College Highlights

Wilbur Wright participated in an interactive science fair, held at Al Raby High School (Chicago), where approximately 150 9th graders were challenged with an information scavenger hunt at 6 tables, each staffed by different organizations active in renewable energy or green lifestyle education. Wright's station had a stationary bike generator, a scale model wind turbine, and various solar energy components. The bike generator was set up to power a kitchen blender that contained lemonade mix and ice. The students were tasked with answering the question: "Where does the energy that mixes the lemonade come from?" Students who could answer correctly were entitled to get in line, take a turn on the bike, and get a cup of lemonade; or - "Get juice if you make juice." 

Besides Wilbur Wright, the following organizations were also present; Climate Cycle, Green Community Schools, CPS Go Green, and Inspiration Corporation. Each had their own engaging exhibit and scavenger hunt question to answer.

 

 

 

 

On March 24th, EICCD in collaboration with Western Illinois University and Blackhawk College held a Sustainability Symposium for eastern Iowa and western Illinois colleges and universities.

Craig Altemose, an active environmentalist and Harvard graduate student, came from Boston to share a 30,000 foot perspective on sustainability as it relates to climate change, societies, economies, and international collaboration. Ryan Wolber, an Illinois State University student, spoke about sustainability in campus government, residence halls, and campus initiatives. Nadia Anderson of Iowa State University spoke from the middle perspective on college programs and facility plans for green building and how the three elements of sustainability (economy, environment, and society) need to be interdependent with nested systemic approaches to sustainability and curriculum. She also shared student experiences designing structures in Haiti. Lunch-time roundtable discussions facilitated by Enid Cardinal of Illinois State University, Bill Brewer of Western Illinois University’s Quad City campus, and Julie Plummer of the Iowa Waste Exchange covered administrative, facilities, and waste management practices.

In the afternoon, Ed Kraklio and Joe Dennis from Nostalgia Farms showed how life experiences in sustainability lead to green jobs and a healthier life. Erin Vorac of the Scott Area Recycling Center explained some of the finer issues involved in recycling and controlling campus waste. Brian Ritter, facilitator of Nahant Marsh and eco-education faculty at EICCD spoke on...