ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES COMMITTEE
January 20, 2005
EMU Umpqua Room

ATTENDEES: Ben Farrell, Taylor Johnson, Bob Jones, Christine Thompson, Dorene Steggell, Steve Mital, Paula Staight, Jim Blick, Robyn Hathcock, Karyn Kaplan, Anne Forrestel, Cheri Smith, JR Gaddis, Kay Coots and Guest: Dan Williams

Kay announced that Steve Mital has been offered and accepted the permanent quarter-time Sustainability Coordinator position.

Dan Williams joined the committee in congratulating Steve and also thanked EIC members for doing an outstanding job over the years. It is extraordinary that students, staff, and faculty have accomplished so much with few resources. He trusts that his successor will continue to support the EIC.

Dan addressed the status of finding a location for CASL. Bob Melnick is the current lead person. Originally, it was believed that a home could be found fairly quickly; however, the situation in the East campus area became more complicated. The Space Committee and chairman Richard Linton have been working through the process with the Housing. They are also formulating what needs to be done to preserve some houses for university use. Dan met with Jan Oliver recently, and she felt that this could be close to resolution by the end this school year. They could then revisit CASL’s needs. Dan feels that all the efforts made by students, staff, and faculty involved in this project has been admirable.

Dan assured the committee that the updated Recycled Paper Policy has been approved and is on the UO web page.

Christine asked for Dan’s thoughts on the best way for EIC to introduce itself to his successor. He recommended that the new vice president be invited to a meeting next year. He will be sure to discuss EIC’s role in the campus community and feels that the committee should continue to proceed secure in the knowledge that the work it’s doing is important. In his experience, the administration is responsive to student, faculty, and staff ideas and concerns.

Karyn raised a concern about the state of the surplus furniture program. It is currently housed in the church warehouse. This space is not heated, lighting is poor, and there are no store hours. Susie Endow oversaw the program and now is retired. Karyn noted that when it was more active the university saved over $100,000 per year. Dan said that a solution must wait until his successor is hired; however, he will do his best to convey its importance. She thanked him for all his support over the years.

The committee has researched and discussed the process for adding an environmental literacy course to the curriculum. Anne asked for insight and suggestions to accomplish this difficult goal. Dan believes that with the right strategy it is possible. Since the curriculum is primarily a faculty matter, he would suggestion contacting Lorraine Davis, as well as the PPPM department and the dean of LCB.

Karyn submitted a proposal to the capital campaign, and although she followed the process, it did not make the list of priorities. She believes that there is a lot of interest in funding environmental issues since there are over 1,000 students who have worked with the Recycling program and thousands more that have graduated from Environmental Studies. Dan said that the need for funds in academic areas is so great it was difficult for other proposals to be selected. He recommended that through her own contacts, Karyn find interested parties that have a command of resources. Since this approach is different from the capital campaign, Dan offered to look into options.

Earth Day

Students have met to begin discussing the Earth Day celebration on April 20^th where the theme will be Think Global and Act Local. The amphitheater and all of 13^th Avenue has been booked. Contact Taylor Johnson if you want to share ideas for Earth Day events. Karyn has offered her assistance. Since the student Environmental Coordinator position was not filled this year, Taylor has been working in this capacity as well as in her own position. The EIC would like to recommend that the ASUO staff this position next year, and Taylor believes that they will do so.

Talloires

Karyn asked the committee to re-evaluate recommending that the UO sign the Talloires document. She said that a great number of other campuses have done so. Since some of the committee members have not read the document, Anne suggested that everyone have a chance to read it for further discussion at the next meeting. Ben will e-mail it to everyone.

RecycleMania 2005

Robyn shared that the residence halls will once again participate in Recyclemania. The competition is running from January 30 to April 9. Last year UO came in second and Bowling Green came in first. T-shirts have been printed that read I’m a Maniac, Are You? Recyclemania Pitch In.

Smoking Limit

Paula said that the Eugene City Council plans to hold a public meeting and will discuss extending the no smoking limit from 10 feet to 25 feet limit on Monday, January 24^th.

The next Environmental Issues Committee meeting will be held on Monday, February 14, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in the EMU Coquille Room.