Sustainability Initiatives at Monmouth CollegeCraig Watson (English), Tim J. Tibbetts (Biology), and Bradley E. Sturgeon (Chemistry)

Citizenship- Green InitiativesBy the time students are seniors, they have been asked in our “Integrated Studies” courses to develop some understanding of their places in college, their places in the world, and their own beliefs and values. The senior capstone course, Citizenship, challenges students to move past study and contemplation to conscientious action. Citizenship courses, chosen from a menu of offerings, typically take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding important social issues. Then students are called upon to address those issues as citizens of community, nation, and world. Individual and group projects(student drive/designed) involve position papers, social or political policy proposals, development of and participation in service projects, or other experiential learning projects. Currently, there are 4 courses that focus on “green initiatives:”- Green Initiatives (general), Kenneth Cramer (Biology): This course focuses on defining and proposing solutions to a specific, local campus or community environmental problems. Some past projects involve; waste generation vs. recycling, methane generation, local food movement, campus energy conservation, LEEDS certification, backyard wildlife habitation, and wind power. - Land, Food, Sustainable Agriculture, Craig Watson (English): This course focuses on investigating the human relationship with land, food and agriculture. Students are ask to imagine themselves as “custodians” and “stewards” of the land. Student projects in this course were directly related to the development of the “educational garden” (see other section).- Developing and Preserving Nature Areas, Tim Tibbetts (Biology): This course focuses on developing an appreciation for natural areas. Projects have included a proposal for a greenway between campus and the LeSuer Nature Preserve, introducing native tree species, and investigating “green” roof systems on campus buildings.- Water, Brad Sturgeon (Chemistry): This course focuses on water related issues ranging from water rights to rain gardens to water as an artistic medium.

Rainwater Harvesting

April Zorn Memorial StadiumA recent $4.2 million stadium project was completed in the fall of 2009. The grass was replaced with synthetic turf eliminating the need for maintenance. The turf uses minced recycled tires as the main contact surface.

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HybridsIn 2008 the College purchased 4 Toyota Prius hybrids. These car’s are primarily used by the Admissions and Development, although they can be reserved for academic travel.

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Educational GardenA half-acre plot located near the college’s apartments is currently being developed as an education garden. This garden will explore issues related to local food production as well as irrigation systems, high tunnels, hooped cold frames, composting, and out reach to local schools. The plot will use rain barrels, a large water tank and a solar powered pump to supply water for the gravity-fed, trickle-type watering.

Wind EnergyChris Fasano in the physics department is modeling wind patterns in the midwest.

Dining and Food ServiceMonmouth College has partnered with Aramark for over 17 years and we are very proud of their relationship with the faculty, staff, and students. Some sustainability issues include:- Tray less (98%),- Reusable to-go containers,- 100% diversion of fryer waste oils,- Recycling of glass, tin, paper, cardboard and some plastics,- Sustainable disposables (25%),- Energy & Water efficient Dish Machine,- Green cleaning products,- Only paper products with recycled content,- Involvement with Educational Garden for composting,- Initial stages of waste oil to biodiesel conversion project,- Preference for socially-conscious vendors.

Athletics

LeSuer Nature Preserve

before after

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Academics

Distinguished Alumni Program,Featured two alumni discussing sustainability issues; energy, water, food; Professor Eugene Turner of LSU, 67', and Mr. Robert Riley, 70', of Des Moines, Iowa.

Integrated Studies Colloquium- Paul Loeb - Social Activist- Chad Pregracke - Living Lands and Waters.- Sandra Steingraber - biologist/activist

Invited Speakers