Tips to Reduce Waste at the Holidays
Starting before Halloween, stores are quickly anticipating the approaching holidays, are you? Preparing for and hosting upcoming celebrations and traditions are magical parts of the year. With a little planning, you can put some forethought into your gift giving and think about what happens to these gifts and all their packaging after the season has moved on.
According to California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), the 2.6 billion holiday cards that are sold each year in the United States is enough to fill a football field 10 stories high! In addition, between Thanksgiving and the New Year an extra million tons of waste is generated nationwide each week. In fact it is estimated, 38,000 miles of ribbon alone is thrown out each year--enough to tie a bow around the Earth! As we prepare for the season, here are a few easy actions the Center for EcoTechnology recommends to prevent unnecessary waste during the holidays without trimming back on the fun.
A season for giving not discarding: When buying gifts, consider the durability of the product – how long will it last? Is it recyclable? Make your own gift wrap from Sunday comics, old calendars, maps, Christmas-themed kitchen towels or fabric and reusable gift boxes. Make reusable bags or homemade wrapping paper to add to the creative charm and uniqueness of the gift. If you do buy new wrapping paper, be sure it is made from recycled paper and is recyclable (no metalics). During food preparation, consider composting food scraps. It’ll save you on garbage fees!Or donate food leftovers to local charities.
Party Planning: Try to avoid the disposable plates, cups and plastic utensils – use the real thing or try compostable ware. If you do not have enough to accommodate all your friends pick up some extra at a local Goodwill or Salvation Army, or ask your guests to bring their own plate and utensils. Easy clean up! If each person washes their own plate and utensil after the party then you are left with a clean kitchen. Guests always offer to help, allow them.
Give local and personable gifts: How about a few locally-based gifts such as specialty foods and services produced in the Berkshires? Give gifts that use less packaging, such as movie or concert tickets, and restaurant certificates. Or get creative with a gift certificate for babysitting, housecleaning or personal health. Also, consider monetary gifts, services, or donations in the preferred name for organizations that need your support.
Use reusable shopping bags: Department stores, supermarkets and other stores offer these bags for a small fee. Use them each time you shop to avoid leaving the store with lots of plastic bags you’ll have to return for recycling. If you have to use plastic bags this season, please reuse or return them to the store to be recycled.
Use rechargeable batteries: If your gift list includes personal electronics or talking furry friends, be sure to stock up on rechargeable batteries., They are a great gift idea that keeps giving even after the holidays. These batteries can be recycled when they can no longer recharge, versus being thrown out as garbage.
Try LED lights: Decorate your home with new strings of these energy saving lights, they use 80-90 percent less energy than incandescent ones and generate less heat. Also, if one burns out the rest of the lights remain on. Make sure you turn off all lights when they are not in use.
Holiday tree recycling: Once the big day has passed and the ornaments are safely packed away for next year, many farms and towns mulch trees to utilize the wood chips. Or buy a live tree and plant it as a family – you can light it up with LED’s for next year’s festivities!
These are just a few of the environmentally positive steps you can take. For more ideas on holiday waste reduction or to schedule a presentation for your town or community group, contact Aric Brown at aric.brown@cetonline.orgor 413.445.4556 Ext. 30. On behalf everyone at the Center for EcoTechnology, have a happy holiday season!
Center for EcoTechnology is a non-profit organization working in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management and environmental education. CET provides practical solutions that make sense for our community, economy and environment. CET is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. Funding for the production of this article comes from the USDA, RDA.
return to list of articles |
Job Description
Posting Date: 11/18/2011
Position Number: 660117
Job Title: Env Engr II AC General
Agency: Environmental Conservation
Location: Waterbury
Reference: 29298
Job Code: 146402
Job Type: Classified
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Hourly Rate: $16.60
Pay Grade: 20
Shift: N/A
Application Deadline: 12/06/2011
Who May Apply
This Environmental Engineer II AC General position, Ref # 29298, is open to all State employee and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Brian T. Fitzgerald, Streamflow Protection Coordinator at 802.338.4852 or via email: brian.fitzgerald@state.vt.us. Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
This position is temporarily located in Winooski.
