run, student lead activist organization on campus dedicated to institutionalizing sustainability and environmental justice at UCSC through projects and events that educate and empower students. Reach out to sec-group@ucsc.edu for questions, inquires, and ways to get involved

LEED Accreditation Courses

Opportunity for UCSC faculty, staff students to access hundreds of hours of FREE online training and webinars through the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Online platform through October 2019. The campus is looking for strong user engagement in this pilot year in order to identify the need for future years. Having at least a LEED-GA accreditation is viewed as a minimum qualification for most jobs within the green building industry. The platform includes access to learning modules that can be incorporated into existing course curricula, training resources for students seeking to pursue a LEED credential, and ongoing education materials for staff and faculty seeking to maintain their existing LEED credential. Questions can be emailed to education@usgbc.org. Educational Facilities Planner Chrissy Thomure at cthomure@ucsc.edu is the campus' official LEED liaison, and can also help point you in the right direction as needed. Learn more about the courses here.

SOCY 177E - Eco-Metropolis: Research Seminar in Urban and Environmental Studies

Session 1 June 24 - July 26: Explore the intersection of cities and the environment through the emerging field of environmental studies. Discuss topics including environmental justice and its relation to racism and gentrification, breaking down the separation between the natural and unnatural, how to build more sustainable cities in an equitable and inclusive way.

ENVS 104A/L - Field Methods Upper Division Course

Session 1 June 24 - July 26: Learn research design and basic field methodologies in the environmental sciences this summer: visit field sites; learn, design, and conduct sampling protocols; and analyze and present data! Concurrent enrollment in 104L is required.

ENVS 157 - Writing in the Natural Sciences

Session 2 July 29 - August 30: Guided practice in writing effectively about science and natural history for a variety of audiences. Assignments emphasize reporting first-hand observations, explaining processes and phenomena, understanding scientific papers, and writing about scientific and technical subjects for a general audience.

Summer Marine Ecology Field Lab

During Summer Session 1, BIOE 158L Marine Ecology Field Lab will be offered for the first time in several years and is a wonderful and unique opportunity for students to get a 5-unit BIO upper division or field experience. If you have questions, need a permission code please email JogSmith@ucsc.edu.

June 2019: Internships, Employment, and Volunteering

Sustainability Certificate Program: Project Manager

The Sustainability Certificate Program provides a unique opportunity for UCSC employees to explore issues, concepts and strategies for building a more sustainable and inclusive campus through the lens of multiple disciplines and perspectives. The Student Coordinator assists and supports this professional development program, and collaborates with students, staff and faculty to develop resources encourage inclusive sustainability. To apply, visit the Career Center website and search for position #5304 and follow application instructions there or, if you would like to be considered for a scholarship instead of hourly pay, send your resume and cover letter to scasey@ucsc.edu

Compensation: $13/hr 2019-20 school year or scholarship pay

Employment Dates: September, 2019 - June 2020; must be available Wednesdays from 12-4 pm fall, winter and spring quarters.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open until filled

PICA (Program in Community and Agroecology) Coordinators PICA is a student-run, student-led organization that focuses on developing a thriving food and environmental justice POC community. PICA is hiring one garden coordinator (academic year) and one compost coordinator (summer and/or academic year). Training will be given after hiring and experience is preferred. Please email your resume to pica@ucsc.edu Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) ESLP is a collaborative and interdisciplinary student organization with the vision of reshaping the way we learn, effectively mentoring students, and engaging in projects that support sustainable development. Apply to become an organizer for the 2019-2020 school year, with the opportunity to volunteer or intern and then move into a paid positions. To get involved, email eslp@ucsc.edu with your resume, position you're interested in, and hours you're available to interview. For more information, visit eslp-enviroslug.org. County of Santa Clara, Office of Sustainability Internship The County of Santa Clara Office of Sustainability (OOS) is seeking up to two student interns who should be junior or senior year college students. This internship will support the OOS to implement the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) 2019 grant. BayREN is a collaboration of the nine Bay Area Counties that work together to implement local and regional energy efficiency programs. Grant funds are provided to the County of Santa Clara (County) to implement and outreach the six BayREN subprograms within the County. Under the guidance of OOS Senior Management Analyst, the fellow will assist in the implementation and marketing of the six BayREN programs. Learn more about the internship and how to apply here. City of Berkeley – Office of Energy and Sustainable Development The City of Berkeley’s Office of Energy and Sustainable Development (OESD) leads the City’s sustainability efforts to reach the ambitious Climate Action Plan goals, strives to help Berkeley residents, businesses and the city government create a healthy, equitable, and safe community, and coordinates with multiple city departments to monitor and track CAP implementation and metrics, and focuses its efforts on energy, electric vehicles, and green building related policies, strategies, and programs. The Fellow’s efforts will directly benefit the OESD, building the office’s capacity to engage and educate a broad swath of the community on climate mitigation solutions. The Fellow will identify contacts, develop curriculum and implement an outreach plan, with a focus on hard-to-reach populations. The Fellow’s outreach will increase residents’ knowledge and awareness of both climate change problems and solutions, and identify ways for residents to meaningfully participate in mitigation efforts. Learn more about the project here. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Summer Positions Exhibits & Interpretation Intern The Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz is seeking a summer intern to assist with public education and interpretation programs. Working with staff, the intern will develop a  pop-up interactive focusing on either plankton or marine mammals. They will develop instructions, materials and guides the interactive and lead the interactive throughout the week. It is important for this person to enjoy interacting with the public and be a proactive member of a team.  Additionally, competent computer skills in Microsoft office is necessary. Public Programs Intern The Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz is seeking a summer intern to assist with public special events and daily public programs. Working with staff, the intern will develop small hands-on daily activities for the public.  Additionally, they will assist with monthly First Friday art/science programs and other weekend special events. This intern may be asked to assist at the front desk, gift shop or with other daily operations at the Center. Summer 2019 internship schedules will be based on availability of candidates but will fall between the dates of June 1st – September 15th.  The volunteer internship will be 16-24 hours per week and work times will depend on candidate availability, falling within the hours of Wednesday-Sunday 9:30am-5pm. To apply, please contact ExplorationCenter@noaa.gov Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Student Ambassador The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership is currently recruiting 2 UCSC student interns to join the Student Ambassador Program! The Career Connect Student Ambassadors is part of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership's (MBEP) workforce development initiative. Their goal is to develop student leaders and role models at each college campus who will help educate the community (e.g. students, staff, families, student organizations, etc.) on the college and career resources offered on Monterey Bay Career Connect (MBCC). Learn more and apply here: Monterey Bay Internships posting. Part-time & Full-time Positions for Environmental Campaigns Fund for the Public Interest is looking for passionate and dedicated students to join our grassroots campaign office in downtown Santa Cruz, as campaign staff to make real change during this school year. Currently, we are working to protect our coast and wildlife by banning single-use polystyrene (styrofoam) on a statewide level. Learn more at www.fundjobs.org

