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Environmental Studies Department |
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Campus Environmental Issues CommitteeMay 3, 2002
Ana Murteira reported on the status of battery recycling. Ramsey County does not recycle standard, disposable, dry cell alkaline batteries. They do recycle other types, such as mercury and lead-acid batteries, and they also sort these out from trash. Batteries Plus stores will recycle all types of batteries, so it may be possible for Macalester to establish a relationship with them for recycling. Ana will look into Hennepin County's battery recycling policies. Joel Creswell will report to Mary Claire Schultz, who originally requested that we research this issue, on our progress. Joel Creswell gave an update on the status of the application for a Luce Foundation grant to fund the implementation of the Talloires Declaration. Peter Vaughan continues to work on a second draft of a letter of interest, which he will present next week. Joel contacted David Orr at Oberlin College, author of the book Ecological Literacy, asking for advice and suggestions on how to integrate an environmental curriculum into the college-wide academic program. Dr. Orr responded, saying that he is on sabbatical in London and will return to Oberlin in June, and would like to discuss the issue then. Joel plans to follow up in June. Joel relayed an update on the status of the installation of a wind turbine at the Ordway Preserve. As Mark Dickinson discussed at the previous meeting, Xcel Energy donated the turbine to the College as part of a wind energy pilot program. Physical Plant is now checking into regulatory and legal issues surrounding the installation. It is not yet known whether the Biology Department, which is in charge of the site, has given approval for the installation. Janet Ebaugh, Ordway's associate director, is concerned that the turbine may interfere with migratory pathways for birds. Joel also reported on the status of a rainwater garden, planned by members of the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar, that Physical Plant agreed to build. The garden will process the water that runs off the roof of the library. The garden will be located between the library and Kirk Hall, and is in the process of being built by Physical Plant and planted by the students who designed it. Catherine Neuschler reported that the Environmental Studies Campus Audit group, part of the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar, has completed the data analysis on a survey it conducted of the student body about environmentalism on campus. The results show relatively broad support for environmental issues. The results will be available on the Environmental Studies website soon. |
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