The Environmental Issues Committee met each month during this academic year and explored a variety of topics. Minutes were taken at all meetings, and these may be viewed online by following the links at http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~eic/.
TOPICS
Talloires Declaration-The EIC began review of the Talloires Declaration in fall 2001 at the behest of President Frohnmayer. Since that time there have been great strides in the area of sustainability and environmentalism and the University of Oregon is now in a better position to accept the challenges and responsibilities outlined in that declaration. Committee chairperson Ben Farrell met with UO Vice Provost Dan Williams in June 2005, and they discussed the declaration. They then noted the possibility of bringing the declarations author, Tony Cortese, to Eugene in the fall for an environmental conference. In light of the above considerations and in keeping with the University’s intention of remaining at the forefront of environmentalism, the committee has determined that the time is ripe for the University of Oregon President to sign the declaration. The committee recommends that President Frohmayer sign the Talloires Declaration and give full support to meeting its goals.
CASL (Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Living)-CASL continues to search for permanent housing. Because the East university neighborhood is currently in flux, initial plans for developing a site at that location appear to have faltered. Meanwhile the program has continued to develop and grow. Students meeting with the committee were advised to seek partnerships with local businesses to promote sustainability and continue to grow the program at large. In April 2005, the UO Space Committee, headed by Richard Linton, designated an office space to be available for CASL for the next two years. The committee continues to support the efforts to find a permanent home for the community living space.
Sustainability Coordinator-In January 2005, committee member Steve Mital accepted the position of Sustainability Coordinator. The committee is excited by the selection of Steve Mital and looks forward to working closely with him in the future.
Tobacco-The committee discussed tobacco smoking on campus and exposure to second hand smoke as environmental risks. The committee noted that UO policies governing safe smoking distances (designed to protect people from unwanted second hand smoke) is inconsistent, differs from building to building and suffers from a general lack of enforcement. The committee recommends designation of committee member Paula Staight to will work with the office of Environmental Health and Safety and develop a plan to bring the UO into compliance with Eugene City codes and develop a policy to determine the safest distance to locate smoking areas away from entrances to campus buildings. The committee would like the UO Administration to more widely support the “Great American Smoke-out” and develop partnerships and increase awareness opportunities with the Peer Health Education Program and the UO Health Center.
Transportation-Working in conjunction with the Oregon Survey Research Laboratory, Steve Mital hired graduate student Fumiko Docker to conduct a survey of UO faculty and staff transportation behaviors. This review, entitled Choices 2005: University of Oregon Transportation will be published later in 2005. The committee had the opportunity to review the results of this survey we recommend increased cooperation with UO Transportation Manager Rand Stamm to develop greater awareness and use of alternative transportation options by UO faculty and staff.
Sustainability Database-Thanks again to the diligent work of Steve Mital and the students in the Environmental Studies Department, a new searchable worldwide web database is now online. Its purpose is to promote sustainability concepts and inspire the campus community to get involved. For a look at this work see: http://facilities.uoregon.edu/sustainability/search
Earth Day-Earth Day was a great success and the committee thanked student member Taylour Johnson for all of her hard work.
RecycleMania -UO finished in 2 nd place in this year’s recyclemania competition, increasing the overall amount recycled from two years ago and demonstrating the ease of recycling to many new students. The committee was pleased with the university’s placement in this contest and encourages continued participation in this high profile event.
Film Series- The committee discussed the development of a film series presenting topics and a discussion panel focused around themes of sustainability and environmentalism.
GUESTS
Julie Daniel, Director-BRING Planet Improvement Center-Julie gave a presentation about the new developments at BRING, the current fundraising project, and the work they have done with the ESSLP on recycling TV’s.
Whitey Leuck, Night Sky Lighting-Whitey gave a passionate presentation about the impact of light pollution on nocturnal fauna and the intrusion of disabling glare on humans.
Dr. Dan Williams-University of Oregon Vice President-Dr. Williams his close association with the committee since its inception. He also specifically addressed his support for the Talloires declaration and his recommendation that an active role in the affairs of the Environmental Issues Committee be an essential component for incoming vice president who will take his place.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The committee respectfully advises University of Oregon President David Frohnmeyer to sign the Talloires Declaration.
The committee respectfully advises University of Oregon Executive Assistant Dave Hubin to revise the paper policy as shown on the University of Oregon administrative www page (http://policies.uoregon.edu/ch4k.html) to reflect current policy.
The committee respectfully advises University of Oregon Transportation Manager Rand Stamm to distribute Transportation Brochures with all parking permit applications.
The committee respectfully advises University of Oregon Health Education Director Paula Staight to work with Environmental Health and Safety Director Kay Coots to develop a University of Oregon policy to extend no smoking area to 25 feet from all buildings and enforcement guidelines as needed.
The committee respectfully advises the Peer Health Education Office to continue building the tobacco education program and inform students about the cost of cleaning up cigarette butts.
The committee respectfully requests ASUO reinstate funding for the Environmental Coordinator for Earth Day.
The committee respectfully advises the University of Oregon Campus Planning Committee to develop and adheres to all guidelines to minimize the impact of ambient light intrusions on natural darkness.