CNN.com article

World faces 'irreversible' climate change, researchers warn

CNN - The world is facing an increasing risk of "irreversible" climate shifts because worst-case scenarios warned of two years ago are being realized, an international panel of scientists has warned.

Temperatures, sea levels, acid levels in oceans and ice sheets were already moving "beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived," scientists said in a report released Thursday.

The findings came at the end of a three-day conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, where nearly 2,000 researchers gathered to discuss climate change.

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Environmental geography major at a glance

Below is an interview with Brandon Garman, a junior environmental geography major at Ohio University.

Erica: Why did you decide to pursue a degree in environmental geography?
Brandon: Environmental geography is the fasted growing field today, mostly out of necessity. The job outlook is extremely high.

Erica: What types of careers do environmental geography majors have?
Brandon: One of the most common professions is as a green consultant, who transform houses or businesses to be more environmentally friendly.

Erica: What is one of the coolest things you've gotten to do as an environmental geography major?
Brandon: I really like data visualizations, which is basically like map-making. It's amazing the things you can map out if you have the data.

Erica: Why do you think there such a need for environmental geography majors?
Brandon: It has to be done. We can't keep going the way we are now. The environment can't sustain it. It will save people money, and unfortunately, that's what people want. Regardless, the results will be the same regardless of the reasons behind the actions.

Erica: Have you always been concerned with the environment?
Brandon: I became much more concerned when I came to college. Just seeing the amount of stuff: garbage, water used, lights on, etc.

Erica: Do you think OU is environmentally sustainable?
Brandon: Everyone talks a big game. RecycleMania is a good step and shows that OU is making an actual effort. The coolest thing I've seen is at the University of Dayton. They have 15-minute timers on the lights in all the bathrooms. That way, you can't take those 30-minute showers because the lights will all go off.

Erica: About how many environmental geography majors are there at OU?
Brandon: Oh, I'd say about 20-30.

Want to learn more about becoming an environmental geography major at Ohio University? Visit the Department of Geography Web site.

Green is SO the new black

Did you ever think that being environmentally conscious will not coincide with your fashion addiction? Well, think again. You can be both eco- and fashion-chic!

One of my favorite eco-friendly fashion sites is EcoStiletto. With the ability to research, buy, communicate and win cool giveaways, it is my one-stop-shop for everything sustainably fashionable. Although EcoStilleto provides fabulous shopping tips and the latest high-fashion trends, it is far from a shallow and ditzy site. Learn more about the "things that suck" including everything from artificial food coloring to formaldehyde! You can even enter to win high-end vegan shoes. But make sure you enter soon, and check back frequently – the giveaways change all the time!

Lisa Rome, right, is an environmentally conscious student who does everything she can to lessen her ecological footprint. Lisa said, "I find that the greatest products are all natural. My organic bamboo tees are heavenly soft. And my organic lotions moisturize my skin so much better than the ones with so many chemicals you can't even identify all of them. My Sigg waterbottle never leaves my side; why use plastic bottles just so they can be put in landfills? I try to be environmentally conscious, but I'd like to think that I can wear eco-friendly clothes and still look fashionable. If I can't, I don't want to know – don't burst my bubble!"

In addition to fashion items, organic beauty products are amazing. When you are hoping to have clear and beautiful skin, why slather it with a bunch of chemicals? Going au-naturale is far better for you, and for the environment. One company that has "gone green" for quite some time is Aveda. Not only does Aveda produce organic products that are not tested on animals, but they also utilize responsible packaging. Aveda is also the first beauty company manufacturing with 100% certified wind power. With products from make-up to candles, Aveda has something for every environmentally friendly person out there – men and women alike!

I must give a shout-out to my favorite organic spa in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa. Bloom Organic Skincare is just about the best thing that has ever happened to my skin, and my stress. Erinn Thompson, owner and esthetician, is a god in the world of beauty and skincare. Her products are all organic – they may not taste great, but they are even edible! My personal opinion is that if something is going on your skin, it should be able to go into your mouth! If you are ever in the Pittsburgh area and looking to be pampered, head to Bloom for a blissful, yet affordable, beauty service.

Now, you may say, "I can't afford environmentally friendly clothing and products." I will be the first to admit that going green may take a bit of green out of your wallet. However, I suggest you look at things in the long term. The positive effects eco-friendly products will have on your body and environment will save you money in the end. You may wonder why going organic is expensive. Learn more about the costs associated with organic farming and clothing production.

