ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
February 19, 2002
EMU Board Room

Attendees: Bob Jones, Christine Thompson, Chris Jones, Vera Kewene, Dorene Steggell, Anne Forrestel, Julia Heydon, Robyn Hathcock, Karyn Kaplan, J.R. Gaddis, Kay Coots, Jessica Rose, Greg Stripp,

Guests: Harriet Merrick, Steve Mital

Steve Mital addressed the Committee last September to enlist support for the Environmental Studies Program's pilot service project. He is responsible for finding projects over the summer for students to work on and gain practical experience and credits over the course of the year. Examples include: Bring Recycling - television recycling; Food for Lane County - ways to divert food waste from waste streams in grocery stores and restaurants; City of Eugene - Spencer Butte recreational use and restoration. Next year they are planning to work with the City's SMART program.

Steve was not able to set up a campus-based project last year due to time constraints and "red tape." Potential projects at that time involved the transportation demand management plan and energy use. He would like to have the EIC's support and help in securing one for next year. Most sponsors supplement grant funds by contributing $3,000 - $5,000.

The Committee decided it would like a status report from the Good Company's audit as it may help identify projects. Kay offered to invite Joshua Skov to the next meeting. This may also be a good opportunity to focus on areas of the Environmental Policy which need attention. Steve would like to have recommendations by April. It was suggested that the Sustainable Business Symposium would be an important venue to present the program's final reports.

Kay distributed copies of the Computer and Electronic Equipment (CEE) Harvest Summary (5/22/01 to 2/13/02). The harvest is facilitated through the Environmental Health & Safety Office. They have shipped 1883 pieces of old equipment and diverted 6,254 pounds of lead-containing CRTs from the landfill. CEE is faced with the challenge of finding a new storage space to house equipment prior to shipment. If anyone has a suggestion on the availability of a 1000 to 1500 square foot space, talk to Kay Coots.

Good Company Audit Status Report

Environmental Studies Service Learning Program Project

Transportation Resource Center Debriefing

Contact Dan Williams - follow up on last month's meeting (Bob)

Thoughts on Talloires Document:

* The University would have to be prepared to commit to off-campus issues such as primary & secondary school outreach. Need to consider the degree that resources focused off-campus would impact internal needs, for example, work on the Environmental Policy.

* If the University signed, it would indicate solidarity and bring positive PR.

* There is a long way to go, and we wouldn't want to sign unless committed to doing a much better job educating University faculty and students. We'd need to work toward an environmental studies course requirement for undergraduate students.

* Learn more about results of the Good Company audit and see if it helps identify what needs to be done to advance toward realizing goals set forth in the document.

* Could start by saying we're in support of it, but also acknowledge that there is a great distance between where we are and where we'd like to be.

* The Environmental Studies Service Learning Project could focus on an area which would help advance The University toward realizing goals in the document.