The Trail-Volume 16 Issue 3

The

TRAIL VOL 16 ISSUE 3

Celebrating 15 years!

GOODBYE FROM OUR SENIORS THE WILLOW PROJECT JORDAN: THE WATER CRISIS HEAR FROM A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL GUARD

WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ALASKA'S WILDLIFE?

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Letter from the Editor Hi Trail readers, This is a very special issue for a number of reasons.

This year is the 15 year anniversary of The EPIB Trail's creation. Sixteen volumes and dozens of issues later, I am proud to have kept this publication running for 2 years, following in the footsteps of many before me.

This is also the last issue that myself and several other graduating seniors will be a part of. It is a bittersweet feeling to know that my time here is coming to an end, but I am thankful for everyone I've worked with and the beautiful work we have produced.

I hope that you all stay tuned for next year, as I know that The Trail will continue to reflect the passion and diverse interests of EPIB students.

Sincerely, Mia Weinberg Editor-in-Chief

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Cover Page & Content Photos: Alexa Haris

Cont ents Meet our Staff

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Thank you, EPIB

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The New Hope for the New Jersey Shore

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Stella Campbell

Evan DeAngelis

Squirrels Around the World Analiese Haag

From Ancient to Environmentally Conscious: Greek Islands and Renewable Energy Advancements

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Chris McLaughlin

Red States, Green Financing Khushbu Patel

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What is the Willow Project?

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How Sustainable are LEED Buildings?

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Trail Mix: Solidarity Forever Playlist

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Art x Environment

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Alexa Haris Priyal Patel

Santiago Varela

Lea Cerini

Jordan: The Water Crisis

Travel Highlights

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Miranda Ma

Multiple Artists

Interested in joining The Trail?

Email us at epibtrail@gmail.com

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Meet Our Staff

Amanda Heckman

Alexa Haris Designer, Editor & Columnist

Graphic Designer

Amanda Spinweber

Amillia Keagle

Graphic Designer

Photographer Table of Contents

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Meet Our Staff

Analiese Haag

Chris McLaughlin

Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor

Emily Sullivan

Evan DeAngelis

Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor Table of Contents

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Meet Our Staff

Khush Patel

Lea Cerini

Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor

Mia Weinberg

Miranda Ma

Editor-in-Chief, Designer

Writer & Editor Table of Contents

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Meet Our Staff

Priyal Patel

Santiago Varela

Designer, Writer & Editor

Writer & Editor

Shan Chen

Stella Campbell

Graphic Designer

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Thank you, Stella Campbell

My undergraduate experience has been rather untraditional. I attended community college for a couple of years, transferred to another school, and then transferred again to Rutgers in the Spring of 2022. I declared the Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior major on a whim. Prior to coming to EPIB, I felt that I lacked direction in my career.

Campbell (left) and classmate Vanessa Thomas at their thesis presentation with advisor Dr. Karen O'Neill (right) Table of Contents

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Now, I reflect on my path to EPIB at Rutgers with gratitude— knowing that my curiosity and persistence led me here. In my final article for The Trail as an EPIB student, I share what I cherish most about my experience in this major.

As environmental policy students, we explore intersections between humans, systems, and our environment in varying capacities. We gain fundamental knowledge of natural science phenomena, risk perception, policymaking, histories of development, and issues relating to the climate. Our studies are designed to give us an ecological perspective, or a sense of “ecolacy”, whereby we consider things in their systems rather than as isolated entities. What is special to me about this sort of interdisciplinary learning is that I could place myself in all of it.

How I understand my individual role in the world around me has changed drastically: I feel more connected with the people and places around me. I recognize that our choices impact one another and feel more integrated in my natural surroundings.

My lessons challenged my existing worldview and challenged me to grow as a student in more ways than one.

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I could discuss concepts and skills I gained from EPIB; however, as my studies encompassed whole systems, my learning enriched me as a whole person. Students, staff, and faculty within EPIB foster something really special at Rutgers.

In the three semesters I was here, I was welcomed, included, valued and supported. Rather than feeling like I had to compete with my peers, I had the opportunity to learn from the unique perspectives of those around me while sharing mine.

