Nashik: With water consumption increasing in Nashik district during summer, chief executive officer (CEO) of Nashik Zilla Parishad (ZP) Leena Bansod conducted a meeting of officials to ensure that rural people get clean drinking water.
During the meeting, the CEO took a review of contaminated water sources and instructed the officials concerned to take necessary measures for regular water purification.
She also instructed officials concerned to sensitize the water supply committee at the village level about the importance of ensuring pure water supply in their respective areas.
Leena Bansod said that since the pre-monsoon survey of water sources was underway, the officials concerned should focus on addressing all the problems related to contaminated water.
, Nashik ZP has also taken up the chemical campaign to asses the presence of chemicals in the ground water.
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Mill Valley School District seeks $194M bond measure
A $194 million bond measure to pay for building upgrades in the Mill Valley School District is on June 7 election ballot.
Measure G, if approved by 55% of district voters, would levy an average tax of $26 per $100,000 of assessed valuation on properties in the district.
The bond proceeds, estimated at approximately $9.3 million annually, would pay for modernization of school buildings, including adding classrooms for transitional kindergarten; improving and adding outdoor learning and play spaces; and rebuilding facilities at Mill Valley Middle School.
“We’re excited to bring Measure G to the Mill Valley voters, who have consistently supported our schools and helped enable our district to provide our students with an excellent education,” Emily Uhlhorn, a district trustee, said Friday.
“Passing Measure G will allow us to upgrade, repair and replace our aging facilities — ensuring that our learning spaces are up to date, energy efficient, ADA compliant and well-suited to prepare our students for high school and beyond,” Uhlhorn said, referring to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The board of trustees approved a facility master plan last year to guide building improvements over the next 10 years for the district’s five elementary schools and Mill Valley Middle School. The district serves about 2,415 students.
The upgrades to be financed by Measure G would include: repairing and replacing leaky roofs and windows and outdated electrical and plumbing systems; expanding and upgrading science, technology, engineering and math classrooms, labs and learning technology to meet current instructional standards; and improving accessibility for students with disabilities.
The district also aims to add solar panels and improve energy efficiency; replace outdated heating and ventilation systems to improve indoor air quality; and improve earthquake and fire safety
Funds from the bond sales in Measure G can only be used for facilities, not for salaries or benefits, according to the county elections department. The bond measure would include the formation of an independent oversight committee.
No arguments were filed in opposition to Measure G, the county elections department said.
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30 Ways to Make Your Home More Sustainable
Earth Day is here! The theme for 2022 is Invest in Our Planet, and a great way to do this is to make your home more sustainable and eco-friendly. Whether it’s finding ways to make your house more energy efficient, keeping products longer instead of buying the latest gadgets, supporting responsible companies, not contributing to the plastic crisis, stocking your kitchen with plant-based foods and less animal products, or working to lower your carbon footprint—it’s time to make a change.
Nobody is perfect, but we should all strive to make decisions that will positively impact the Earth. So think about the realistic progress you can make today, what you can add tomorrow, and what to aim for in the future. Here are 30 ways to get started on your journey towards making your home life more sustainable. Happy Earth Day!
1. Insulate your house
Adding insulation to the walls of your home prevents warm air from leaking out in the winter. Eschew unsustainable sheep’s wool and harmful fiberglass for cotton, which can be made into thick batts for your walls. Other options include cork produced from the regenerating bark of a cork oak tree and cellulose from recycled newsprint and paper.
2. Install sustainable flooring
Reclaimed wood salvaged from old structures like barns or older buildings can be reused and kept from rotting in a landfill—a great way to save trees. It also helps improve air quality, since it’s not manufactured and doesn’t contain harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Other sustainable flooring options include bamboo, cork, recycled glass, or recycled plastic bottles and tires that can be turned into carpets.
3. Use energy-efficient air conditioners
An energy-efficient air conditioner lowers your energy use and carbon footprint, not to mention your monthly bill! There are two types of units to consider: a split system and packaged central air system using ducts. (Not sure which one right for you? Check out our guide to choosing the best A/C for your home!)
4. Choose hydronic radiant heating
Hydronic radiant heating systems use water to heat a home instead of air. They are much more energy-efficient than forced air gas heating systems—not to mention a lot cheaper in the long run, Silver reveals. Plus, water-based systems reduce allergies, since “air is not being blown around, shooting dust particles,” he notes.
5. Invest in solar panels
Solar panels on your roof will source clean, pure energy directly from the sun, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels.
6. Opt for high-performance windows
Double-pane windows help keep cold air out in the winter and heat from the sun out in the summer. The high-performing windows can reduce the amount of heat escaping by up to 50%. For an extra environmentally-friendly touch, add sustainable blinds made from hemp or bamboo, or cotton curtains for a cozy and quiet bedroom.
7. Install a smart thermostat
Corey Silver, a real estate broker at Re/Max in Toronto, suggests using a smart thermostat to monitor your energy consumption and control the climate of your home using Wifi and a phone app. “Simple digital thermostats can make a huge impact on your energy efficiency,” he says. “The ability to schedule your energy requirements based on peak and low usage times is a big advantage. Plus, it can all be done on your smartphone!”
8. Buy energy-efficient kitchen appliances
The Energy Star label was created to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants caused by inefficient use of energy and is backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An Energy Star certified dishwasher can save almost 5,000 gallons of water annually. Other Energy Star certified appliances that use from 10% to 50% less energy include washers, dryers, refrigerators, boilers, furnaces, office equipment and electronics.
9. Choose eco-paints and wallpapers for your walls
Eco-friendly paints have lower levels of VOCs and emit fewer toxins, which reduces indoor air pollution. (The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers plenty of resources to help you pick the best sustainable paint or coating for your space.) If you opt for wallpaper instead, be sure to choose an eco-conscious brand like Spoonflower.
10. Replace fluorescent light bulbs with LED bulbs
LED light bulbs consume up to 90% less energy, reduce your electricity consumption, and last longer. They can provide up to 10,000 hours of light, which equals two to four times more than many standard bulbs.
11. Keep electrical products for at least seven years
Electronic waste, or e-waste, encompasses any unwanted electronic equipment including old computers, televisions, smart phones, and used cables. These contain toxins such as mercury, lead, beryllium, and arsenic, which can be harmful to the environment and our health. Some parts that make up electronics (steel, copper, iron, glass) can be recovered and made into new items, so they must be disposed of properly—don’t throw them in the trash! To help reduce e-waste, keep electrical products for at least seven years, or donate them when you’re done.
12. Stock your kitchen with healthy plant-based foods
Anita Krajnc—the Global Campaign Coordinator for Plant Based Treaty, a grassroots campaign designed to put food systems at the forefront of combating the climate crisis—asserts that “everyone can play a role in tackling climate change by replacing meat, dairy and eggs with plant-based food.”
After all, the global food system is responsible for around a third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions—not to mention, half of the planet’s habitable land is used to produce food. In addition, animal-derived products drive 70% of food-system emissions in high-income countries, and cattle grazing and growing animal feed takes up nearly 80% of global agricultural land, despite producing less than 20% of the world’s supply of calories. “Adopting a plant-based diet is by far the greatest action you can take to lower your carbon footprint,” Krajnc contends.
13. Switch to dairy alternatives
“Eliminating dairy in favor of plant-based milks will prevent more methane from accumulating in the atmosphere,” says Krajnc. That said, there are dairy alternatives for milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream readily available at grocery stores.
14. Start with Meatless Monday to eliminate meat and fish
“For fish and other animals such as cows, pigs and chickens, animal farming is the main cause of deforestation, species extinction, and ocean dead zones,” Krajnc reveals. “A more plant-based diet would help cut emissions and free up land to plant trees, [which can help] draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. It’s a win for all life on Earth!”
Not ready to commit to a fully plant-based diet? Meatless Monday is a great way to start changing eating habits!
15. Shop seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
Purchasing produce that’s in season and locally sourced helps curb emissions by shortening the distance food has to travel. Choose fruits and veggies with minimal packaging, and bring your own reusable mesh bags when grocery shopping.
16. Plant a flower garden or grow your own veggies
Grow a sustainable organic garden in your backyard or join a community garden. Planting, growing, and harvesting your own food reduces carbon emissions and manages soil with compost for years to come. You can also help reduce plastic waste by harvesting veggies straight from your garden. (Add colorful, diverse flowers to attract bees and other pollinators, which are vital to the healthy production of crops.)
17. Reduce kitchen plastics and single-use disposables
To help curb the rise of harmful microplastics, avoid using single-use plastic straws, cutlery, plates and cups. Opt for utensils made of reusable or recyclable materials such as stainless steel, glass, bamboo, wood, and straws made from 100% biodegradable items like corn, coconut, and agave. Instead of using plastic storage containers, invest in sustainable alternatives—and go the extra mile by skipping shrink-wrapped dishwasher tabs and plastic food packaging. (Zero-waste stores such as Precycle encourage customers to bring their own containers to fill, eliminating the need for plastic bags.)
18. Use all-natural cleaning products
Purchasing cleaning solutions free of chlorine bleach, ammonia, dyes, VOCs and harsh chemicals is not only better for your health, but also the water supply. Get creative and DIY with a recipe for natural homemade cleaners using baking soda and vinegar—add essential oils like lemon, lavender or tea tree oil to leave your home smelling fresh!
19. Compost fruit and veggie waste
Turn kitchen scraps into fertilizer. After cooking, simply add food waste into a bin. Once it’s full, deposit its contents in your backyard as compost. If you don’t have a garden, check to see if your city has a green-bin program for fruit and veggie scraps to be collected and properly disposed of.
