A couple links for during and after finals to learn about and take action during the most pivotal moment in the movement to combat Climate Change:
http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/blog/category/copenhagen/
http://action.350.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=6778
A few weeks ago, we hosted an event on Low Plaza in collaboration with close to 20 other student groups who came out to deliver a message of unified climate change awareness, alongside thousands of other events in over 180 countries worldwide on the same day, October 24th.
In spite of the rain, the event was really successful and throughout the day there were performances from a very diverse array of Columbia student groups, each supporting the message of www.350.org as we move closer to the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen, now just a couple weeks away.
A big thanks to everyone who helped make the event possible, including the SGB, CCSC, and Gatsby Charitable Foundation (through the Arts Initiative) for monetary assistance/co-sponsorship!
This was an event we cosponsored for this past weekend – CU Couture did an amazing job organizing it, with great success! We look forward to working with them more in the future…
The Columbia EcoReps (http://columbiaecoreps.blogspot.com/)
and CU Green Borough (http://forthegreatergreen.ning.com/group/cugreenborough, which is part of a larger network which students from Green Borough hope will attract similar sustainable living houses from other universities) have new/renovated websites! Check them out – GU
I ran into a couple of Grassroots activists the other day from a very cool group called Environment New York, which is a relatively new branch of a wider effort called Environment America. They are primarily working on lobbying congress through grassroots support on the Waxman-Markey Climate Bill nationally, and will eventually start similar environmental lobbying in Albany.
“Raising a voice”: When a coal-fired plant adds tons of pollution to our air, causing asthma attacks and contributing to global warming, when a big developer threatens to transform farmland into condos, when a company routinely pollutes our waterways, who will speak up and take action? Being an Environment New York member means raising your voice, along with thousands of others, in defense of our environment.
“Being there when it counts”: Decision makers hear plenty from the utilities, the big developers and other powerful interests. Through your membership support and online action, Environment NY is there to counter their influence and tip the balance in favor of public health and our environment.
“Opening paths to progress”: Pristine forests and other open spaces preserved for generations to come. Less smog, mercury and global warming pollution thanks to tough new laws. Polluters forced by our lawsuits to clean up. Increased solar and clean wind power thanks to renewable energy standards. Being an Environment NY member means making a difference, one victory at a time.
The gentleman I spoke with also said that they are practically always hiring, with internships (for credit) and part-time (paid) job opportunities available to interested students during the year. Of course, they are more than happy to receive any donations and are supported only by contributions from people like you and me.
more information available at their website… Read More →
CALLING ALL ENVIRONMENTAL ENTHUSIASTS!
On Saturday, August 29th, the NYC Parks Department greenteam seeks recycling volunteers to help clean and green Adventures NYC, an outdoor sports expo in Central Park.
Recycling Volunteers will:
* Work in pairs and small teams to collect recyclables throughout the event.
* Teach event visitors about recycling in New York City.
* Administer/participate in the “Recycling Raffle.”
Sign up here to join the greenteam at Adventures NYC.
The greenteam is a volunteer corps of New Yorkers pitching in to reduce the ecological footprint of public events in parks.
Check out the BWOG posting at http://www.bwog.net/tags/green_umbrella
Green Umbrella and CUIT have set up a new printer (251a Engineering Terrace) that will take reclaimed (already used) paper that has only been used on one side. The printer is open to all students and is great for printing event flyers, drafts and short class readings in a more environmentally friendly way. If you have questions about networking to the printer, contact Robert Litvak of CUIT.
As always, if you have questions, comments or ideas for further Umbrella projects contact us at CUGreenUmbrella@gmail.com.