I took over 20 credits each semester studying at Rutgers so I could graduate in May 2023. I juggled assignments and often had to prioritize studying for one course over another. Last semester, I had little time to study for a midterm. I did not feel ready whatsoever. I joined a study group with a couple of peers who felt ready for the exam, and upon letting them know I felt unprepared, one said that “we are going to get the whole team ready”. Although a seemingly small sentiment, this encapsulates what I will take with me from EPIB.

How I understand my individual role in the world around me has changed drastically: I feel more connected with the people and places around me.

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I am going to miss being an EPIB student upon graduation. I thrived here like I have never thrived in my education before. In three short semesters, I have grown immensely. I am sad to leave, but I feel grateful for all that I bring with me as I go.

Thank you to my professors, to staff members, to fellow students, and to friends. Your kindness, vision and dedication inspire me. Thank you, EPIB.

~ Stella Campbell

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e p fo Ho

The N e w New Jersey an i

nter

v i e w w it h

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S h o r e; a p Arlene S p d c a i r n a Bill Evan DeAngelis

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The Living Shoreline Project, is engaged in building several coastal habitats, repairing dunes, planting native coastal shrubs and grasses, as well as setting coir logs and wirebound rock embankments.

These efforts will be among many utilized to protect, reinforce, restore, and beautify the vulnerable New Jersey coastal wetlands so damaged by development, erosion, and mismanagement.

In the process of looking into the matter of these efforts, I interviewed two crucial drivers of this movement and subsequent project, the veritable power-couple behind the project: Doctor and professor Bill Scirappa and his wife Arlene Scirappa. At first I asked them both; “How was the living shoreline first devised and how did it change?”

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Both of the two wanted to help work off of an old coastal bulkhead that was originally meant to be expanded using local was convinced to fall in behind this progressive this new effort was to be inspired by south coastal techniques with a town selected figure, Andrew Rella, who’s concrete mattress proposal was rejected by some experts and by the townspeople.

So, Captain Al Modjeski, from the American Littoral Society, and the Scirappas worked to find an alternative. Said Professor Scirappa; “We needed something mild to maintain that small, natural estuary habitat. We don’t need to urbanize, we aren’t the Hudson.''

The effort aimed to strengthen the coast, mitigate flooding, and help to resurrect the coastal ecosystem.

Arlene prevented the FEMA grant from going to a bulkhead by packing a council meeting with the many local dissenters, engaging in community organizing. This is a goal Professor Scirappa is aiming at teaching his students and constituents that local involvement is crucial. The Master

gardeners at Rutgers and other university groups have helped to expedite this development process.

Local NGOs cooperate extensively to make this possible. Following that, I asked the two to explain how their involvement in the SRCC (Shark River Cleanup Coalition) dovetailed into the Living Shoreline project.

The SRCC, for reference, is a Monmouth county based watershed protection NGO. As Arlene Scirappa said; “The SRCC has been totally integrated since the beginning” the homeowners association and local community was informed through the SRCC and triggered the community organizing that helped table the old proposals.

Subsequently, I asked them both the following; “What was the proposal process like?” In a single word; “Arduous” was what I was told. After a pause, Professor Scirappa explained

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that the initial proposal did not always resonate with the town, so public pressure and protest, in which the Scirappas were deeply involved.

They played a pivotal role in redirecting a great sum of that FEMA grant money. Due in large part to their workings, FEMA transferred the grant money after a protracted quibble, and soon was convinced to fall in behind this progressive new approach to reconstructive development. The secret for this achievement, I was told, was to “keep rattling the cages” according to Bill Sciraappa.

Next the Scirappas were asked to explain to me the scope of the operations, and their role therein. A sudden change in leadership when the business administrator retired in Neptune Township, it caused delays and left them to lay new groundwork

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and establish connections.

Elaborating on their general involvement, Bill explained first stating; “My role was to affect change in the design, and involve people in the process of using our experience through the SRCC, or at Rutgers, to focus on the plant biology aspect of trying to bring about a healthy estuary in Shark River.” Arlene, more succinctly, stated: “My role was communication and mobilization, and constantly staying in contact with all of the shareholders so that they stay on the ball.”

In conclusion, I believe their work represents a promising step towards coastal recovery In New Jersey and environmental safety. It is work like this that puts our state and the country on a path of progress.

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quirrels

Coming to college, I was excited about a lot of things, but I was also very nervous. Like so many others coming to Rutgers, I was staying in the state but going away from home to a completely different setting. I would be leaving all the people I knew, leaving my safe suburban high school life, and entering New Brunswick. As someone who loves the environment, I was uncertain how to cope with limited green space and animals (my dogs and wildlife). For this reason, seeing squirrels around campus always brought me a sense of euphoria.

Studying abroad in Costa Rica for spring break, I was awestruck when I

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Analiese Haag saw squirrels on the last day. Squirrels are widespread, so they are often overlooked, but many different types bring the wilderness to cities worldwide.

In NJ, there are two types of squirrels, flying squirrels (which glide) and gray squirrels, which are gray with lightercolored underbellies (“Squirrels”). The Eastern Grey Squirrel is the most common in the United States. Their native range begins in southern Quebec, through NJ, down to Florida, and into eastern Texas. They have been introduced to many locations throughout the US (and have become invasive in Europe) ("Maryland

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Mammals”). They thrive in woodland but have made their way into urban areas due to these regions intentionally introducing them and transforming the landscape to include more treats and parks. People changed their behavior from hunting them to feeding them.

Their introduction to major cities like New York, Boston, and Washington, DC, was done as a part of the movement to bring nature into cities.

While squirrels prefer nuts, seeds, and fruits, they are omnivores, will eat almost anything, and are willing to try new things. Their eating habits and their reception of people have enabled them to flourish in cities and become a part of the community (“History of American Urban Squirrel,” 2013).

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as aforementioned, gray squirrels are the species that people see most often in their backyards and parks, but in some regions, they are invasive and disrupt the ecology. They were introduced to Europe purposely as an ornamental species in the late 1800s through the early 1900s until the damage they were causing was recognized. They eat the food from bird feeders, destroy the bark of trees, which costs the timber industry millions, and damage maize and fruit crops. Gray squirrels also eat native birds’ eggs and nestlings. Perhaps the worse outcome is their effect on the

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native red squirrels which have been nearly extinct since the gray squirrels out-compete them for food and habitat and carry a lethal squirrel pox that kills the native species, but the invasive squirrels are immune to (“Economic and Environmental Damage,” 2023). While gray squirrels bring beauty to NJ cities, action must be taken to remove them from Europe to protect the red squirrels. Both red and gray squirrels live primarily in temperate deciduous forests, but squirrels live in tropical forests, such as the Variegated Squirrel. I saw some of these tree squirrels while they were trying to get people’s food at the hotel in Costa Rica, reminding me of the New Brunswick squirrels. They can be found in many other countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Like the gray squirrels, this species is widespread. Seeing their fantastic coloration stopped me in my tracks.

These squirrels vary in appearance depending on the individual population, ranging from dark brown to yellowish-gray with different stripes.

All Variegated Squirrels are medium

size with long bushy tails. They are solitary, herbivores, and remarkably agile (“Variegated Squirrel,” 2023).

Wherever you visit, keep your eyes open to see the squirrels that can bring you a sense of home while revealing the wonders of wildlife worldwide.

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Club Spotlight

Semester Wrap Up:

Kiss the Ground Movie Screening

Clean up at Boyd Park

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Hosted Guest Speaker: Quinton Law The club's goal is to empower students to become climate advocates.

If you are interested in joining, please follow @climaterealityru for more information on meetings and events.

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From Ancient to Environmentally Conscious: Greek Islands and Renewable Energy Advancements Lea Cerini

Greece has recently set the goal to be carbon neutral by the year 2050. The country of Greece has 227 islands that serve as popular summer vacation destinations. As the effects of climate

change have grown more severe, it is clear the islands are vulnerable. The island of Crete continues to experience dangerous floods from rising sea levels while the island Evia battles wildfires from rising temperatures. In addition, the islands are reliant on producing a large amount of energy to support the influx of tourists during the summer

months. This impertinent situation led to an initiative of Greece’s government to “transform Greek islands into models of green economy, energy autonomy, digital innovation and ecological mobility”(Kokkinidis, 2023).

