What Are We Throwing Away?

Over the past few weeks, the sustainability staff has carried out a waste audit to determine how much of the waste from campus apartments could in the future be diverted away from landfills. While rifling through garbage wasn't exactly pleasant, the results found were pretty staggering: over the course of the audit, a full 80% of waste from campus apartments was material that could either be recycled or composted. That means only 20% of the garbage was actually waste!

CAP Part 3: Energy Infrastructure, Efficiency and Conservation

An important part of Seattle Pacific University's climate action plan is its emphasis on energy infrastructure, efficiency, and conservation. Improving energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways for SPU reduce its carbon footprint, making it an important focus for the University.

Much of the improvements in energy infrastructure include improved monitoring of energy use. This can be done through developing a more user-friendly system to track building energy use, installation of natural gas sub-meters at each building, and conducting energy audits every two years.

Christians and Conservation: A Theology of Stewardship

Can he read? Susanne Weissenberger. 1st place, Natural Environment at Risk, ICP Awards 

"God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars." - Martin Luther

Last week I was able to attend the Burke Museum's latest exhibit showcasing the International Conservation Photography Awards.  I definitely recommend making the trip to see it.  The exhibit is a moving display of some of the best conservation photography in the world.  The collection is diverse: some pictures show the great beauty and wonder of the Earth, while others show the oftentimes discouraging relationship between humans and the natural environment.  For me, the experience raised questions about my role in environmental degradation.  Even further, as a Christian, it invoked questions about where my faith intersects environmental issues.  Because of that, I decided to use this post to open a discussion about why the environment is a concern for Christians.

Vanquishing Phantom Power

As October is Energy Awareness Month, I thought I'd post some tips on how to save energy (and money!). While there can be a lot of buzz around the latest green or energy saving product--and don't get me wrong, some of these are plenty nifty--there are several things you can do to save energy without spending a dime. Eliminating unnecessary phantom power is a simple and effective introduction to a more energy efficient lifestyle.