Sustainability@UIC

Campus Tree Inventory Training!

2013-05-14T12:45:00.000-05:00

Interested in learning how to measure trees for a campus tree inventory? If so, join the Office of Sustainability and Andy Lueck, ( a UIC Alum and creator of the current UIC Tree Inventory) for a morning of training! In order to keep data about the trees on the UIC campus accurate, periodic measurements and updates must be taken. This data, and volunteer activities to care for and manage trees at UIC, help maintain the university's status as an Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus USA institution.

We will meet in room 107, Paulina Street Building. While registration is not required, please RSVP to sustainability@uic.edu if you plan to attend in case a larger room is required. More information can be found here.

Join a tree planting on campus!

2011-11-02T17:22:00.002-05:00

The UIC Office of Sustainability will hold a tree planting event on Friday, November 4 at 1pm as part of UIC’s effort to become recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. A short overview will be given of the Tree Campus USA program and what UIC has done to attain recognition. This will be followed by the planting of several trees. The event will be held by the north doors of Lecture Center A. If you would like to participate, please contact Andrew Lueck, graduate assistant with the UIC Office of Sustainability at alueck2@uic.edu For more information on UIC's Tree Campus USA efforts, visit http://www.uic.edu/sustainability/treecampus/

Volunteer Opportunity: The Plant

2011-10-06T16:09:00.001-05:00

Who: The Plant

What: Breaking down walls, cleaning house - basic deconstruction of their building to pave the way for future sustainable endeavors that will take place in the building.

When: Any Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. (Weekdays work better)

Where: 1400 W. 46th St., Chicago IL - ring the doorbell when you arrive

View Larger Map

Why: In order for the building owner to pursue future sustainable efforts in this old meat factory, the building must be renovated. The Plant needs a helping hand. In the future, there will be more farming and gardening opportunities. Also, they provide lunch as an added benefit.

Extra: Please wear long pants and close-toed shoes. Bring a jacket or sweater if its cold. Expect to get dirty!

Want more information on The Plant? Check out their website.

Be a Green Festival® Volunteer!

2011-03-25T11:03:00.000-05:00

You’ll meet new people, have fun and support a great cause! Volunteers are a critical part of the Green Festival! The event would not be possible without you.

As a member of our amazing volunteer team at Green Festival, you are an essential part of the nation's leading sustainability event educating and activating people to make choices for a just and sustainable world!

All are Welcome!

There is a job for every interest at the Green Festival. Click here to see a list of Volunteer Job Descriptions. Volunteers who are hearing impaired, deaf or handicapped are encouraged to volunteer. Please see our detailed list of job descriptions.

If you have questions or concerns about what volunteer positions will fit your needs best, please e-mailvolunteer@greenfestivals.org.

Volunteering with a Group

If you'd like to bring a group to volunteer, please contact volunteer@greenfestivals.org to arrange a group volunteer reservation. Group slots fill quickly, so the earlier the better!

Volunteers Under Age 18

All volunteers must be 10 years and older. Volunteers aged 10 to 15 years must volunteer with a parent, guardian or adult over the age of 18.
All Volunteers under age 18, must have a volunteer waiver. Visit the volunteer registration website for your city to download the waiver.

Volunteer Benefits

Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one 4.5 - 5 hour shift and receive:

Free access into the festival all weekend.
An exclusive organic cotton t-shirt
Free/optional memberships to Global Exchange and Green America (the co-founders of Green Festival) - new members only Check the membership boxes when you register.
10% discount at the Green America and Global Exchange stores.
Snacks, relaxation and a free coat check in the Volunteer Lounge.
An amazing networking opportunity and a fun, rewarding experience!

Volunteer Handbook

Though the handbook is updated with city-specific details a month before the event, the General Green Festival Volunteer Handbook is available here. Job descriptions can be found here.

Volunteer Registration

Volunteer registration opens in each city approximately 3 months before the Green Festival. If you are a former volunteer or receive our Volunteer Alerts, you will receive an email when registration is open in your city. Not yet on our list, Sign up for the Volunteer Alert Here!

Registration is OPEN for:

San Francisco April 9-10, 2011, click here to register.

Chicago May 14-15, 2011, click here to register.

Seattle May 21-22, 2011, click here to register.

http://www.greenfestivals.org/volunteer/

Volunteer at the Chicago Cycle Swap!!

2011-02-11T14:01:00.000-06:00

Active Transport is a huge supporter of UIC cyclists! Why not get more involved and give them some of your time Saturday, February 26th?

