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

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 People Healthy Businesses Healthy Environment Healthy Communities Healthy People Jason Hamilton

Sustainability is about all of our choices and connections Investment Choices Formal Education Community Involvement Spiritual Life Personal Development Political Choices 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: