Engineers Assist with Fuel Crisis

Beth Papanek

It’s not news to anyone that the fuel situation in this country as well as the world is a growing problem. It’s not even news that there are groups on campus and research facilities that are worried and attempting to do something about it; however, one group that is taking a particularly strong stand in the alternative energy aspect of life on campus is Engineering Without Borders (EWB). This organization is in charge of numerous projects around the globe that deal with reducing energy use and helping developing nations. They also have a domestic project.

The Biofuel Initiative is an attempt to reduce fuel needs on campus specifically. Hundreds of gallons of vegetable oil are used in campus dining halls on a daily basis. Whether it’s French fries, chicken tenders, or the corn dogs, a good portion of the foods served in the dorms is fried. All of that food is breaded and put in hot vegetable oil to cook. Normally, that vegetable oil is then thrown out with the rest of the waste from the dining halls. EWB is using the Biodiesel Initiative to find a more productive use for this vegetable oil. The oil is collected, mixed with Methanol and turned into a usable biofuel.

This biofuel, after the reaction is blended with normal petroleum based fuels in the same manner ethanol is blended. The blend is currently being used for the Facilities and Services vehicles on campus. This benefits both the environment and the University. The cost to the Facilities and Services department compared to normal fuel is approximately $1.75 less. The cost to EWB includes labor, raw materials, waste disposal, and transportation. This totals $2,500 per month. Even with these costs, the fuel is being sold at a price lower than normal petroleum.

The reason it is currently only being used for campus vehicles is that normal car warranties don’t cover high percentage blends of fuel. The campus vehicles are allowed to use it with ASTM approval, which the group has managed to acquire for relatively little money. Ideally, the group is producing 400 gallons of biofuel per week for the Facilities and Services department.

The Initiative has goals for expansion and continuing this project into the future. They currently have what they refer to as an “Appleseed Reactor.” This miniaturized reaction mechanism does the same mixing of ethanol and the vegetable oil as the machine that is used for the large-scale production, but the Appleseed Reactor is portable. This makes it possible for the group to do outreach and teach the community about their project in a very visual manner. The mini pump system also makes it possible for interested citizens to see how it would be possible to produce biodiesel at home.

They are hoping with increased awareness and communication, they will be able to expand their production. Right now only campus dining halls are allowing the collection of vegetable oil. EWB hopes that private housing facilities as well as local restaurants will soon see the benefits of biofuel and allow their vegetable oil to be reprocessed as well.

The garage on the Facilities and Services property where the biodiesel reactions take place


Tim Schultz, and JR Cmunt explain the biodiesel reaction at this year's Engineering Open House



Tom Warda and Will Kelleher, both members of the Biodiesel Initiative show off the Appleseed Reactor.

HOLD THE TRAY! U of I Dining Goes Green!

Brooke Shantz

The University Housing Dining Services, at the University of Illinois, has decided to make sustainability a priority! This department is currently making vast evolutionary changes towards their goal. Dr. Aubrey, Senior Assistant Director University Housing, stated that the overall goal of the “Sustainable Dining” project is, “to reduce the carbon footprint of dining services.”

Current and future efforts made by University Housing Dining Services include: local purchasing, campus farm program, campus composting, recycling and waste reduction initiatives. Local purchasing is being defined by any produced or processed items within a three hour radius of Champaign-Urbana. Meats, dairy products, coffee, tea, breads, fruits, vegetables, and other grocery items are being purchased locally and served in the dining halls.

The University Housing Dining Services is working together with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), under the supervision of Dr. Bruce Branham, Department Head of NRES, to develop a student farm that will provide produce during the summer and into the fall. This two acre farm located at Lincoln and Windsor Roads will continue to grow into a ten acre farm by the Summer of 2011. Dr. Aubrey enthusiastically stated that, “the NRES student farm is thrilling, to have freshly picked, delectable produce that is served within hours of harvest that has a five mile carbon footprint.” This summer herbs, tomatoes, bell and other peppers, salad greens, cantaloupes, cucumbers, summer squash, and sweet corn are all being planted, along with apple, pear, and peach trees. A composting program supported by Dr. Wesley Jarrell, Professor in NRES, is also being started using biodegradable food waste gathered from residential dining halls. The composting program will help reduce waste and provide fertilizer for the student farm.

Trayless dining is another great feature of this project. Currently, Pennsylvania Avenue Residence (PAR) and Lincoln Avenue Residence (LAR) are trayless operations. Trayless dining conserves energy by reducing the amount of hot water consumption used to wash trays and the electricity needed to run the dishwashers. It also reduces food waste, which has been demonstrated at PAR, for this facility had a 40% reduction in food waste by switching to a trayless system. Not only does a trayless operation conserve energy and reduce waste, but it also promotes healthy eating and may help students eat smaller portions at mealtime. By August 2011, all dining facilities will be trayless operations.

Biodiesel projects are also being started at residential dining halls. Various dining facilities are having used fryer oil picked up, which will then be used for two separate projects on campus both of which are making alternative fuel sources. Illinois Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Illinois is using their alternative fuel, to power vehicles on campus. The other biodiesel project is sponsored by the student group, “Engineers Without Borders” and the Facilities & Services Garage and Car Pool on campus is planning on using their biodiesel fuel. Currently, there are recycling bins in the residential halls and cardboard from all kitchens is being recycled. Ikenberry is the new dining facility currently being built on campus and by using new technology and advancements in building science it is being constructed in a way that promotes energy efficiency and reduces CO² emissions. This building must follow The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. The U.S. Green Building Council states that LEED, “encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.”

“Sustainable Dining” is an exciting project happening on the University of Illinois campus! As sustainability advances on the dining front, it is important that we do our part to promote a sustainable environment! Dr. Aubrey mentioned that students, faculty, staff, and the community should be excited about this project, because, “sustainable dining consists of responsible best practices that support our university and local community ultimately having a global impact.”

Will sustainable dining be the wave of the future with more and more school dining services jumping on the green-wagon? Projects like these speak volumes about the commitment that the University of Illinois has not only to their students, but also to the community. “We have an obligation to our campus and communities to be more sustainable, we are providing dining services for students who place sustainability as a high priority making sustainable choices when possible.” ~ Dr. Aubrey

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Hey G!O Readers!

Sorry it has been so long since we've updated, but the Green Observer is kind of in a transition year. So we need your help. If you're interested in journalism and like what we do, you should come join. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved such as reporting, photography, editing, design, or just coming to the meetings and talking about environmental issues. We meet every Monday night at 7 pm in the Student Program Office of the YMCA. Also not to worry a new issue is coming out soon! If you can't make it to our meetings, but you have something to say or an issue you would like us to report on let me know by emailing me at gomagserver@gmail.com.

Okay enough of a plug it's time to move on. Earth Hour happened for the third time last Saturday night. This new tradition happens on the last Saturday night of every March. For one hour people around the world are encouraged to turn off their lights. Monuments around the world have participated, such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro.

This year's theme was Vote Earth. The idea was to show support for our earth by turning off the lights. The goal was 1 billion people.

I personally love the concept of Earth Hour. I think it is great that millions of people all over the world come together to shut off the lights for an hour to send a message to the rest of the world that the environment is important. And that the earth's problems should be taken seriously. I was more than happy to turn off my lights on Saturday night. It's really not hard at all. I hope that next year the University does too.

Happy Spring!

Sam Thoma
Editor-In-Chief

Here are some photos from Earth Hour around the world. Check them out!

Urbana Park District in need of Support By: Darlene Naolhu

Ancient trees, remnant forests, historical parks and nature facilities. There’s a lot more than what meets the eye in the community of Urbana, Illinois when it comes to the environment. The small city consists of numerous natural areas and parks open to the public at a wonderful price of zero. But with the economy in crisis and expenses increasing, the Urbana community will soon find it hard to maintain these areas as they once have been.

For the April 7^th ballot this year, community members will be given the opportunity to resolve this issue. The Urbana Park district is proposing a property tax increase of 15 cents for every $100 dollar assessed valuation needed in order to obtain the funds required to help sustain the work and facilities that the Urbana Park District provides. With so much on the line, it’s important for Urbana residence to consider the options available to them.

The 15 cent proposal means that for a person with a home valued at $100,000, there will be a tax increase of $50. This would bring in an additional of $850,000 a year to the park district and will help them continue their services to the community.

According to the Urbana Park District, its mission is to improve the quality life of the citizens through a responsive, efficient, and recreation system. But with the shortage of funds, many of the programs offered through the Urbana Park District are in jeopardy.

“Our challenge is that with the amount of tax funds, the park district has not been able meet the costs needed. Without the tax increase, 12 percent will be cut from our funds,” said Vicki Mayes, the Executive Director of the Urbana Park District.

With the tax increase, the district will be able to continue contributing to the health and vitality of the community. The park district provides the Urbana community a range of recreational programs, aquatic centers and gymnasiums. In response to environmental issues, the park district also manages the gardens, parks, and natural areas in the Urbana area and provides an excellent environmental education center where over 35,000 people a year attend the programs offered.

“We want a healthy environment for the community. These programs are a way to help people understand what is going on with the environment and how it can be fixed. Without an increase in funds, we won’t be able to provide these kinds sources for the public,” said Mayes.

According to Mayes, the Urbana Park District currently operates at $4.9 million, but is only receiving $2.7 million in property taxes. Because of the Illinois tax cap, which limits the amount that a property owner pays, the park district’s property tax revenue has not been able to keep pace with the rising value of the community expenses. With over 300 employees and many services to provide, the Urbana Park District is in need of more funding.

“15 cents is the smallest rate increase that will allow the park district to maintain services,” said Mayes.

Already, the district has begun to witness the effects of the funding shortage. The Crystal Lake Pool, renovated in 1980, and located in the Crystal Lake Park, has been closed down for the year 2009 due to safety concerns. Currently, there is not enough funding to replace it with or without the 15 cent referendum. Instead, if the referendum does pass, the funds will be used to help plan for a new pool.

“It’s an extremely touchy situation. The public will have to choose between higher taxes or a less sufficient community,” said Hannah Grant, a sophomore at the University of Illinois. Grant has been involved in many environmental outreach organizations in the area and feels that an increase in funding is definitely in need. “There’s a lot more room for improvement. I think it’s something that the community should definitely consider.”

In Feb. 2008, a 25 cent tax increase proposal which included a new pool failed to pass by less than 62 votes. If the referendum should fail this time, there will be a large reduction and elimination of staff, programs, and services. Community events, landscaping, and maintenance in parks and facilities will all be affected.

“The Park District provides a lot to the public. With the economy in a chaos, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these services,” said Mayes. “These are all affordable, high quality activities, all very close to home.”

Voting will begin on April 7^th, which will determine the fate of the Urbana Park District’s budget. Mayes is hopeful of the outcome. “We’ve let the public know what’s going on. Now it’s up to the people to make the rightful choice.”

Freeganism: Should Your Next Meal Come From a Dumpster?

By: Kimberly Leifker (Junior, Media Studies)

How much money do we spend a year on purchasing produce and other goods from the supermarket? Imagine produce--for free. Imagine pasta, bread, bagels, or candy bars. Free. How? Dumpster diving. Sounds absurd to dig for your groceries from the garbage disposals of local supermarkets right? Not for freegans, an emerging lifestyle resulting in the overtaking of dumpsters everywhere.

Freeganism is derived from the word “free” as in no cost and “vegan” as in the practice of refraining from eating or using products that originate from any type of animal product. Freeganism is the refusal to participate in the traditional economy, opting to use resources that would otherwise go to waste. The freegan movement spawned from the environmental justice and anti-globalization movements and has a heavy emphasis on anti-consumerism.