Tax Compliance Verification
In accordance with 32 V.S.A. Section 3113(i), when an applicant for State employment is determined to be a finalist for a position, s/he will be provided an Affidavit to sign attesting that s/he is in good standing with respect to all Vermont taxes due as of the date. The applicant's tax compliance will be verified with the Vermont Tax Department prior to any offer of employment. Please see Personnel Policy 12.12 - Tax Compliance for further information: http://humanresources.vermont.gov/sites/dhr/files/pdf/policies_procedures/DHR-Policy_Manual.pdf#pagemode=bookmarks
Overview
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. River Management Program has an opening for an Environmental Engineer/Hydrologist. The hydrologist will join a team of engineers and scientists working to protect and restore Vermont's rivers, river corridors and floodplains, and will be a key member of DEC's watershed management team.
This position is located within the Rivers Program's Streamflow Protection Section, but the hydrologist will provide technical expertise that supports many of the Agency of Natural Resources¿ regulatory and non-regulatory programs, including: hydroelectric power certification and compliance, water withdrawal permitting, natural streamflow protection and restoration, river restoration and dam removal, lake and reservoir water level regulation, floodplain management, wetland protection, stormwater management and aquatic habitat protection. This will be a demanding position because the staff hydrologist must use his/her technical knowledge to help guide local, state, and federal agencies and organizations in project review and design assistance to ensure projects achieve water quality and hazard mitigation objectives. Analysis of data, site investigations, and application of hydrology and engineering principals are all necessary to successfully accomplish this objective.
General Job Description
Engineering work at a basic professional level for the Department of Environmental Conservation. Duties involve the engineering review and analysis of environmental policies, programs, activities, and data in a variety of department regulatory, non-regulatory, and engineering programs. Duties entail the collection and analysis of engineering data, and the preparation and evaluation of engineering design and construction plans and specifications. Work at this level differs from higher level engineers in the scope of projects and level of independence and from lower level engineers in the level of expertise and breadth of knowledge required. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher level technical or administrative superior. Oversight of engineering work is provided by a Registered Professional Engineer.
Preferred Qualifications
Please include in your cover letter:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to convey technical information to lay audiences.
- Ability to work with a wide variety of people with potentially competing interests.
- Experience with use of a variety of computer software: MS-Office Suite, ArcGIS, HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS.
- Ability to conduct library and internet research.
- A high level of comfort working in and around rivers and streams and around dams and other infrastructure, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.
- While not required, a P.E. license is a plus.
Minimum Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Working knowledge of engineering systems analysis and evaluation.
- Working knowledge of the scientific method of observation and analysis.
- Working knowledge of engineering economics.
- Working knowledge of planning principles and procedures.
- Working knowledge of data gathering techniques and various systems for organizing and interpreting such data.
- Working knowledge of computer uses and potential in data management and program planning.
- Working knowledge of word processing and spread sheet computer programs.
- Working knowledge of statistical concepts and procedures.
- Working knowledge of the laws, regulations, rules, policies, and programs of the Vermont
- Department of Environmental Conservation applicable to area of assignment.
- Working knowledge of state and federal environmental laws and regulations and Department programs.
- Knowledge of the principles of thermodynamics.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of environmental management and protection.
- Knowledge of the basic principles of ecology.
- Ability to read and understand engineering plans and specifications.
- Ability to evaluate engineering reports, plans and specifications.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to read and understand technical writing.
- Ability to understand and interpret complex and technical information.
- Ability to plan, organize, implement, and administer data gathering systems.
- Ability to present research findings in clear, objective, written report form.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental, sanitary, water resources, chemical, civil or mechanical engineering.
Experience: One year of professional experience in environmental, sanitary, water resources, chemical, civil or air pollution engineering.
OR
Education: Bachelor's degree in any field of engineering.
Experience: Two years of experience in environmental, sanitary, water resources, chemical, civil or air pollution engineering.
NOTE: Graduate degree in environmental, sanitary, water resources, chemical, civil or air pollution engineering may be substituted for one year of the experience.
OR
Experience: One year experience as an Environmental Engineer I
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: n/a
Working Conditions
This position is temporarily located in Winooski.
Duties are largely performed in an office setting; however, some field travel may be necessary for which private means of transportation must be available. Field work may involve exposure to chemicals, gases, hazardous liquid and solid waste, and construction sites during all weather conditions; and may involve traversing rough terrain and bodies of water. Some work outside of regular working hours may be required. Strong and conflicting opinions may be encountered.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
return to list of articles |
Sowing Solutions 2012 Permaculture Design Certification Course
at Sirius EcoVillage in Western Massachusetts
with Kay Cafasso, Mark Krawczyk, Keith Zaltzberg, Llani Davidson, Ryan Harb and Special Guests
January-April 2012 ~ Four Inspiring Weekends
Become certified in permaculture design and gather sustainable living skills during 4 weekends at Sirius EcoVillage in 2012!