20. Skip pesticides and chemicals
Using pesticides can cause toxins to leak into streams, ponds, lakes, and wells, and can contaminate groundwater. Pesticides are not only dangerous to the environment and our health, but also pets and other wild animals. Alternative ways to keep critters at bay include companion planting, crop rotation, and keeping plants as healthy as possible so that they become naturally resistant to pests.
21. Grow herbs in small spaces
No backyard garden? No problem! Herbs such as mint, parsley, and basil grow easily on a balcony or windowsill.
22. Donate or sell old clothing
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to go through your closet Marie Kondo-style and get rid of items that no longer bring you joy. But instead of sending items to a landfill, drop them off at a thrift store, such as Goodwill or Housing Works.
23. Reduce clothing and accessory purchases or shop vintage
Buying vintage is better for the Earth (and your wallet!). Avoid fast fashion, which contributes huge amounts of pollution and chemicals. Keep clothes longer by washing them carefully, purchasing quality goods, and not buying items on a whim. And if your favorite hoodie has a hole, consider mending it yourself instead of tossing it.
24. Make your next mattress organic or sustainable
When it’s time for you to shop in a new mattress, invest in an eco-friendly option—i.e., one that doesn’t contain VOCs, which are often found in flame retardants, formaldehyde, plastics and polyurethane. And be sure to recycle your old mattress so it doesn’t end up in a landfill.
25. Install a low-flow toilet
Significantly reduce water use by replacing old water-guzzling toilets with more efficient ones. Standard toilets use up to seven gallons of water per flush, while low-flow toilets only use 1.6 gallons per flush. Just think about all the money you will save on your water bill—you’re practically flushing money down the toilet, if you don’t make the switch!
26. Invest in eco-friendly faucets and low-flow shower heads
In addition to turning off taps when brushing your teeth, save a sink’s water flow by up to 30% with a WaterSense-labeled faucet. Low-flow shower heads also decreases water consumption by at least 40%.
27. Shop zero-waste toiletries
Instead of buying plastic bottles of shampoo, lotions, creams, and conditioners, shop a zero-waste brand that offers package-free and refillable options, such as Fiils and The Body Shop.
28. Say no to plastic toothbrushes
A billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away in the United States annually. Made with polypropylene plastic and nylon from fossil fuels, toothbrushes end up in waterways, gravely impacting marine life. To help curb this phenomenon, go for bamboo or wooden toothbrushes, or electric ones with replaceable heads.
29. Keep your car for longer (or consider an electrical car)
A study has shown that keeping your car even 10% longer before it gets sent to a scrapyard helps the environment. When it’s time to purchase a new vehicle, consider an electric car, which emits fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants into the air.
Tip: Walking, biking, public transportation, and car sharing are eco-friendly ways to reduce traffic and pollution in the city.
30. Consider lawn mowers that don’t use gas
Conventional gas-powered lawn mowers pack a serious pollution punch, even as much as some late model cars. Replace these oldies with a push lawnmower or an electric cordless one for a larger area. You could also consider mowing your lawn a bit less and go for the wild look. After all, it’s more fun to walk barefoot and feel the long soft grass under our feet, a natural gift from Mother Earth.
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Cleaning Just Became More Attractive With biom Planet-Friendly Wipes
To be blunt: I hate cleaning but I need things clean. For peace of mind but also to keep my allergies and asthma in check. I’ve always struggled with chemical-based cleaning products because they kick up my asthma, but I also haven’t loved the scents or cleaning capabilities of many of the “eco-friendly” brands. Their “natural” scents linger on my hands way longer than I’d like them to making me feel like my hands are still dirty from cleaning. Enter biom, a new brand of 100% plant-based and biodegradable wipes. I hesitantly agree to try them out. I say that because I’ve literally tried them all and haven’t been happy with anything… until biom.
I was first intrigued by the sleek, minimalist dispensers (I got matte black). After opening the pack of wipes to fill the dispenser, I hesitantly went in for a sniff and was shockingly surprised by the mild lavender scent. My eyes didn’t burn, my throat didn’t itch, and I didn’t have the urge to sneeze. I put the wipes in the dispenser, threaded the first one through, and popped the top on, ready to take the first wipe for a test drive. I immediately noticed it didn’t leave any streaks behind while wiping away the grime on my glass stove. I purposefully let the grime build up for a few days before testing and was pleasantly surprised – actually quite pleased – with the results. I continued onto my window sill which has grown quite dirty thanks to construction across the street and the window typically being left open. Again, super happy with the results! I was also pleased with how durable they are – they don’t disintegrate and they can be used longer than you’d think.
One of my favorite things is the canister. It doesn’t resemble anything you’d find on the cleaning aisle at your local Target. It actually looks good sitting out amongst your everyday decor, which makes cleaning convenient. I’ve noticed I’m keeping things so much cleaner because I leave the container on my bathroom vanity making it easy to grab a wipe in a split second. I no longer have to plan when I’m going to clean around when I’ll be able to tolerate the cleaning smells on my hands. Another thing: they don’t dry out your hands! And with the constant hand washing thanks to COVID, I didn’t need another thing to make my hands look like fried chicken. They’re infused with aloe and scented with plant-derived essential oils that will soothe and protect.
“It’s weird to say but biom has made my house cleaner, not just because the wipes are effective but because I don’t mind having a canister of wipes out anymore. Usually I would relegate my old can of wipes to the dark abyss under the sink, out of sight and out of mind, because I hated how jarring and unattractive it looked sitting out. Now, biom is essentially a part of my home decor, and you’re none the wiser that it’s a can of disinfecting wipes!” says Design Milk’s Lifestyle Editor Vy Yang.
The sleek, refillable containers come in four color options – Black, White, Sea Foam, and Hunter Green – that will easily complement most any design aesthetic. The BPA-free dispensers are made for the long haul – ready to be refilled in your choice of Lavender Ease or Grapefruit Zest.
The patented, display-worthy design makes it easy to pull a single wipe through at a time, unlike others where you go to pull one wipe and four come out that you didn’t need. Its magnetic lid features a self-closing hinge that creates an air-tight seal so your wipes stay fresh. If something happens to your dispenser, biom will replace it for you while repurposing the parts of the old one.
What makes biom wipes different? They’re made from 100% plant-based materials and ingredients – sustainably grown wood fiber – with no toxic chemicals or microplastics (found in most wipes). They’re biodegradable which means they’ll breakdown in approximately 14-28 days and not live in a landfill for the next decade plus.
biom All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes Starter Kit is available in your choice of a Black, White, Sea Foam, or Hunter Green dispenser, with either Lavender Ease or Grapefruit Zest wipes. Includes 1 dispenser and 2 packs of wipes.
$53
>>> Shop Now
biom All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes (3 Pack) is available in Lavender Ease or Grapefruit Zest as a one time purchase or as a subscription with 3 packs sent every 2, 3, or 4 months.
$30
>>> Shop Now
For more information on biom wipes, head to the Design Milk Shop here!
Caroline Williamson is Editorial Director of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.
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Students See Green Building Taking Shape at Eastern Wake 4.0 Site
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Students See Green Building Taking Shape at Eastern Wake 4.0 Site
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Students See Green Building Taking Shape at Eastern Wake 4.0 Site
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Students See Green Building Taking Shape at Eastern Wake 4.0 Site
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Students See Green Building Taking Shape at Eastern Wake 4.0 Site
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RALEIGH, N.C. (April 22, 2022) – Wake Tech students celebrated Earth Day in a cool way with a tour of the eco-friendly Central Energy Plant under construction on the college’s future campus in Wendell.
Architectural technology and construction management degree students studying green building and design got a firsthand look at environmentally sustainable building features taking shape during a field trip at the Eastern Wake 4.0 construction site on Friday.
The Central Energy Plant is the first building under construction, but all buildings planned at the site are designed with green building features including:
- sustainable building materials
- high-efficiency lighting design
- natural daylight and connection to nature
- use of geothermal wells to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool buildings
- district heating and cooling system, where water is pumped underground to every building for heating and cooling
- rooftop solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight into electricity
- use of low volatile organic compound materials, like paint, sealers, cleaning products, which make the air healthier to breathe
- access to electric vehicle charging stations
“Sustainable elements like daylighting, thermal comfort, access to nature, acoustics and indoor air quality can create a space where students and teachers have improved heath, wellness and academic performance,” says Sarah Burnette, a Wake Tech design and construction project manager. “Site tours like these help equip the students with real world experience to not only help them to understand the field that they are studying but also catch a glimpse into what their career path can look like.”
The plant will house chillers and boilers for supplemental heating and cooling campus wide. Energy savings and efficiencies will be incorporated using advanced solar technology and geothermal wells. The central energy plant will include an apprenticeship training center to support nearby companies such as Siemens.
In addition to learning about the interior green building and design features, the students also got to watch geothermal well drilling in action. In all, a geothermal well field comprised of 297 geothermal wells will use the earth to heat and cool buildings on the future campus.
“Seeing the geothermal well area was really neat,” said Kaitlyn Dimmitt, an architectural technology student. “I’ve learned about geothermal energy in other classes, but I’ve never seen it on such a large scale before so it was very interesting to see all the components and how they come together. I’m very much a visual learner so being able to be here and see it in person really helps me to learn more about the program and real-life experience.”
Wake Tech is currently seeking Green Globes certification for buildings at Eastern Wake 4.0, demonstrating leadership in applying best practices regarding energy, water and environmental efficiency.
Wake Tech achieved its first Green Globes certified project at the Lilly Science and Technology Center, which recently opened at the RTP Campus. This building earned a Two Green Globes rating and includes energy efficient technology, high-efficiency lighting design, recycling, and use of low VOC materials.