Remote islands like Mykonos and Santorini must generate their own energy because they are too far from the mainland. They do so by burning oil, with a very small proportion of their energy generated from renewable sources. The price of oil has become increasingly expensive, making the summer tourism months quite costly for the municipality and vacationers. The government has

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proposed a solution to encourage the switch of oil burning to renewable energy. The 4.3 billion dollar Euro project aims to connect Greece’s mainland with the islands of the Aegean with undersea cables by 2030 (Bourtis, 2023). The cables will store energy and will provide for the island in times of low wind or sun. To preserve the accessibility and availability of the Greek islands as vacations and archaeological treasures, the transition to renewable energy becomes critical to their protection and longevity.

Alternatives and Considerations The group Movement for the Protection of the Islands fights against the implementation of large-scale wind farms because of their fear of overdevelopment occurring on the islands. They are concerned with the adverse effects of the wind mills, such as the impact they pose on

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marine life and noise pollution.

Instead, they believe that smaller-scale projects of wind, solar and battery storage will achieve the island's goal of self-sufficient energy generation.

Solar energy is considered the best renewable option for this scenario as wind power is controversial due to recent ocean wildlife deaths. The Movement for the Protection of the Islands group also promotes community collaboration to find local solutions by involving the islands’ residents in the planning of these projects. Local community involvement encourages the generation of achievable solutions that support the permanent residents of the islands.

Green Tourism Green tourism is the idea that travel destinations and lodgings will be determined by how environmentally

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sustainable the location is. Certain hotels in popular destinations have already tapped into the concept of green tourism by creating zeroemission hotels with the prioritization of eco-friendly features that promote sustainability. Tourists are likely to choose a hotel because of their environmental consciousness.

The Greek Islands can greatly benefit from green tourism as tourism increases and small municipalities bear high costs for energy. Halki is the first Greek island with zero-emissions as established by the Greco Islands.

The island has a solar park that provides energy for residents, allowing them to zero their energy bills and save money. In one year residents saved 200,000 euros and reduced carbon emissions by 2,246 kg. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotaxis has declared Halki and the

Dodecanese Islands as “sites of dynamic investments in green and cyclical economies,” translating to “cheap electricity and new jobs for the residents'' (Kokkinidis, 2023).

Energy resilience has the potential to create a sustainable relationship between the environment and tourism in small communities. The Greek economy will flourish from sustaining carbon-neutral tourism in local communities that prioritize the environment and permanent residents.

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The Water Crisis Chris McLaughlin Table of Contents

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In 2019, I spent a year in the country of Jordan with the New Jersey Army National Guard. Blistering hot training events, cold nights in the desert, and lots of tea with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) soldiers was my life for a year. Of the many memories I hold from my time overseas, there is one thing always sticks out: the water. On our base, we had a plethora of massive palates of Aquafina bottles for the taking. The tap water was not suitable for consumption due to a myriad of reasons. While we indulged in as many bottles as we wanted whenever we wanted, the JAF did not have that luxury.

Their water bottles or hydration systems were never full. The water they bought was in a refurbished gas tanker, though the soldiers never took from that. They were constantly asking for our Aquafina bottles. With limited natural resources and increasing demand, Jordan is struggling to provide its citizens with access to safe and clean water.

The crisis is primarily a result of two factors: climate change and population growth. Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with an annual renewable water supply of just 145 cubic meters per capita, well below

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the international water poverty line of 500 cubic meters per capita (UNICEF).

The situation has been further exacerbated by rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall due to climate change. Additionally, Jordan has experienced a significant increase in population in recent years, which has put immense pressure on the country's already limited water resources. The consequences of the water crisis in Jordan are far-reaching.

Without access to safe and clean water, people are at risk of waterborne diseases like cholera, which can be deadly. In addition, the crisis has significant economic implications, as businesses and industries that rely on water are struggling to stay afloat. The agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of Jordan's economy, has been hit particularly hard, with farmers forced to abandon crops due to lack of water.

The crisis is particularly severe in the capital city of Amman, where over 4 million people rely on an underground water supply that is rapidly depleting.

