Whitmore challenges SJSU to lighten its environmental footprint
My Nguyen
Issue date: 9/9/09 Section: News
A new initiative has been implemented that could potentially make SJSU one of the greenest and most sustainability conscious universities in California, according to a news release sent out by President Jon Whitmore on Aug. 25, 2009.
The Ecological Footprint Challenge is a new program at SJSU that will measure the amount of land needed to support our lifestyles, said Director of Sustainability Katherine Kao Cushing.
Jessica Yusico, a junior kinesiology major, said the challenge will be a great opportunity for people to truly realize their ecological impact.
"It puts it in perspective for the individual to see their own impact," Yusico said. "Once you find out what you're doing wrong and how you're doing it, you can then fix it and spread the word."
The challenge will start in October and end in March. In October, the university will ask students, staff and faculty to take an online ecological footprint quiz, Cushing said.
The quiz will ask questions regarding the size of your home, energy sources used in your home and the number of miles you travel per year by automobile, according to the quiz.
In March, everyone will be asked to retake the footprint quiz, Cushing said.
Everyone who takes the quiz will be provided with mechanisms to create a plan to reduce his or her footprint through the school year, Cushing said.
The goal of the program is to reduce the school's impact by 10 percent come May, according to the news release.
Cushing said this is possible - especially if people take the ecological footprint quiz online.
In October, there will be a random drawing for those who took the footprint quiz. Winners can choose from a solar charging device or a $100 gift card to the bookstore, Cushing said.
In March, student, faculty and staff winners will be announced, Cushing said.
"The criteria for selection will be having the small ecological footprint or having reduced your footprint by the greatest percentage over the year," Cushing said.
The Ecological Footprint Challenge is a new program at SJSU that will measure the amount of land needed to support our lifestyles, said Director of Sustainability Katherine Kao Cushing.
Jessica Yusico, a junior kinesiology major, said the challenge will be a great opportunity for people to truly realize their ecological impact.
"It puts it in perspective for the individual to see their own impact," Yusico said. "Once you find out what you're doing wrong and how you're doing it, you can then fix it and spread the word."
The challenge will start in October and end in March. In October, the university will ask students, staff and faculty to take an online ecological footprint quiz, Cushing said.
The quiz will ask questions regarding the size of your home, energy sources used in your home and the number of miles you travel per year by automobile, according to the quiz.
In March, everyone will be asked to retake the footprint quiz, Cushing said.
Everyone who takes the quiz will be provided with mechanisms to create a plan to reduce his or her footprint through the school year, Cushing said.
The goal of the program is to reduce the school's impact by 10 percent come May, according to the news release.
Cushing said this is possible - especially if people take the ecological footprint quiz online.
In October, there will be a random drawing for those who took the footprint quiz. Winners can choose from a solar charging device or a $100 gift card to the bookstore, Cushing said.
In March, student, faculty and staff winners will be announced, Cushing said.
"The criteria for selection will be having the small ecological footprint or having reduced your footprint by the greatest percentage over the year," Cushing said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Tina Morrill
posted 9/12/09 @ 1:20 AM PST
It's great that SJSU is looking for ways students/faculty can assess and lighten their ecological/environmental footprint.
I would also challenge SJSU itself to look at their own and find ways to lighten their load. (Continued…)
Greg
posted 9/12/09 @ 11:09 AM PST
I challenge President Whitmore to take a paycut.
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