Help is needed on Feb 26 at the Chicago Cycle Swap presented by Active Transportation Alliance and benefiting Bike Winter, taking place at the Pulaski Park Fieldhouse near Blackhawk and Ashland.
Please drop a line to ho.ardbikes (at) gmail.com or post here if you're willing to help out and whether your preference is for earlier or later in the day, or if one of the specific shifts/assignments below catches your fancy.

In case it doesn't go without saying, you get free admission to the event (saving $5 !!!)

Here are the specific needs (need 2-4 volunteers for most slots):

Friday night setup (Feb 25)- 5:30-9 PM

(everything below is Sat 2/26):

Participant/attendee check-in table
9:30 AM-1:30 PM
12:30pm-4:30 PM

Vendor/exhibitor check-in table:
7 AM- 11 AM

Active Trans/membership table:
9:30 AM-1:30 PM
1:30 PM-5 PM

Bike Winter Table:
9:30-1:30
1:30-5

Volunteer check-in table:
7-10 AM
10-2

Bike Corral:
7:30-12
12-5:30

Presentation support:
9AM-1PM
1-5

Food Service Support:
9-1
1-5

Vendor/merchant load-in support:
7-10 AM

Vendor/merchant load-out support:
5-7 PM

Room steward/security/floater:
8AM-1PM
1PM-6PM

If this interests you, volunteer and take some pictures! E-mail them to akuhn07@gmail.com!

Volunteer with Working Bikes

2011-02-09T16:54:00.000-06:00

Working Bikes Cooperative, located on Western Avenue, is a non-profit volunteer based organization that diverts bicycles from the waste stream in the greater Chicagoland area & surrounding states. They repair some bikes for local donation and sale to assist funding the overseas shipment & donation the remaining bicycles.

Receiving no government funding, Working Bikes acquires profit through the bicycles they sell at store front. With the money raised, they send bikes to charity organizations in countries on the Gulf Coast and Ghana, Tanzania, Angola, Cuba, Guatemala, and Peru. Providing individuals in these regions with bicycles can mean the difference of work and unemployment.

How can you help?

As a volunteer-based organization, Working Bikes can use volunteers with a vast array of skills.

Mechanics:
The bicycles received must be put in working order; the demand for their bikes far exceeds their ability to repair them. Working Bikes is in urgent need of people to increase the rate at which we can repair bicycles.

They can utilize mechanics of all skill levels. If you only know how to repair tires we can use you. Simply go to or call the store during business hours and let a volunteer or staff member know that you wish to volunteer.

Storefront operations:

Working Bikes needs people at the store for daily preparations including: bringing bikes to and from the warehouse, assisting customers in finding a bike and fitting and performing final adjustments on bikes for customers.

If interested you can follow the same procedure as for mechanics: go to the store during business hours and talk with the volunteers and staff working there.

Shipping Parties and other events:

Shipping more than 5,000 bicycles to places in need (for more information, see About Working Bikes), Working Bikes needs volunteers to ready bicycles for shipping and load into the containers. To do this work, they hold shipping parties which are announced on our mailing list and on the Working Bikes website. If you wish to participate simply show up at the announced time and lend a hand. No technical skills are required.

Other events are also announced on the mailing list and website that volunteers are encouraged to attend. Please check the specifics in the announcements to see what is required.

Benefits!
Besides the good feeling of volunteering to help Internationally and locally, volunteers are served free lunch!

2434 S. Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60608
312-421-5048 (donations, volunteering)
312-371-4286 from 9 to 5 Mon - Sat.

Email donations@workingbikes.org.

Volunteer training at Greenbuild 2010

2010-11-17T14:11:00.000-06:00

The thought of volunteering at the USGBC's Greenbuild came to me while I was at the Foresight Sustainability Career Seminar I attended about a month ago in the Haworth Room at the Merchandise Mart. Peter Nicholson, head of the seminar and Foresight Design Initiative, recommended to get involved in the sustainability world as much as possible-and what better way to do that than to attend the Greenbuild Expo for free!

From the website:

Greenbuild is the world's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building.Thousands of building professionals from all over the world come together at Greenbuild for three days of outstanding educational sessions, renowned speakers, green building tours, special seminars, and networking events.

After signing up for two four hour shifts, I had to attend a training last night from 7:30-8:30 pm. First off, when checking in, volunteers receive a free t-shirt they must wear during volunteering hours and a very cool shoulder bag filled with information on Greenbuild and it's events!

A little background information was brought to our attention at first. This is the second time Greenbuild has been held in Chicago's McCormick Place-2007 and 2010. On it's 8th year running, Chicago's McCormick Place has a legend to live up to or, as hopefully planned, succeed. Pre-Greenbuild 2007, the McCormick Place had only recycled a mere 3% of its waste. Over the course of Greenbuild, they made a complete turn around and recycled 91% of its waste. That blew my mind!

