Every day on their way to classes or to their cars, students walk by CSUN’s tropical rainforest. Walking by, students see lots of plants, colorful flowers and eight different towers with pictures of rainforest animals on them. CSUN’s tropical rainforest is equipped with a fuel satellite plant and eight chilling towers. The fuel cell is a plant that generates electrical power without pollution because it only uses hydrogen and oxygen to operate. Bill Sullivan, the energy manager for Physical Plant… Read more

CSUN’s part in recycling aluminum cans and paper products today is commonplace and composting is not too far behind, as we see the benefits of turning once living things into fertilizer useful in enriching garden soil and houseplants. CSUN Director of Publications Randy Thomson’s colleagues hail him as having a “passion” for composting. Composting “contributes less to landfills and saves money,” Thomson said. “About 50 percent of food is thrown away. We can take this food and redirect it to… Read more

Using different methods of transportation offers a way for students to help reduce the impact greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and congestion have on our environment as well as the cost and space given for parking structures. Geography professor Helen Cox, Ph.D., said a survey of 700 students done back in the fall of 2008 showed that 80 percent of the CSUN student population drive single occupancy vehicles to and from school. “This year we decided that we needed a more… Read more

When Erica Wohldmann moved to California she made the conscious decision to vote with her fork. For the last two years, Wohldmann, an assistant professor of psychology, has dedicated herself to starting a farmers market on campus. “A CSUN farmers market would serve its 30,000 campus community, plus its surrounding community,” Wohldmann said. “I gave up purchasing produce at the regular grocery store and started buying only what I could from the farmers market. I’ve gotten to know my farmers… Read more

The A.S. Recycling Center is moving forward in implementing its plans of expansion starting with small additions such as more recycling bins around campus. “There is a vigorous but limited recycling effort on campus,” said David Crandall, A.S. general manager. The working conditions of the recycling center staff are not good, Crandall said in reference to the fact that a metal cargo container was turned into the staff’s office. “We realized we needed a good, healthy working space,” Crandall said…. Read more

With the wave of going green becoming increasingly popular, the Institute for Sustainability at CSUN is thriving as it continues to help the environment and inform students of the importance to erase their ecological footprints and help preserve the world for future generations. “The Institute was established by (Provost Harry Hellenbrand) in October 2008 to address issues of sustainability in the curriculum, in campus operations and in research,” said Helen Cox, director for the Institute for Sustainability. “Its mission is… Read more

Color is no longer the first association with the word green. It is now about reducing, reusing and recycling, not just trash, but in every facet of living. Today, greening, or sustainability, marries with every industry and area of study, including interior design. Some CSUN teachers regularly incorporate this into their classroom curriculum but one student thinks it may not be enough. Jean Tumbaga, a senior interior design major, feels the department as a whole does not share her passion… Read more

Many people will be joining to celebrate Earth Day’s 40th Anniversary to promote creating a more eco-friendly environment for our Earth. Whole Children, Whole Planet (WCWP) has partnered with Highland Hall Waldorf School in Northridge to host a fun-filled expo for the community. The expo will take place on April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kathy Arnos, producer and host of the expo, said she is excited about the event and that there will be lots of different… Read more

In celebration of Earth Day, step out of the box and get the 411 on some issues that you might not be aware of.  But instead of reading boring documents about how we’re polluting our planet, invite some friends over for a night of green documentaries. They have become a growing niche in the film industry.  They’re interesting, informative and entertaining.  The plus side is that you’re supporting the movers-and-shakers of the environmental movement.  If you have any more suggestions… Read more