Freegans believe that there are valuable resources being thrown away daily, thus leading to land fill buildup. They work to reduce consumption from businesses that are environmentally harmful, allow unfair labor practices and conditions, and contribute to the exploitation of animal rights. Freeganism isn't only dumpster diving (often referred to as waste reclamation), however, it involves a variety of “alternative” lifestyle options like eco-friendly transportation, voluntary joblessness, waste minimalization, and urban gardens and compost.

While dumpster diving is the most identifiable activity related to freegans, they also advocate for eco-friendly transportation. The use of automobiles contributes to pollution and involves the consumption of petroleum which is a valuable and diminishing resource. Freegans prefer alternative modes of transportation including biking, skating, hitchhiking, train hopping, and car pooling. These activities can help to reduce negative ecological effects.

Voluntary joblessness has more to do with the anti-capitalistic tendencies of the freegan philosophy. Freegans refuse to be a part of the workforce that is exploited by major corporations in our society. They embrace no-cost living like urban squatting, living in abandoned buildings and rejecting the 9-5 work schedule. Instead of working for exploitative and purely commercial enterprises, the voluntary joblessness allows one to focus more on familial relationships and activism against corporate interests and other socially conscious movements.

Waste minimalization involves recycling products that do not necessarily need to be put in a landfill. Items that can be reused. They can be given away for free or shared. Freecycle (http://www.freecycle.org/) is a website that is committed to reusing and recycling items that others do not need or want that can still be used. In addition, the free portion of Craigslist is a great place to save items from going to waste. Some communities now host events called “free meets” which are like flea markets without the exchange of money.

However, dumpster diving seems to be the most popular and the most interesting feature of the freegan lifestyle. Often referred to as “urban foraging,” dumpster diving involves the search for any type of still usable product that has been left for the trash. Some dumpster divers have even contributed to a program named “Food Not Bombs” by using the dumpstered items to create meals that are then distributed to the homeless, survivors of natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. This program has become a widely popular activity in cities in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. For more information regarding freeganistic practices or the “Food Not Bombs” Movement visit freeganinfo.com or foodnotbombs.net.

(photo courtesty of laurence at www.emoware.org/dumpster-diving)

I had the privilege to correspond with a freegan named Laurence last spring and I asked him for some advice on dumpster diving. Laurence told me not to be discouraged if I didn’t find anything the first time, the second time, or even the third time. It can take awhile to find the right places. He recommended that we go to many different locations. The amount of people partaking on the expedition should be aobut three because more will cause suspicion. I took Laurence’s advice on my first dumpster diving expedition. I did not go lurking in supermarkets, but instead chose the dumpsters outside of apartments during the first weeks after students had gone home. I took my friend with me and our main finds were a pair of fairy wings (useful for Halloween maybe?), a women’s jacket in good shape, a wallet, and a camouflage jacket. We did not really look for food, but we were on the look out for anything reusable. For more reading on the food findings of a dumpster diver check out this blog www.emoware.org/dumpster-diving.

(photo courtesty of laurence at www.emoware.org/dumpster-diving)

SUPERFOODS…ARE THEY?

By: Brooke Schantz, Dietetic Intern and M.S. Candidate

What are these superfoods that everyone is talking about? The term superfood is starting to be used more and more in the popular press, broadcast media, internet, and marketing campaigns. Currently, there is not a scientific definition for superfoods. Superfoods are said to contain beneficial components that produce significant health benefits when consumed. Some of these so-called superfoods include foods found within the United States like: blueberries, beans, oats, soy, broccoli, yogurt, tea, walnuts, spinach, etc… However, other superfoods becoming more popular include: quinoa a whole grain from Brazil, pomegranates which can be found in California but are native to Iran, Himalayas, and India, goji berries from subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet, and acai a berry from Brazil.