As a college student, I understand that not everyone can throw down $25 for a t-shirt. But I hope you will keep in mind that this is our world and our environment that we are speaking about. Think about what you want for your children in years to come. And if you do have children, buy them environmentally conscious clothing! See Ike, above, who was the inspiration for eco ike, a company launched by a worry-wart mom concerned with the environment her son will be growing up in. Please know that your decisions will not affect only you, but all generations to come. Before you determine that going green isn't for you, do your research. Ignorance is NOT bliss!

Eating Sustainably, Eating Locally

Food and Energy (consumption)
Do you ever wonder where your food comes from? Those yummy treats you enjoy on a daily basis cost the environment in more ways than one. Not only is there concern about environmental depletion, but fossil fuels are eaten up during conventional farming, food manufacturing and transportation.

A 2002 study by John Hopkins School of Public Health estimated that three calories of energy are needed to create one calorie of edible food. Some foods use far more energy, for example grain-fed beef, which requires 35 calories for every calorie of beef produced. And the Johns Hopkins study did not include transportation costs – with transportation expenditures included, an average of seven to 10 calories of input are required for one calorie of edible food.

However, energy expenditure is not the main concern with food consumption. As much as 40 percent of the energy used in the food system goes toward the production of harmful pesticides. As you may know, fertilizers are synthesized from nitrogen and natural gas, a process that requires approximately 5.5 gallons of fossil fuels per acre.

Approximately 23 percent of energy used in food production goes toward processing and packaging food.

Fun (and disheartening) fact: On average, the food you consume travels an estimated 1,500 miles before it enters your kitchen.

How can I help?

We are lucky enough to have many local farmers and food producers in the Athens area. Almost any meat, vegetable, fruit, jelly/jam, salsa, etc. can be purchased from local producers. You may not know where to buy those items, which is why I will direct you to the Athens Farmers Market. The market is open Saturdays year-round and Wednesdays from April through December. The Athens Farmers Market also has a blog where you can find cooking tips and upcoming events. Want to find local producers in areas outside of Athens? Check out Local Harvest to learn where you can purchase locally grown produce anywhere you go!

Where can I eat sustainably?
There are many restaurants in and around Athens that serve locally grown produce. Some such restaurants include Casa Nueva, Jackie O's Pub & Brewery, Della Zona, Village Bakery, Donkey Coffee, Avalanche Pizza and many more. The photo above shows John Gutekanst, owner of Avalanche Pizza, selling his freshly baked breads at the Athens Farmers Market.

So, next time you go to buy a package of Honeysuckle sausage at Wal-Mart, consider purchasing your meat from the Athens Farmers Market. Try a new restaurant; eat locally!

The Residence Challenge

97.8 percent of OU students agree with the statement, “OU should conserve energy.” If students are so concerned with conserving energy, residence halls are an excellent place to begin conservation efforts. However, it has yet to be determined if students are willing to conserve energy themelves, or if they think the university can work magic to conserve the energy itself. 50 percent of students still feel it is their right to consume as many resources as they want.

The Residence Challenge is an annual competition between all residence halls at Ohio University to see which hall can conserve the most energy. This year, water consumption is not being measured because not all water pumps and gauges on campus are functioning correctly. The current consumption is compared to the previous year's consumption for that building. The percent change is used to determine a "winner."

Although 97.8 students believe OU should conserve energy, not all of them are willing to make the necessary changes.

Of 25 residents surveyed, the top reason for not conserving energy is laziness/forgetfulness.

Amber McConnell, a first-year student, said, "I like when it's bright in my room and when I leave I forget to turn (the lights) off."

Students from the top energy-conserving halls from each green will be rewarded with an all expenses paid trip to Cedar Point on May 10 or 17, 2009. However, not all residents will be sent; only a percentage of them. Each week, the residence halls receive posters indicating the level of their energy conservation and the percentage of CO2 saved.

Residence halls are also an area to target because students living in them are not paying directly for utilities and therefore are not as concerned with the overall cost of energy consumption. Many students do not consider the fact that the cost of their energy usage is paid for in increased room rates.

"If I knew how much the energy was actually costing, it might convince me to conserve a bit more," McConnell said.