Currently the 12 aquifers that supply Jordan with water, all are being depleted beyond their rechargeable volumes (UNICEF). The situation has become so dire that the government has been forced to implement strict water rationing limiting access to water for hours or even days at a time. measures, To address the water crisis, the Jordanian government has

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implemented several measures.

These include promoting water conservation and efficiency, investing in alternative water sources such as desalination and wastewater reuse, and implementing policies to encourage water-saving practices in agriculture.

International organizations, including the United Nations, have also been working to support Jordan in its efforts to tackle the crisis.

Photo by McLaughlin

However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis. Jordan needs a long-term sustainable solution that will ensure access to safe and clean water for its citizens for generations

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Travel Highlight: International

Krka National Park of Croatia Lozovac, Croatia

Photo Cr. Alexa Haris

Located on the Krka River in southern Croatia, this nature reserve is full of beautiful surprises with trails, flower covered grounds, medieval castle ruins, riverboat rides, and a 7-series of waterfalls.

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States, d e R F i n n a e e ncin r G g The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed without a single GOP vote.

However, the biggest winners from the IRA are ironically the Republicans who voted against it.

Roughly two-thirds of the major clean energy projects are in districts whose Republican lawmakers opposed the IRA, meaning that the money Democrats voted to invest in clean power is largely spent in n Republican districts.

Although Republicans continue to vote against climate legislation like the IRA, constituents in red in

districts have the most to gain from these kinds of bills. This is so for three reasons: 1) red states are geographically the best sites for renewable projects, 2) red states are where the most emissions come from and 3) red states are where new infrastructure typically gets built, due to industry incentives, space, and cheaper skilled labor.

The benefits for red states is evident in a series of data-driven figures by Enersection, a new Houston-based company.

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Khushbu Patel place to put up wind turbines is where there is lots of open space, causing strong winds. Just 10 states roughly between the Mississippi River and the Rockies account for over 80% of US onshore wind power potential, and that region skews red (70% of the House districts in those states have Republican representatives). “Rural and semi rural districts offer more open, and cheaper, spaces to site electricity.

The benefits for red states is evident in a series of data

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data-driven figures by Enersection, a new Houston-based company.

For example, the best place to put up wind turbines is where there is lots of open space, causing strong winds. Just 10 states roughly between the Mississippi River and the Rockies account for over 80% of US onshore wind power potential, and that region skews red (70% of the House districts in those states have Republican representatives). “Rural and semi rural districts offer more open, and cheaper, spaces to site electric infrastructure than the urban and suburban areas that tend to vote blue. Even within states that tilt blue, wind capacity tends to be built in districts with Republican representatives. Of the top 15 districts for existing and planned wind capacity in states won by Joe Biden in 2020, 13 are red” (Denning & Davies, 2022).

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For clean energy companies, it makes sense to build solar facilities in predominantly red Sun Belt states with anti-union laws. Furthermore, 20 out of 25 districts with the highest greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sites are Republican. The IRA incentivises clean energy companies to be drawn to red states through federal subsidies, tax benefits, and capital because red states need clean energy the most.

“Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stit

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Stitt (R) is proud of the state’s standing as the nation’s third-largest wind power producer - behind only Texas and Iowa.

More than 40% of Oklahoma’s electricity comes from wind generation, and the state boasts more than 20,000 jobs in clean energy, about 1.3% of its workforce” (Morehouse, 2022).

Nevertheless, Stitt staunchly disputed the notion that an expansion of the tax credits that led to Oklahoma’s wind boom

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boom could do any more to help his state’s economy.

“Texas - whose governor, Greg Abbott, was one of 22 Republicans who signed an Aug. 4 letter opposing the IRA produces more wind power by megawatts than any other state, the second most solar power in the country and ranks only behind California in clean energy jobs, at more than a quarter million. It also has tremendous potential for

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for more. Texas leads in wind potential with 1.3 million megawatts in possible capacity, and ranks as the fourth sunniest state, with the highest capacity for solar in terms of land mass, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory” (Morehouse, 2022).