June 2019: Green Tips

Tips for a smooth move out

When you move out at the end of the quarter, it may seem generous to leave unwanted items on the sidewalk with a “FREE” sign. Unfortunately, this material often ends up in our waterways, green spaces, the bay, or in landfills. Instead, try the following for a smooth move out:

• Stop purchasing items that you use infrequently. Common items in the trash during move out include partially used condiments, cereal, pasta and other packaged food.

• Pack up and move early. Pack items that you don’t use every day and move them early. Moving items early means the rest of your stuff has a better chance of fitting into your car.

• Swap or sell items online. To offer your unwanted items for free or for sale, list them on Freecycle, Craigslist, or Next Door Santa Cruz.

• Donate unwanted items to a local charity. Only do this if your items are in good condition. Many charities are unable to take items that are ripped, stained, broken, bent, frayed, or worn. This is especially true for bulky items such as couches, mattresses, desks, and dining room tables. For more information, check Goodwill’s online site or Hope Services.

• Recycle early. Recycle carts overflow during move out, so clear out extra papers and accumulated bottles and cans early or visit a local recycling drop off center for additional recycling. For a current list of acceptable items visit www.cityofsantacruz.com/recycleright

• Recycle special and household hazardous waste responsibly. To recycle household chemicals likebathroom cleaners, nail polish, aerosol cans (not empty), bleach, disinfectants and a whole list of other items go to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility on Dimeo Lane. Open Saturdays 7:30AM-3:30PM.

• As a last resort, for bulky items that can no longer be reused, schedule a pickup with the city of Santa Cruz in the month of June: These pickups are only for large bulky items that will be taken to the landfill. This includes mattresses, box springs, couches, and living-room chairs. To arrange a pickup, register online with the city of Santa Cruz after May 27. If you register for a bulky item pick-up, you will receive a free large pizza coupon for Woodstock’s pizza!

Thank you for your help keeping our environment clean and our landfill free of items that can be reused!

May 2019: Zero Waste Lunch & Learn

The Sustainability Office invites you to join us for our Zero Waste Lunch & Learn on Friday, May 24 to gain context around the collapse of the international recycling market, how it is impacting UC Santa Cruz, and what you can do about it! 

You may have read in a recent City on a Hill press article that much of UC Santa Cruz's mixed recycling is currently being landfilled. Are you concerned and want to learn more about how our campus is taking action? From beginner to avid recycler, everyone will have something to learn at this Lunch & Learn co-hosted by Sustainability Programs Manager, Kristen Lee, and the student-led Zero Waste Team. We'll have interactive games, food and more! 

Location: Colleges 9 & 10 Namaste Lounge

When: Friday, May 24 12pm-1:15pm

Lunch is first come, first serve: burritos from Viva's will be provided to the first 70 people who arrive.

Hope to see you there!

Please bring your own mug and cutlery to help us be sustainable.

#ZeroWaste

May 2019: Cool Campus Challenge comes to an end!

Cool Campus Challenge is officially over! Throughout the month of April, students, faculty and staff across UC campuses participated in the challenge to see who can complete the most sustainable and environmental-friendly actions. The goal of this challenge is to reduce carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality by 2025.