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Federal Settlement with Recycling Company Will Reduce Release of Ozone Depleting Refrigerants That Contribute to Climate Change
Company Will Implement Refrigerant Recovery Management Programs at 40 Facilities Across the United States and Pay a Civil Penalty
April 22, 2022
WASHINGTON (April 22, 2022) – The United States, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has reached a proposed settlement with Schnitzer Steel Inc. of Portland, Oregon, to resolve alleged violations of the Clean Air Act and regulations designed to protect stratospheric ozone at 40 scrap metal recycling facilities throughout the United States.
If approved by the court, the settlement will require the company to pay a civil penalty of $1,550,000, implement compliance measures worth over $1,700,000 to prevent the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants and non-exempt substitutes from refrigerant-containing items during their processing and disposal, and complete an environmental mitigation project. The complaint filed together with the consent decree alleges that Schnitzer failed to recover refrigerant from small appliances and motor vehicle air conditioners before disposal or to verify from the supplier that the refrigerant had been properly recovered prior to delivery to Schnitzer’s facilities.
“Many refrigerants are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming if released into the atmosphere,” said Larry Starfield, Acting Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement will help protect our climate by ensuring that these chemicals are managed properly at 40 recycling facilities across the country.”
“To help protect stratospheric ozone and reduce the risks of climate change, the Department of Justice will seek to ensure companies like Schnitzer comply with the Clean Air Act when recycling appliances and motor vehicles containing harmful refrigerants,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division.
Under the settlement, Schnitzer must implement an EPA-approved Refrigerant Recovery Management Program (RRMP) at its 40 U.S. facilities. The RRMP includes, among other things: installation of refrigerant recovery systems at Schnitzer’s facilities; screening procedures for scrap appliances and vehicles; new forms for statements and contracts to verify any refrigerant recovery from appliances and motor vehicles prior to receipt by Schnitzer; notices to customers regarding proper procedures for delivering items currently or previously containing refrigerants; employee training on procedures for ensuring compliance with regulations designed to prevent the release of refrigerants; and recordkeeping and reporting obligations.
The settlement also requires Schnitzer to perform an environmental mitigation project involving the destruction of all R-12 refrigerant in scrapped appliances and automobiles received at its facilities. R-12 contains chlorofluorocarbons and has over 10,000 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide.
Today’s action was filed by the United States, on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency.
More information:
The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and approval by the federal court. To view the proposed consent decree or to submit a comment during the public comment period, visit: Proposed Consent Decrees
Clean Air Act enforcement
Ozone Protection Under Title VI of the Clean Air Act
Climate Change
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ADVANCED INDOOR RESOURCES ESTABLISHES SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD DEDICATED TO INDOOR AIR QUALITY RESEARCH IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND
This first in the State of Maryland Scientific Advisory Board will provide the critical, impartial guidance and research necessary to advance the company’s lead product VisionAIR™.
BALTIMORE, April 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Advanced Indoor Resources, AIR LLC, has created a Scientific Advisory Board to better understand the science of indoor air quality delivery for buildings of all types.
Science and technology are at the core of Advanced Indoor Resources’ mission to make buildings safer, smarter, and healthier. The development of the VisionAIR™ indoor air quality platform – a foundation for the company’s healthcare technology stack – provides detailed, real-time indoor air quality data monitoring and management.
Joining Advanced Indoor Resources’ Scientific Advisory board are the following leading health experts;
Gregory Diette, MD, MHS – Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology and, Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Expertise: Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Donald K. Milton, MD, DrPH – Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health, Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, and Professor of Medicine (secondary appointment), Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine. Expertise: Airborne infection transmission, influenza, respiratory infection, occupational and environmental asthma, bio-aerosols, occupational and environmental epidemiology
Ana Rule, PhD – Assistant Professor, Director, Environmental Exposure Assessment Laboratories; Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Lucy Wilson, MD, ScM – Professor of Emergency Health Services & Senior Advisor to University for Public Health and Pandemic Response, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Expertise: Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Public Health Response
More people are returning to buildings of all types, and there is an intense focus on indoor air quality; improvements could add a significant annual benefit to the US Economy. “We are thrilled to bring together top-level scientific experts to further advance our knowledge of creating and maintaining healthy indoor air quality. Investments in safer, smarter, healthier buildings will create work environments people thrive in,” said Martin Knott, founder of Advance Indoor Resources.
“I like Martin’s approach; it’s steeped in evidence-based science; I am looking forward to working with my fellow members to advance scientific approaches towards creating safer and healthier indoor environments,” said Dr. Don Milton.
“The COVID19 pandemic has clearly illustrated that air quality management is an important tool for infection control in Indoor settings,” said Dr. Lucy Wilson.
Maryland, “The Cradle of Healthcare Technology,” is home to some of the world’s leading medical and biotechnology institutions. Advanced Indoor Resources is proud to have a Scientific Advisory Board that hails from these invaluable hubs of healthcare advancements. The VisionAIR™ Platform developed by Advanced Indoor Resources is flexible and can be installed on any HVAC system. The company plans to make the VisionAIR™ Platform available to the commercial, Industrial, Government real estate owners, and third-party building automation controls installers.