Presently, there is not a regulated labeling system for superfoods and consumers don't have anyway of knowing if the foods they are buying actually contain high amounts of nutrients or if those nutrients are bioavailable or properly absorbed during digestion. The position of the American Dietetic Association states that, "the total diet or overall pattern of food eaten is the most important focus of a healthful eating style." One or two single foods should not be the main focus of anyone's diet in order to promote overall health, instead try eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your overall health.

Therefore, these exotic superfoods are definitely not worth their carbon footprint. Air freighting is one method for transporting superfoods overseas. Air freighting is not only expensive, but due to the abundance of carbon dioxide emitted during transportation it is also highly damaging to our environment. The bottom line is that you don't need to buy expensive non-eco friendly superfoods to consume a healthy diet. Just remember to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; focus on your overall diet not just one or two foods; and buy locally grown fruits and vegetables whenever possible.

Entire Departments Struggle to be Green

By: Beth Papanek

Organizations and philanthropic groups on campus are not the only ones pushing for a “Greener” University. Entire majors and departments have begun to understand the need to make their work more sustainable. One such branch is the Chemistry department.

Chemistry going Green happens on a number of levels on campus. There is the actual scientific research being done. A lot of this is slowly turning toward environmentally conscious research. It also is an issue on making the research being done more environmentally friendly. Finally, it shows up in teaching labs where there are much stricter regulations on waste disposal, and experiments are being done on a smaller scale. The current push is to make current research more efficient and deal with wastes more effectively.

Chemistry in academia has been an environmental problem due to a lack of accountability. Toxic wastes and materials are gathered in separate containers. When they become full a work order is submitted and the University’s Waste Management program picks them up. All of the waste is taken care of, but individual students don’t consider the final destiny of those waste products. Accountability is slowly being enforced due to an increasing amount of requirements from the University of Illinois. More paperwork is required when disposing of wastes and clearly labeled containers are a necessity.

Waste management has become a smaller problem in industry over the last several years because companies are directly financially responsible for the disposal of their wastes. A few select companies have begun to realize the need to integrate waste management programs into the academic field. One example of this is Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) providing funding for Professor Pat Shapley’s research group where her government grants are failing. She said, “With a change in administration the funding will go back up, but slowly. There is too much money promised elsewhere.”

The research done by this group involves turning agricultural products into chemicals that are currently made through petroleum-based processes. The current method of making these products involves using organic solvents to do reactions in. Organic solvents are hard on the environment and do not decompose readily. The goal of Professor Shapley’s work is to utilize sequestered liquid carbon dioxide in place of those organic solvents. Using this method of chemical reactions, the only by-product of the processes would be water.

This trend is taking place in other labs on campus as well. In Professor Tom Rauchfuss’s lab, there has been a push to replace organic solvents with water. The goal is to make the reactions that currently take place in toxic chemicals to proceed the same way in water. Though this is difficult on research, it would eventually lead to far less waste.

Although practices are improving, it is not yet a widely accepted need. Money is a driving factor in the research being done. According to Shapley, “Industrial funding is done year by year. It makes it hard to plan for Ph.D. students.” Her group used to be funded by the EPA, but since the current administration took office, there has been little funding from the government in Chemistry. “The money is there for engineering, but not Chemistry,” said Shapley. While the faculty at large understands the need to change, advancing research is driven by federal grants.
To meet the need to be environmentally responsible as well as not exceed budgets requires a lot of planning and careful consumption. Sharing chemicals between groups and even overlapping between Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has become commonplace rather than buying new bottles. Experiments are also being done on smaller scales to avoid large amounts of waste.
As Professor Rauchfuss said, “Chemistry has always been Green – Greenback. There is a large overlap between the environment and money.” For this reason, the move to become environmentally conscious is there, but slow. “There is great sensitivity in the faculty,” said Rauchfuss. This sentiment was shared by Shapley who said, “The Faculty in general see the need to change, but it’s driven by federal grants.” The knowledge that practices need to change is overwhelming, but the struggle for the funds to follow through with this need is in close opposition. When the money is present, the research and the improvements in practice will follow.