Green Jobs, Green Lives: What Each of Us Can Do to Be More Sustainable and Increase Our Savings By Scott Hewitt Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry California State University, Fullerton Global Warming Teach-In Cal. State Fullerton
Dec 19, 2015
Green Jobs, Green Lives:What Each of Us Can Do to Be More Sustainable
and Increase Our Savings
By Scott HewittDept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry
California State University, Fullerton
Global Warming Teach-InCal. State Fullerton
Millenium Ecosystem Assessment
“Human activity is putting such a strain on the natural
functions of Earth that the ability of the planet’s ecosytems to
sustain future generations can no longer be taken for
granted.”
We have problems …
Global warming• caused in part by the burning of fossil fuels
Running low on critical resources, …• fossil fuels – not just for energy• high grade copper ore• high grade iron ore• potable water
These pose threats to our national security
What is the
solution?
Build a “sustainable” or “green” future.
Sustainability is About the Connections That Lead to Health
Healthy Businesses
Healthy Environment
Healthy Communities
Healthy People
Jason Hamilton
Sustainability is about all of our choices and connections
InvestmentChoices
FormalEducation
CommunityInvolvement
Spiritual Life Personal
Development
PoliticalChoices
Consumption Choices
Jason Hamilton
What are U.S. companies already doing?
• Many companies have realized that they can increase profits by being green
• Reduce costs by using fewer natural resources
• Enhance revenues by having “green” products
• Many companies now hire people to make their companies more sustainable, even vice presidents
• Emergence of “Cleantech” and green companies
Sustainability or
Sustainable Development
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
World Commission on Economic Development (1987). Our Common Future. England: Oxford University Press.
What are Obama and Schwarzeneggar planning?
• Cut greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050
• Create millions of green jobs:
• green companies based on renewables
• weatherize, solarize, and rewire America
What Can Each of Us Do to Be More Sustainable and Increase Our Savings?
Faculty & Staff
• Raise awareness and build capacity
• Incorporate sustainability throughout the curriculum
• Institutionalize sustainability
• Provide our students with opportunities to make a difference now, through research projects, internships, and service learning experiences
• Join a sustainability committee
• Join the club: Faculty and Staff for Sustainability
Students: Go Green
• Learn about sustainability so that you are better prepared for the job market: classes, web, …
• Take advantage of opportunities to make a difference now, through research projects, internships, service learning experiences, …
• Join a “green” student club:• Environmental Advocacy Committee• Roots and Shoots• Fullerton Critical Mass• Project Earth• Environmental Studies Student Association• Geography Club• CSUF Cycling Club
All CSUF Campus Members: Go Green – Save Classes!
• Look for ways to be more sustainable and reduce
costs (reduce paper usage, energy usage, water
usage, waste, …),
• so that we don’t have to cut more classes,
underfund important programs, let go of part-time
lecturers, turn away more students, …
What Can We Do As Individuals?
How Can We Save $$?
• Focus on reducing • our energy usage $$• our water usage $$• our consumption $$• our waste
Transportation
• walk, bike, carpool, or take a bus or train $$
• live close to work, public transportation, and places to shop
• buy a more fuel-efficient, less-polluting vehicle
• cover all errands in one trip $$
• reduce the amount of flying you do $$
Home
• set the thermostat high in summer / low in winter $$
• buy energy efficient lighting and appliances $$
• insulate, make sure windows are sealed $$
• buy energy efficient windows, doors, furnace, hot water heater, air conditioner – go solar
• buy a smaller, energy efficient, green home
• use low flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets $$
• drought tolerant landscaping
Miscellaneous
• eat less meat, eat locally grown food $$
• pay bills on-line, use both sides of paper, … $$
• avoid powerboats, gasoline-powered yard equipment, recreational off-road vehicles, fireplaces and wood stoves, pesticides, fertilizers, and hazardous cleaners and paints
• become an environmental advocate (City Council meetings, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, …)
• educate others; take them for a walk on the beach, in the woods, in the mountains, …
Tomorrow, what will you do to build a sustainable,
green future?
Acknowledgements
• Marlene Nang
• Dr. Jason Hamilton, Ithaca College
• CSUF faculty, staff, students, and administrators
My contact info: [email protected]