About Advanced Indoor Resources, LLC (AIR LLC) is a healthcare technology company focused on HVAC, Building Automation and Plumbing systems…HVAC, Building Automation Controls and Plumbing systems are the respiratory system, digestive system, and heart of every building. AIR LLC was founded to deliver the advanced resources needed to produce the best – and safest – indoor experience possible for people who occupy and own buildings of every kind. We work with clients to create healthy indoor environments – where occupants thrive.
VisionAIR™ is a cloud-based Tridium product built on the Niagara N4 Platform. The product advances the intelligence of heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to enable real time management and measurement of the six main factors that substantially impact indoor air quality: Carbon dioxide, humidity, temperature, the particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, and volatile organic compounds.
SOURCE Advanced Indoor Resources LLC
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Ramadan banquet raises $50,000 for water in East Africa
Students at Bessna Primary School in Bahir Dar, the Amhara Regional capital in Ethiopia drink from a communal water tap. The American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa (ARAHA) at its annual Ramadan Iftar in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2022 raised $50,000 for technologies that would increase access to clean drinking water in the East Africa region. Photo: Courtesy World Bank.
Students at Bessna Primary School in Bahir Dar, the Amhara Regional capital in Ethiopia drink from a communal water tap. The American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa (ARAHA) at its annual Ramadan Iftar in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2022 raised $50,000 for technologies that would increase access to clean drinking water in the East Africa region. Photo: Courtesy World Bank.
A Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to countries in the Horn of Africa raised over $50,000 for technologies that would increase access to clean drinking water in the region.
The American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa (ARAHA) hosted its annual Ramadan Dinner at Columbia Golf Club in Minneapolis, on Saturday. The theme for the year’s event, “Wealth of Water,” was meant to break the fast while spotlighting the growing concern of water shortage in many East African countries.
“As things like climate change continue to affect availability of water, the Horn of Africa is a region that continues to be hit the hardest,” said Mohamed Idris, executive director and co-founder of ARAHA.
The Horn of Africa region is experiencing the worst drought since 1981, according to the United Nations. Countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya continue to shatter famine world records each decade, and the frequency of crisis periods is increasing. A report UNICEF published in February estimates that up to 20 million in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea will be in dire need of food and water in the first half of 2022 because of economic hardships, drought, and conflict. In March, the UN warned that a shortfall in aid funding to the region has placed millions of people in danger of starvation.
Now ARAHA and many non-governmental organizations are trying to do their part to help. ARAHA was formed in Minneapolis 22 years ago in response to Ethiopia’s 2000 famine. Since then, the organization has been operating in seven East African countries, and addressing various issues including education, emergencies, energy, food, health, water, and orphan care.
The American Relief Agency for the Horn of Africa (ARAHA) at its annual Ramadan Iftar in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 16, 2022 raised $50,000 for technologies that would increase access to clean drinking water in the East Africa region. Photo: Panashe Matemba-Mutasa/Mshale
Idris, who has a background in pharmaceutical science, was working at Hennepin County Medical Center when he founded the organization. Born in Eritrea during a period of famine and war, he credits his humble beginnings for his passion and dedication to ARAHA’s mission.
“I come from a family of refugees, so I decided to create a grassroots organization with leaders in the community to help our people back home,” Idris said.
Attendees of the event spoke about the importance of philanthropy during Ramadan. The Muslim holiday, which typically takes place between early and late spring, commemorates angel Gabriel revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad in 612 A.D., according to Islamic theology. In addition to fasting from dawn to sunset, many who practice the faith strive to do good deeds during Ramadan.
Guyo Kotile, an immigrant from Kenya who was one of the guests at the dinner, said growing up in the East African country, and his desire to help family members there are what made him develop interest in the work ARAHA is doing in the region.
“There is just so much work that needs to be done, and there’s no one better for the job than those of us who have made it here [in the United States] with steady careers,” Kotile said.
Mohamad Mohamad, who is from Eritrea, said he grew up in Sudan and was a direct beneficiary of ARAHA’s charity. Today he is a regular ARAHA volunteer because he feels compelled to give back in order to help others, he said.
“Whenever I volunteer, I think about the people I grew up with and what we’ve been through together,” said Mohamad.
He said he gets emotional thinking about the circumstances back home.
“To think that I now have everything I want and need while people back home still suffer is something that makes me cry sometimes,” Mohamad said. “But the kindness shown by everyone who attended this Ramadan dinner shows us that there is still hope.”
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OC Campus Named National Green Ribbon School for Environmental Efforts
Katella High School in Anaheim was named Friday a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School in recognition of efforts to reduce its impact on the environment.
Only four California schools made the national list of Green Ribbon Schools, and 27 nationwide. Five school districts and four postsecondary institutions nationally were also recognized.