“Moving further to the right, there is Colorado’s 3rd District, represented

by Lauren Boebert. In January 2021, she responded to the US reentry into the Paris Agreement by tweeting that she works “for the people of Pueblo, not the people of Paris.” Ironic, really, since Pueblo, one of the biggest cities in her district, has a 100% renewable electricity target and is emerging as a regional clean energy hub.

Overall, Boebert’s district ranks 16th of the 435 districts for planned renewable energy capacity” (Denning & Davies, 2022).

“Applying benchmark estimates of capital costs for wind, solar and battery projects from Bloomberg NEF and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to planned capacity implies a $107 billion investment opportunity from the IRA - almost four-fifths of it in red districts” (Denning & Davies, 2022). The evidence is clear that GOP lawmakers are seemingly enjoying economic development, jobs, and energy security from the IRA that they said the nation did not needTable of Contents

need. The success of the IRA has helped constituents in red and blue states alike, which incentivises the GOP to be more compromising moving forward with new climate legislation. In this polarizing nation, despite differing political affiliations, it appears that Americans have common interests and goals, even if the GOP is slow to admit it. Hopefully, the benefits to red states can change GOP attitudes towards the future of the clean energy transition.

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Photo Cr. Alexa Haris

Travel Highlight: USA

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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conervatory Key West, Florida

This conservatory is a must for all who visit the beautiful island of Key West. Before entering the conservatory, there is a gift shop and a n education center displaying a few insect species and about the life cycle of the butterflies. As soon as you enter the enclosure, you are transported to a fairytale land of butterflies fluttering all around you, the air almost feels lighter. Around the bend are more critters such as the Yellow Edged Owl Butterfly Chicago on the next page and distant relatives of dinosaurs... flamingoes and other tropical birds including this White Breasted Gouldian Finch pictured here. Once you've visited, you will be dreaming of butterflies forevermore.

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Photo Cr. Alexa Haris

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What is the Willow Project?

Priyal Patel The Willow project has been getting a significant amount of attention globally. The Willow project is an oil drilling project allowing the corporation ConocoPhillips to drill on Alaska’s North Slope in an area that is part of Alaska’s National Petroleum Reserve. This area was kept untouched in case of any increased threats to the nation's access to petroleum. The drilling project would become the largest oil drilling project in U.S. Soil. The project has groups battling on opposing sides, both for and against it.

Environmental advocates say it would cause unfathomable damage to the region, stating that climate change effects could be increased with the commencement of the drilling project.

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It could also completely undermine the state's ability to protect its resources. Animals such as “grizzly bears and polar bears, caribou and hundreds of thousands of migratory birds “ will be affected by the Biden Administration's decision to allow the continuation of the project.

The project had been in negotiations since the Trump administration and was set to be approved in 2021. However, due to a significant flaw in the government’s environmental impact assessments of the project, Judge Sharon Gleason of the US District of Alaska stopped issuing federal permits in 2021 (Cloutier, 2023).

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She had declared that the environmental review did not “consider key climate and environmental impacts to wildlife in the area” and left out crucial information about the effects of global warming as well (Neilson, 2023). Even now, Judge Gleason has stated that the effects of the drilling and construction on the land do not outweigh the economic benefits that will be provided (Neilson, 2023).

The Biden administration did have its hands tied in the sense that ConocoPhillips does have rights to the land from decades-old leases.

The Biden administration has not approved the project in its entirety; however, it has approved 3 of the five oil drilling wells, thus decreasing the size of the project(Elbeshishi, 2023).

Stakeholders' Point of View ConocoPhillips is currently the biggest crude oil producer in all of Alaska.

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They have leased over thousands of acres of land in the state alone (ConocoPhillips, 2023).

The company is expected to help deliver anywhere from “ $8 billion to $17 billion” in profits & revenues to the U.S. federal government, the state of Alaska, and local communities like the North Slope Borough communities (ConocoPhillips, 2023).

ConocoPhillips was found to have increased its lobbying efforts in order to get the Willow project passed.

The Non-Profit Opensecrets.org found that the firm spent around “$8.7 million on federal lobbying in the last year,” which is almost double the previously invested amount(Cloutier, 2023). Some have also speculated that ConocoPhillips has given up the 68,00 acres of its existing leasing area not to reduce its footprint on the land but to gain public support.

