Nov. 18:
Greener Virginia-CommonHealth workshop, USB 102, 1-3pm

Earth Portal

The Earth Portal is a comprehensive resource for timely, objective, science-based information about the environment.

The university will be an environmentally literate community whose members think critically and act, individually and collectively, as model stewards of the natural world. – A JMU Defining Characteristic

Fact or Fiction? Your Questions Answered

On this page, the ISNW presents science-based answers to your questions about what really is “green.” Please submit a question by e-mailing stewardship@jmu.edu. The ISNW staff will select questions to answer at the beginning of each month.

Q1. Computer Energy Edition (source: MIT)

Myth: Screen savers save your screen.
Fact: Screen savers were originally developed to prevent the permanent etching of a pattern on older monochrome monitors. The same protection occurs when you place the monitor in a low power “sleep” mode. At JMU, screen savers are often associated with password protection. To save energy and maintain security, leave screen savers with passwords enabled and simply turn off your monitor when you will be away for more than ten minutes.
Myth: Turning your computer off uses more energy than leaving it on.
Fact: The surge of power when a computer is turned on lasts a few seconds and is insignificant compared to the sustained energy used in keeping it on during periods of inactivity. Consider turning off your monitor when you are away for more than ten minutes.

Q2. JMU Recycling

Myth: JMU has a small recycling program.
Fact: JMU has one of the top recycling programs in the state! Click the video link (on the right) for a 3-minute JMU recycling tutorial with Duke Dog.
Myth: JMU recycles only glass bottles, aluminum cans and paper in containers in common areas.
Fact: All of these are recyclable at JMU

Q3 : What is REALLY a green product ?

Myth: a product with any certification is the most environmentally responsible product.
Fact: “Generally administered by governments, these labels attempted to condense the complex, multi-faceted environmental footprints of products into a single logo. Either a product was green, and could display an eco-label, or it was not. Unfortunately, true environmental performance is rarely so simple. Products and the processes used to manufacture them consume energy, utilize non-renewable and renewable materials, and generate emissions. In creating designs, product designers are continually forced to make decisions that involve trade-offs between multiple environmental impacts.” See the full video by Prof. David Allen, University of Texas at Austin http://www.utexas.edu/research/ceer/greenproduct/pages/whatisgreenproducts_er.htm

Q4. How green is your bottle?

Myth: A reusable aluminum bottle is better for the environment.
Fact: It depends how many times you use it and how you dispose of it. Learn how at http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/04/19/opinion/20090419bottle.html
A NY Times Article by Daniel Goleman and Gregory Norris

RecycleMania at JMU 2009, Third in State - Waste Minimization

No Drive Day 2008

Campus Sustainability Day 2008: Trash Sort and Sustainable Business Competition Announcement