The honors are presented to schools and institutions that work to reduce their environmental footprint, reduce utility costs and work toward “sustainable education.”
“This year’s U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools honorees have raised the bar for sustainability, healthy and safe school environments, and hands-on learning experiences that connect students of all ages to the world around them,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “As we recover from a pandemic that highlighted the need to modernize school infrastructure, improve ventilation, and create versatile indoor and outdoor learning spaces, we have an opportunity to invest in sustainable practices that enhance student learning, health, and well-being.”
California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said in a statement the honorees “maintained sustainable practices and environmental education through the unprecedented challenges created by the global pandemic.”
“Their flexibility and ingenuity helped them produce leading-edge models for improved indoor air quality, well-designed outdoor classrooms, and meaningful environmental education,” he said. “I also want to recognize that more than half of our award-winning sites are within some of the state’s highest-needed communities.”
The other schools honored in the state were St. Martin of Tours Academy in La Mesa in San Diego County, Altamont Creek Elementary School in Alameda County and Suisun Valley School in Solano County.
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2022 CA Green Ribbon Schools Announced
California Department of Education
News Release
California Department of Education
News Release
Release: #22-22
April 22, 2022
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, today on Earth Day, announced that 18 schools, two school districts, and one county office of education earned 2022 California Green Ribbon Schools awards. Among the state honorees are five “Green Achievers” nominated by the State Superintendent to receive U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition. The U.S. Department of Education today confirmed all five Green Achievers as ED-GRS honorees, recognized for conserving resources while promoting health and environmental literacy. California’s honorees are among 27 schools, five districts, and four postsecondary institutions being honored nationally.
“This year, California Green Ribbon Schools maintained sustainable practices and environmental education through the unprecedented challenges created by the global pandemic,” Thurmond said. “Their flexibility and ingenuity helped them produce leading-edge models for improved indoor air quality, well-designed outdoor classrooms, and meaningful environmental education. I also want to recognize that more than half of our award-winning sites are within some of the state’s highest-needed communities. We are proud of how California’s Green Ribbon Schools provide our students with the skills needed to lead impactful environmental change in their local areas.”
California’s 2022 ED-GRS honorees are:
- Altamont Creek Elementary School, Livermore Valley Joint Unified, Alameda County
- Katella High School, Anaheim Union High, Orange County
- Merced Union High School District, Merced County
- Suisun Valley School, Fairfield-Suisun Unified, Solano County
- St. Martin of Tours Academy (private), San Diego County
The California Green Ribbon Schools Award uses the applications submitted for ED-GRS recognition to commend schools, school districts, and other local educational agencies (LEAs) for environmental excellence. Private school awards are conferred by the California Association of Private School Organizations. Details on California’s ED-GRS honorees and a list of the California Green Ribbon Schools honorees along with their associated awards are below.
For more information, please visit the California Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Award Program web page.
California’s 2022 ED-GRS Honorees
Altamont Creek Elementary, Livermore Valley Joint Union School District, Alameda County
Altamont Creek Elementary systematically integrates sustainability into the curriculum, focusing on improving health and wellness, reducing waste, and empowering the community as problem solvers and part of the solution. In 2017, Altamont Creek created a model solid-waste program to reduce waste and increase food recovery and donation. Students collected data about how much food was being shared during the lunch period by tallying and categorizing how many items were put on and taken from the lunchroom share table. The school collected and donated unwanted food from the share table and surplus food from the kitchen to a local food pantry. In the 2019–20 school year, Altamont Creek saved and utilized 2,632 pounds of surplus food.
The school’s science curriculum teaches students about agriculture through hands-on activities in the two outdoor garden instruction areas. In addition, all first- through fifth-grade students at Altamont Creek receive instructional time in the school’s garden accompanied by California Next Generation Science Standards-aligned lessons taught in their classroom or the school’s science lab. The school’s science teacher extends garden lessons to integrate environmental concepts and create place-based investigations.
Katella High School, Anaheim Union High School District, Orange County
Katella High School (KHS) models and educates students about the importance of being stewards of their environment through site improvements and educational programs. The KHS Sustainable Garden and Learning Center serves as a place to extend teaching and learning in context with hands-on activities. Science courses use the site for lab experiments in soil quality testing, seed germination, and the water cycle.
KHS connects students with green careers by partnering with Anaheim’s Innovative Mentoring Experience Program and the City of Anaheim Public Utilities. Mentors work with students to inform and prepare them for what is needed to work for the City of Anaheim in various green careers such as urban planning, electrical engineering for energy conservation, water conservation strategies, and waste management.
In 2016, KHS was a recipient of the state’s Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools grant. The work funded by the grant established KHS as a water reclamation site designed to collect, filter, and recycle water from storms, irrigation, and clean-up. In addition, the campus landscape was upgraded to native plant species, drought-tolerant shrubs, trees, vegetative bioswales, and sanded pathways. The school’s “Katella Talks” program provides all students the opportunity to conduct research, create a speech, and present on a subject of their choice. Fellow students judge the talks for selection to be recorded and put on YouTube. Since the program’s beginning in 2015, there has been a significant increase in talks that focus on environmental issues and sustainability, including human population growth, climate change, and recycling.