Greenbuild 2007 remains the one expo that had the lowest percentage of non-recyclable waste. To make that possible, volunteers like me sign-up to hold duties of floaters and recycling attendants. Being an all day event, people are enjoying food and beverages all day, amongst other waste, and walking up to a four sectioned "garbage" can be a little intimidating. Volunteers, wearing an orange t-shirt with a question mark on the front, are there to help the attendees place their items into the correct stream.

The four streams are paper, plastic, compost, and landfill. Paper is pretty self-explanatory. Plastic get more complicated with the numbering system it has. Plastics with a number 6 must go to the landfill and number 7 plastics can be composted. The rest can be placed into the plastic stream. Plastic-looking items such as straws and hot cup lids cannot be recycled and must also go to the landfill stream. Composting is also a little complex because of the different types known and different non-organic materials allowed. Along with all food materials (raw and cooked meat, dairy, cheese, vegetables... etc), napkins, straw wrappers, and Starbucks hot cups can also be placed into the compost bin. The landfill stream consists of chip bags, candy wrapper, napkins used for blowing noses, wooden and plastic stirrer sticks, etc..

When looking at emissions, the team looked outside the McCormick place to take into account the attendees traveling from all around the world. The emission of that alone are enormous, so to do their part the Greenbuild team cut down on printing, used all post-consumer recycled carpeting, procured local, organic food, and asked hotels to promote re-use linens and recycle to guests. The site has tips for visitors on how to be efficient when staying in hotels in Chicago and commuting to the expo.

As I walked to the volunteer training room, I passed the main exhibit hall filled with people and exhibitors. I am looking forward to my post about my volunteering experience! If you are unable to attend, the website is full of information!

The City of Chicago Department of Environment – Volunteers

2010-11-10T10:27:00.000-06:00

Thursday, November 4, 2010

The City of Chicago’s Department of Environment (CDOE) seeks two Volunteers for the Commissioner’s Office.

Responsibilities will include assisting the Director of Project Development – Policy and Research and the Commissioner’s Office implement the Chicago Climate Action Plan (CCAP) as well as other Intergovernmental Affairs initiatives. Volunteers will work in a fast-paced environment with a diverse and energetic team. Interacting with CCAP’s stakeholder network presents a unique opportunity for Volunteers to collaborate with colleagues who are familiar with the pulse of Chicago’s environmental and conservation work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENT: Prospective candidates should have at least two years of experience working or volunteering in the urban environmental arena, an awareness of Chicago’s neighborhoods, and a familiarity with Chicago’s Environmental and community organizations.

Candidates should possess strong oral and written communication skills; proficiency in word-processing, spread sheets, PowerPoint and other basic computer programs; and strong analytical and organizational skills. Past experience with administrative duties in the environmental field, preferably involving research, is required

Specific tasks could include:
• Providing policy, research and programmatic design support for environmental and climate action initiatives.
• Collaborating on the development of municipal ordinances and state legislation to promote The City’s environment
• tal policy and climate action objectives.
• Writing legislative correspondence and managing review process.
• Conducting surveys and literature reviews of innovative municipal, state and federal programs on climate action topics including but not limited to: energy efficiency; renewable energy; improved transportation; reduced waste; refrigerant management; water, air, and land conservation; and climate change adaptation.
• Measuring environmental indicators to further accountability and enhance progress.
• Prepare for, and follow up on, CCAP stakeholder engagement_

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: City of Chicago residency is not required.
SALARY: VOLUNTEER – UNPAID
CLOSING DATE: November 12, 2010
INSTRUCTION: Interested applicants should email resumes and cover letters (detailing how your experience as it relates to the position), to Joann McNeil, City of Chicago Department of Environment, at joann.mcneil@cityofchicago.org by November 12, 2010. Please include, “Volunteer, Climate and Intergovernmental Affairs,” in the subject line.

If you are a person with disability and require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process, please contact the City of Chicago, Department of Human Resources at 312-744-4976 (voice) or 312-744-5035 (TTY). You may be required to provide information to support your reasonable accommodation request.

ALL REFERENCES TO POLITICAL SPONSORSHIP OR RECOMMENDATION MUST BE OMITTED FROM ANY AND ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENTAPPLICATION MATERIALS SUBMITTED FOR CITY EMPLOYMENT

America Recycles Day 11.15.10

2010-10-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

Since 1997, communities across the country have come together on November 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day. More than a celebration, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. One day to inform and educate. One day to get our neighbors, friends and community leaders excited about what can be accomplished when we all work together. One day to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year.