UC Santa Cruz has demonstrated a huge effort in spreading outreach about the challenge. With everyone's valuable participation, we have acquired a total of 3,707,790 points putting us in 5th place amongst the UC campuses, and beating UC Davis by just a few actions. As a campus, we have completed 15,355 actions and reduced 1,756,542 pounds of CO2. Overall, we acquired the most actions and the most points per participant.

We had 36 teams across, and Team OChem has won first place with 898,963 points. Caitlin Binder, faculty in the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, created a team for her organic chemistry students to learn about sustainable actions they can take to reduce their footprint. Caitlin's team got UCSC 24% of our points!

OChem was the only team in the whole UC System that got more points than the combination of all "no team" participants.


Action: "Highlight a Hero" - Thanks to some of the amazing slugs who were nominated multiple times as sustainability "Heroes" by their peers.

Top 10 UCSC Teams:
1. Team OChem
2. BAS
3. Team Social Sciences
4. University Relations
5. Library
6. Rachel Carson College
7. Kerr Hall
8. Crown College
9. Academic Affairs
10. SOMeCA Keeping Cool

Top 10 UCSC Point Earners:
1. Evelyn Subroto
2. Trevor Lee
3. Cindy Delgado
4. Michael Chung
5. Kyle Lutz
6. Gabriella Amberchan
7. Madison Landi
8. Michael Richie
9. Michael Pisano
10. Kyra Fitz

From going zero waste for a day, to taking alternative transportation to work, to installing clothes lines to hang dry clothes, banana slugs have been working hard throughout this month to reduce their emissions. Together, we are all taking steps towards making the world a better place.

Thank you for your participation and for your contribution towards our campus becoming more sustainable!
    

May 2019: Green Tips

May marks the start of bike month! Whether you’re commuting to class or work, riding for leisure, or participating in Ecology Action’s Bike Month Challenge, remember to have fun and stay safe!

Protect your head. Always wear a helmet when cycling. Head injuries are the cause of 60 percent of all cycling deaths in the U. S. every year. Many of these deaths could be avoided if everyone wore a helmet while cycling.

ABC Quick Check. Before each ride, check your bike to make sure it's safe to ride. An easy way to make sure your bike is in good working order is to do an ABC Quick Check:

A is for Air — Inflate tires to the pressure listed on the side of the tire. Use a pressure gauge to insure proper pressure. Check for damage on tired and replace if damaged.

B is for Brakes — Inspect pads for wear; replace is there is less than ¼" of pad left. Check pad adjustment; make sure they do not rub the tire. Look to see that you can fit your thumb between the brake lever handlebar when the brakes are squeezed all the way.

C is for Cranks & Chain — Pull your cranks away from the bike – if they are loose, tighten the bolt. Check your that your chain is free of rust and gunk.

Quick is for Quick Releases — Make sure your quick releases are all closed. They should all be pointing to the back of the bike, so that they don’t get caught on anything  

Check is for Check It Over — Take a quick ride to check that it is working properly.

Learn more about ABC Quick Checks here: https://bikeleague.org/content/basic-bike-check-just-remember-abc-quick-check

And learn more about Ecology Action’s Bike Month here: https://ecoact.org/bikemonth/

May 2019: Classes, Training, and Community

Student Environmental Center

The Student Environmental Center (SEC) is a student-run, student lead activist organization on campus dedicated to institutionalizing sustainability and environmental justice at UCSC through projects and events that educate and empower students. Reach out to sec-group@ucsc.edu for questions, inquires, and ways to get involved.

5/18 An Introduction to Garden Herbalism — 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, UCSC Farm

The fields and gardens of UCSC Farm and Garden abound with medicinal plants. Come learn how to use these common plants for every day maladies and health promotion. We will learn how these herbs can be used to promote restful sleep, combat stress, soothe or strengthen digestion, heal wounds, support menstrual cycles and much more. You will leave the class with many plant friends to support your health and well being. Please pre-register using this link.

6/1 Summer Fruit Tree Care — 9:30 am - 12:00 pm, UCSC Farm

Summer fruit tree care is more than about pruning: proper irrigation, feeding, and pest control, combined with a summer pruning plan, are the best ways to ensure the health and productivity of your fruit trees. Learn about summer fruit tree care from Orin Martin, manager of the Alan Chadwick Garden at UC Santa Cruz. Please pre-register using this link.

LEED Accreditation Courses

Opportunity for UCSC faculty, staff students to access hundreds of hours of FREE online training and webinars through the US Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Online platform through October 2019. The campus is looking for strong user engagement in this pilot year in order to identify the need for future years. Having at least a LEED-GA accreditation is viewed as a minimum qualification for most jobs within the green building industry. The platform includes access to learning modules that can be incorporated into existing course curricula, training resources for students seeking to pursue a LEED credential, and ongoing education materials for staff and faculty seeking to maintain their existing LEED credential. Questions can be emailed to education@usgbc.org. Educational Facilities Planner Chrissy Thomure at cthomure@ucsc.edu is the campus' official LEED liaison, and can also help point you in the right direction as needed. Learn more about the courses here.