Merced Union High School District, Merced County
Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) focuses on conservation and preparing its students for green careers. In 2016, MUHSD’s Green Technology and Energy Conservation students collaborated with the California Conservation Corps to perform energy audits on all district campuses. Students used data from energy audits to advocate that the school board add on-site solar to all seven campuses. With the information presented by the students, the district decided to install parking-area solar panels for each school under a power purchase agreement with no upfront cost to the district.
Prior to COVID-19, school gardens provided cafeterias with fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh eggs raised by Future Farmers of America students. During the pandemic, the district donated approximately 800 pounds of harvested produce to rescue missions and food banks to help those in need. The team is using the ED-GRS application as a template to guide their work in creating a campus that is environmentally sustainable, encourages STEM innovations, and uses greener technologies.
Suisun Valley School, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, Solano County
Suisun Valley School (SVS) enriches its educational program with agriculture and science on its two-acre farm. A full-time agriculture and science teacher designs and coordinates lessons and project-based learning activities to engage students in caring for all aspects of the school’s garden. SVS combines food, nutrition, and physical health education in a partnership between the agriculture and science teacher and the physical education team. Teachers link what students are growing and eating in the garden to health education focused on nutrition and movement. Students participate in the entire farm-to-fork cycle, directly linking healthy soil, healthy produce, healthy food choices, healthy humans, and a healthy planet.
All campus landscape is xeriscape, and site irrigation uses targeted drip systems, allowing for specific areas to be watered while maximizing water conservation and absorption. Sixth-grade students designed and currently maintain two 2,500-gallon cistern rain harvester systems that function with solar and wind energy. In 2019, SVS built an 8,000-square-foot library, office, staff workspace, and Innovation Lab complex using state-of-the-art materials and systems with an emphasis on plumbing, insulation, natural lighting, natural colors, and views that allow the building’s occupants to connect with the surrounding landscape. In 2021, the complex received the Outstanding Project award from Learning by Design Awards of Excellence.
St. Martin of Tours Academy (private), San Diego County
In 2015, St. Martin of Tours Academy (SMA) became the first Catholic elementary school in the nation to be declared a Fair-Trade School by Fair-Trade Campaigns. Through the Fair-Trade curriculum, the whole school community learns how Fair-Trade practices support small farmers and artisans who make or grow products in developing countries in an environmentally sustainable way. SMA has an increased focus on reduced water use due to California’s drought. The school has replaced landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, rocks, and mulch throughout the property.
SMA’s Sustainable Practices Policy has eliminated single-use plastic and Styrofoam. At SMA, bins are placed in the two courtyards to collect organic waste, which is placed in the three-bin compost system to complete the composting cycle. Students learn how to sustain an organic garden, which provides many opportunities for community outreach as well as environmental and life science curriculum goals. The science curriculum blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools to empower students to think, read, write, and argue like scientists and engineers.
All California Green Ribbon School Awardees
Public Schools
- Altamont Creek Elementary, Livermore Valley Joint Unified, Alameda County (Green Achiever)
- Katella High, Anaheim Union High, Orange County (Green Achiever)
- Suisun Valley Elementary, Fairfield-Suisun Unified, Solano County (Green Achiever)
- Bella Mente Montessori Academy, Vista Elementary, San Diego County (Silver)
- Captain Leland Norton Elementary, San Bernardino City Unified, San Bernardino County (Silver)
- Eisenhower Senior High, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County (Silver)
- Ernest Garcia Elementary, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County (Silver)
- Jefferson Elementary, Carlsbad Unified, San Diego County (Silver)
- Kelley Elementary, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County (Silver)
- Meiners Oaks Elementary, Ojai Unified, Ventura County (Silver)
- Nancy R. Kordyak Elementary, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County (Silver)
- Parkview Elementary, Hueneme Elementary, Ventura County (Silver)
- Twin Rivers Charter, Yuba City Unified, Sutter County (Silver)
- Edward Fitzgerald Elementary, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County (Bronze)
- Fulton and Alsbury Academy of Arts and Engineering, Lancaster Elementary, Los Angeles County (Bronze)
- Henry Elementary, Rialto Unified, San Bernardino County (Bronze)
- Raymond Temple Elementary, Centralia Elementary, Orange County (Bronze)
Local Educational Agencies
- Merced Union High School District, Merced County (Green Achiever)
- Santa Cruz County Office of Education, Santa Cruz County (Silver)
- San Mateo Union High School District, San Mateo County (Bronze)
Private Schools
- St. Martin of Tours Academy, San Diego County (Green Achiever)
# # # #
Tony Thurmond —
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Last Reviewed: Friday, April 22, 2022
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