Take the Pledge today!
Take the Challenge!
After getting involved yourself, Spread the Word!

Getting Involved:
Not everyone can take on the commitment required to organize and host an America Recycles Day event. Fortunately, you can still have a huge impact on our success by simply showing up for an event that your community organizers have arranged. To find the event nearest you, enter your zip code in the event search tool, and go!

When searching "60607" most of the events that came up are outside of Chicago. So the better idea would be to organize your own event!

Help spread the message by hosting an America Recycles Day event in your community, school or workplace. Organize and register your event now!

There are plenty of brilliant, fun and creative event ideas that are appropriate for various types of groups at their Website? Once you decide, be sure to register your event and spread the word, especially to the Office of Sustainability!

Some ideas that would work well at UIC include:
General

A "swap" (tools, office supplies, clothing, etc...)
"Recycled Resources Art Day" using found materials to create artwork
Magazines donated to hospitals, nursing homes, senior centers, and schools

Donations

Battery collection or promotion of rechargeable batteries
School Supplies
Construction materials such as nails, door knobs, mirrors, and light fixtures
Halloween Costumes
Clothing

Local Governments

Issue a proclamation declaring November 15 as America Recycles Day in your city or county and encourage residents and employees to recycle and reuse.
Start or announce a new or expanded recycling collection program on November 15.
Conduct a household hazardous waste collection.
Promote the mulching and composting of fall leaves.
Have a paperless office day. Encourage staff to use e-mail and edit documents on-line.

College Campuses

Have a campus-wide clothing collection day for donations of good, clean apparel from students/community for Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or a local church or civic organization.
Promote to school and local newspapers and other media what you are doing to recognize Recycles Day.

EPA OnCampus- Applications due May 6!

2010-04-26T16:03:00.000-05:00

EPA OnCampus: New National Initiative
Enrolled College Students as On Campus EPA Ambassadors

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts. The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

EPA seeks to engage all citizens on issues of environmental importance, and college students have a unique opportunity to integrate issues into classroom lectures, campus and community life. To develop these campus ambassadors, EPA is launching a new initiative, EPA OnCampus, at colleges and universities around the country.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Fully enrolled students will be hired as remote EPA ambassadors for the academic year (September-May). This will be an unpaid position for the 2010-2011 year with optional college credit. Interns will serve as an on campus liaison for EPA.

AMBASSADOR REQUIREMENT: Students will be expected to contribute 10 hours per week to the internship. They will work with the school to choose one primary responsibility related to EPA’s priorities and Partnership Programs, such as increasing energy efficiency on campus, reducing water use, or implementing a composting program. These initiatives will be based on what actions the campus is already undertaking and how willing the campus is to altering facilities.

Ambassadors will also be responsible for organizing other students to take part in 4 nationwide EPA educational initiatives in order to increase awareness of EPA programs. EPA headquarters will lead weekly mandatory conference calls to keep ambassadors up to speed on the educational initiatives and the ambassadors progress on campus.

SCOPE OF OnCampus: Ambassadors will be equipped with tools and networks to engage above and beyond campus. Headquarters will host a broad webinar training in the late summer and in the fall. Through one on one phone conversations over the summer we will make sure each student is properly prepared for the program by the time school begins.

EPA COORDINATION: Ambassadors will check in regularly with their EPA OnCampus manager. As an agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment, measurable actions will be a key component of a successful program, and ambassadors will be given assistance to meet goals.

We look forward to working with your college on this initiative. For further information please contact Shira Sternberg, Office of Public Affairs, EPA (202) 564-0467 or Karina Cochran, Office of Public Outreach 812-431-1955.

Interested candidates: Please submit resumes to Sternberg.Shira@epamail.epa.gov by May 6th, 2010.

Real Food Challenge National Team Seeks Nominations!

2010-04-26T15:54:00.000-05:00

The Real Food Challenge is a network, a movement, and a campaign to get young people working together about food sustainability and justice on their campuses and in their communities. They aim to get 20% of all food purchased by colleges and universities towards real food by 2020, which equals 4 billion Dollars!
Nominate yourself or someone you know for the National Committee's Steering Committee or Administrative team. Learn more.

Roosevelt Inst. Campus Network

2010-02-25T14:01:00.002-06:00

The Roosevelt Institute Campus Network, a national student initiative, engages young people in a unique form of progressive activism that empowers them as leaders and promotes their ideas for change. Through communication and coordination with political actors and community members, students identify pressing issues facing their towns, counties and states. The Campus Network emphasizes that young people can do far more than participate in campaigns; students are asked to take action on their ideas and create an impact in their communities. [Read More]