· Gain an internationally recognized permaculture design certificate
· Gain 3 college credits for this course through UMass Amherst Course # PLSOILIN 398B
(College credit is optional and fulfills a Core Requirement Ecosystem Course for the Sustainable Food and Farming Concentration at UMass Amherst; Credit can be transferred to other schools)
Four weekends in 2012:
· January 20-22
· February 18-20 (President’s Day Weekend)
· March 24-25
· April 14-16 (Patriot’s Day Weekend)
· Plus reading and design assignments
Course Content: Learn the tools for permaculture design; Practice site assessment & site planning with your own guided onsite design project for a parcel of land at the EcoVillage; Explore wildlife tracking, natural building, turning lawns to gardens, edible forest gardens, and the following list of permaculture topics and skills:
Permaculture Topics: Vision and Principles of Permaculture; Global Case Studies of Permaculture Systems; Ecological Design Process; Natural System Observation; Agroforestry; Patterns in Nature; Water in the Landscape; Edible Forest Gardening; Perennial Vegetables & Perennial Agriculture; Carbon Farming; Coppicing & Green Woodworking; Soils; Urban Permaculture; EcoVillages; Financial Permaculture; Appropriate Technologies; Waste Treatment; Natural Buildings
Permaculture Skills: Mapping Skills; Wildlife Tracking; Recognizing Patterns in Nature; Pruning; Elevation Tools; Solar Angle Tools; Compost; Garden Establishment; Sheet Mulching
Permaculture Design Practice: Client Interview, Goals Articulation, Site Analysis & Assessment, Site Planning, Design Generation & Presentation
Optional Evenings/ ‘Life Skills Electives’ include: Bread baking, cheese making, fermenting, growing sprouts, herbal medicine, seed saving, etc
Location: Sirius EcoVillage Retreat Center has the following~ permaculture design installations; wood fired sauna; trails for hiking, cross country and snowshoeing; a hand built cob house and straw bale art studio; ceremonial sweat lodge; standing stone circle; goats & chickens; root cellar and garden veggies; numerous gardens; 4 season greenhouses; intentional community
Sirius EcoVillage is 10 minutes from Amherst, MA; 2 hours from Boston; 3 hours from NYC; 3 hours from Burlington; 2 hours from Albany; 2 hours from Providence
Costs:
· Tuition: $900- $1200 (sliding scale)
· Accommodations and organic meals are available in the retreat center for additional fees
For more info and to register contact Kay at Sowing Solutions, www.sowingsolutions.net
Kay McGrenaghan Cafasso
Certified Permaculture Designer & Instructor
~ Permaculture Education & Certification Courses
~ Ecological Garden Design & Consultation Services
www.sowingsolutions.net
413-230-7998
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the earth" -Rumi
"You have full authority to improve creation!" -Geoff Lawton, Permaculturist
return to list of articles |
Fellowships
New England Wild Flower Society Fellowships
Deadline January 15, 2012
These full-time, six-month and three-month fellowships provide the opportunity to assist with the conservation programs of the New England Wild Flower Society, including conducting training programs, obtaining permission for rare plant surveys, invasive species initiatives, and restoration activites. Fellowship awards include a stipend and housing.
Switzer Foundation Environmental Fellowship
Deadline January 15, 2012
Supports highly talented graduate students in New England and California whose studies are directed toward improving environmental quality and who demonstrate the potential for leadership. Applicants must be citizens of the US enrolled in an accredited graduate institution.
Harvard University's Bullard Fellowship
Deadline February 1, 2012
Supports advanced research and study by individuals who show promise of making an important contribution, either as scholars or administrators, to forestry and forest-related subjects from biology to earth sciences, economics, politics, administration, and law.
TogetherGreen Conservation Leadership Program
Deadline TBA Spring 2012
This program invests in high-potential leaders, providing them with tools, resources, and a peer network to help them conduct their own innovative conservation projects, serve as role models, and build leadership skills. Applicants may be volunteer leaders or midcareer environmental professionals.
return to list of articles |
