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Healthy Lawns RPI. An Initiative By EJ McGlynn Qiao Yu Thomas McGann Samantha Bliss. Running , Running. Environmental Problems are evident in our everyday lives. We MUST take steps to preserve the e nvironmental aspects of our c ampus home !. The Problem.
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Healthy Lawns RPI An Initiative By EJ McGlynn Qiao Yu Thomas McGann Samantha Bliss
Running,Running • Environmental Problems are evident in our everyday lives. • We MUST take steps to preserve the environmental aspects of our campus home!
The Problem • Extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticide • a threat to the welfare of all aspects of campus environment Background/History • Campus covers 275 acres • Current lawn care team consists of 16 individuals • Alumni fund many landscaping features
Our Solution • Create aprogram entitled “Healthy Lawns-RPI” • To: • Educate the campus and community public • transition to the use of organic fertilizers and pesticides • Extend this program to facilitate greater change
Related Projects • The EPA’s “Healthy Yards, Healthy Lawns, Healthy Environment” • http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/pesticideslawn.htm • “Safer Pest Control Project” • http://www.spcpweb.org/yards/?gclid=CP35mdGmxLoCFdGe4AodKzQAzQ • Pest Control Blog Post • http://blog.pested.psu.edu/2012/03/19/organic-pesticides-what-works-and-what-doesnt-2/
MissionStatement “To promote environmentally sound garden and lawn options here at RPI to reduce environmental impact in the form of toxic runoff, thereby resulting in cleaner air, water, and soil benefiting wildlife and the community as a whole.”
Goals/Aims of Project • Three main goals: • Education and involvement , 25 people • Reduction of non-organics, <10% • Expanding our project, 5 other institutions
Stakeholders • Fertilizers treat the grounds they walk, lay, play, and compete on • Makes grounds safer and healthier to be on • Student leadership Students • Support helpful for research • Healthier work environment ProfessorsAtRPI • Approval to shift funding • Approval to use new products RPIAdministration (Finance/Budget)
Stakeholders • Have experience in this area • Will be implementing change • advice, ideas and concerns RPI Lawn Care Team • current company consultation • change provider companies Fertilizer Company • provide manpower • Possibly provide funding • publicity Environmental Clubs (At RPI) • provide additional support/funding • quantitative data • scale up and out Environmental Organizations (Outside of RPI)
Whyisitimportant? • Educate public about little known issue • RPI continuing to be a more sustainable institution • improve the quality of life for students, faculty, plants and animals • provide students and faculty with the tools to facilitate the switch • Implement greater change
Location/Justification • Propose first on the RPI campus: • Sufficient amount of lawn/garden features for research • Manageable project area • Strong environmental science/sustainability studies programs • All of the group members live on campus • Can expand into the Troy community and NY state
Scaling Up And Out State funded program propose project to the state of New York extend to the Troy community implement at other college campuses
Barriers and Challenges • Significant cost difference between organics and non-organics • Convincing public to make behavioral changes • Convincing school administration of the value of shift • Securing funding necessary for research • Breaks and holidays delaying approvals • Government shut downs, etc.
Social and Political Aspects • Project asks public to change behavior • New project changes campus culture • Extending to community and state requires policy change
Conclusion - RPI would lead the community and state in this green initiative - provide a blueprint for future success -reputable, economic, and cleaner alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers Rensselear Why not change the world?
Thanksforwatching! Questions?
