Israel, Maryland follow green trend

It seems like everything and everyone is "going green" these days. Google went green, the Emmy Awards went green, this summer's Beijing Olympics went green and there are even plans in the works to make Hummers go green. One hundred fifty elementary schools in Israel and the University of Maryland can now be added to the green list."Going green, on the surface, is about reducing environmental impacts in a very comprehensive way," said Mark Stewart, the University of Maryland Campus Sustainability Coordinator. The process can include an individual reducing his or her own energy spending habits, a building undergoing infrastructure upgrades to become more energy efficient or schools integrating ideas of climate change throughout the curriculum.

The Israeli Education Ministry, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Ministry, is following the blueprint. Recently they approved a budget increase of 1 million Israeli Shekels for environmental education programs.

In order for the Israeli schools to be green, they must satisfy three requirements laid out on the Ministry of the Environment's Web site. The requirements are curriculum integration, rational use of resources and contribution to the community.

The schools are educating students on the importance of recycling and individual energy conservation. Students are also encouraged to educate their families and neighbors about the environment and participate in adopt-a-site projects within their communities.

It is important for Israel to focus on conserving energy because of the lack of fresh water, said Dr. Bruce James, director and professor of University of Maryland's Department of Environmental Science and Policy.

"Fresh water is a critical resource in Israel. It's not oil, it's water. There is simply not enough for everybody," James said. Israel may very well be defined by this crisis, but can benefit from recycling what it does have--solar power and wind power, James said.

Like Israeli schools, University of Maryland is taking on many new projects and programs to promote environmental awareness and many recognize it as a leader in the green movement.

"If you look back 10 years, we got a slow start. Now we're kind of zooming ahead," James said. With the close proximity to Washington, a state interest and President Mote's signing onto carbon reduction, James says that although Maryland came late, "we're moving fast."

Several new initiatives have been started to enhance sustainability on campus. The University is offering 100 environmentally-related classes throughout the year that will focus on sustainability, according to Stewart. Additionally, the "Feed the Turtle" program initiated by Maryland Athletics is putting an aggressive emphasis on the importance of
recycling during home football games.

There are also several community outreach programs that students can take part in, including the Engaged University program which has a garden in Riverdale. The program educates students and allows families in the community to grow their own vegetables, Stewart said.

"We're definitely one of the leaders, certainly in our region," Stewart said. "But we're not in the top 10. In order to come out on top we need to make progress in our infrastructure. We really need to be moving in that direction.