We are currently in week 6 of the challenge, Bromley has the greatest conservation on West Green, Biddle on East Green and Brown on South Green; check out the rankings now!. The winner will be determined after week 7.

Don't forget that you can make a difference! Turn off your lights and appliances!

Greeks Going Green: The who, what, where, when and why

History
Greeks Going Greek, affectionately known as 3G or GGG, is the brain child of Sarah Kyriakedes, Greek Life Senator for the Ohio University Student Senate. Kyriakedes, then the president of her sorority, wanted to work to foster a sustainable culture among Greek chapters at Ohio University. Kyriakedes approached Emily Bacha, commissioner of the Student Senate University Life Commission, who convened a meeting of student and administrative leaders affiliated with Greek Life and the Green Network (OU's campus sustainability group).

By late September, Kyriakedes and Bacha, along with other students and administrators, developed the vision for "Greeks Going Green." The goal of the program is "to challenge and empower Greek chapters to lead sustainability efforts at Ohio University by minimizing their own impacts on the environment."

Who?
Social fraternities and sororities affiliated with the Women's Panhellenic Association (WPA), the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) were invited to participate in the Greeks Going Green program. The program is being sponsored by Student Senate and the Office of Sustainability.

What/where/when?
There are three phases to the 3G program, two of which have already been completed. Phase one was an evaluation of Greek chapter houses and their residents to determine individual levels of sustainability. These eco-audits were completed during the months of October and November. Phase two was an educational program that focused on what Greek Life members are doing currently (unsustainable practices) and what members can do to lessen their own ecological footprint by living more sustainably. 280 sorority women and fraternity men attended the interactive program on February 18, 2009. Phase three has yet to be completed; it will be a challenge between Greek chapter houses to determine who is "most green."

Why?
Most Greek Life chapter houses were unaware of their unsustainable practices and how to go about changing them. By evaluating, educating and rewarding Greek Life members, Greeks Going Green targets a large audience to promote environmental sustainability at OU.

The future
Bacha is impressed by the turnout and excitement thus far. "The GGG Committee is elated by the response and interest of the Greek community," Bacha said. "Some chapters, especially WPA chapters were extremely excited for the opportunity. There has been buzz about the upcoming competition, especially because it is the precursor to Greek Week in the Spring and awards will be announced."

The challenge of phase three will take place during the month of April; chapters will compete against their past energy and water consumption habits. The chapter that is able to demonstrate the highest energy and water savings will be declared the winner.

Bacha is confident that chapters will take the competition seriously and work to decrease energy and water consumption not just to win the competition, but to better the environment.

"One of my proudest moments was at the end of the GGG Education Event," Bacha said. "Individuals stood up and pledged to take shorter showers, walk or bike instead of drive, and buy groceries at the Athens Farmers Market. It was great to see the enthusiasm and dedication expressed by these individuals."

What did I do wrong?

I walk out of my room with Law and Order muted on the TV, the air conditioner on full blast, my iTunes blaring and all the lights on. My shower shoes squeak as I shuffle into one of four showers in my residence hall bathroom. I enjoy my gloriously hot 25-minute shower. I finish and return to my room, and I of course leave all the bathroom lights on for whoever comes in next. I am ready to start my day.

What did I do wrong?

I consumed far too much unneeded energy. The activities I listed above all were convenient and easy, but terrible for the environment. For starters, my 25-minute shower used somewhere between 125 and 250 gallons of water. According to a study by Texas A&M University, the average shower uses 5-10 gallons of water every minute. By cutting my shower down to 15 minutes, which is still a fairly long shower, I would have saved 50-100 gallons of water. Over the course of one month, assuming I shower daily, I would save 2375-4650 gallons of water.

My electricity usage was also unnecessary, especially when I was not even in my room. By turning off my lights, air conditioner, TV, computer and the lights in the shower, I would have saved money and energy. You may not be paying utilities directly, but I can assure you that your energy usage is factored into your rent or residence hall room cost.

Calculate your personal energy usage: http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/howmuch.html

Fun energy facts:
*Lighting consumes approximately 75 percent of the energy used on Ohio University's campus.
*Compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs) consume approximately 25 percent of the energy and last up to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs
*Shutting down your computer when you’ll be away for more than two hours can save the 65-250 watts of power it takes to operate an average desktop
*Screensavers actually increase energy consumption
*Even when you're appliances are turned off, they still use energy if they are plugged in