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It allows the business to receive some praise rather be under public scrutiny.

Alaskan Natives are torn. Some believe that the project would be good for Alaska’s economy and help increase jobs in the area for years to come. However, others feel their connection with Alaska’s native wildlife and natural resources is being jeopardized.

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Environmental Activists are aggravated by the inability of the government to stop the project.

Activists had previously sent millions of letters to the White House and had gotten 5 million signatures for a petition on change.org; however, they could not convince the government to stop issuing the permits. The Actvitist have continued their fight against the approval by sending lawsuits. Some Alaskan Native groups are actually sending some of these lawsuits.

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How sustainable are LEED Buildings?

Santiago Varela

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

LEED promotes sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-saving designs for buildings.

LEED certification is built around the three pillars of sustainability: people, planet, and prosperity (US Green Building Council, 2022).

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waste from landfills. That number is expected to rise to 540 million tons of waste by 2030. While there are important benefits that come with buildings being LEED certified, it is important to recognize the negative consequences. Property values are known to rise when they are LEED-certified, leading to gentrification in the environmental sector. Another issue that arises from LEED certified buildings is that

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implementing sustainable design in building development does not guarantee an overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

A study conducted by Dickinson College shows that property values for new homes that are LEED certified are 8 percent higher than homes that are not LEED certified, adding onto the fact that energy efficient homes are already selling for 30 percent more. Consequently, the issue of neighborhood gentrification arises. Lower-income people can not afford these properties with a rising value. Meanwhile people with higher incomes are attracted to these properties, forcing lowerincome people to relocate to another area that is not invested in sustainable practices. A possible solution to this is setting up more affordable housing programs for

A plaque indicating the silver level of LEED certification

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LEED-certified residencies. Only 40 percent of LEED-certified projects have affordable housing programs (Benson, 2019). If this figure increases, then neighborhood gentrification becomes less of a problem.

Energy efficiency design in buildings must be accompanied by sustainability behaviors in these buildings.

Implementing sustainable designs is a great way of tackling greenhouse gas emissions, but it is not sufficient enough to solve our waste problems. A report by a student at the University of

Virginia found that wealthier people who purchase LEEDcertified buildings tend to consume more energy and resources that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions than prior to the building being certified as LEED (Breza, 2020).

The process of LEED certification is successful only when neighborhood certification is accounted for and when everyday practices from buildings and homeowners are sustainable. The great importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable building design must not overshadow the negatives of neighborhood gentrification and overuse of resources. Only when all of these factors are considered can LEED certified buildings be truly sustainable.

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Things to Do:

broke college student edition

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New Brunswick Community Farmers Market New Brunswick, NJ

New Brunswick Community Farmers Market

During the quieter summer months in the city comes the local favorite, New Brunswick Community Farmers Market. This market is geared to be accessible to all and focuses on bringing fresh, local produce to New Brunswick low-income residents. A true gem full of friendly staff, local vendors, and Jersey Fresh produce, and affordable prices. Come check it out at both locations: NBCFM Market Pavilion near Douglass Campus and Kilmer Square Park near the train station.

Rutgers Floriculture Greenhouse

Cook/Douglass Campus

Alexa Haris

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Just a few steps away from the Red Oak Lane bus stop, is the Rutgers Floriculture Greenhouse. Typically open from 9am to 2pm on weekdays, this greenhouse has free admission! Come check out an array of plants and this Blue Poison Dart Frog!

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Trail Mix

R A D I L O S

V E R O F

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AUTHORED BY MIRANDA MA DESIGNED BY ALEXA HARIS

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The week of 04/10 - 04/14 has been one for Rutgers’ history books. Roughly 9,000 faculty members organized and participated in a strike against extremely low wages and close to no job security. The majority of classes and research at the University were shut down as many of the students joined their professors, in solidarity, at the front of the picket lines. Rutgers should be first and foremost for the education of its students.

And we owe our education to our dedicated professors.

So the theme of this Issue’s Trail Mix is: “Solidarity Forever”. Here are 10 (11 with the bonus song) songs to listen to that reflect these current events.

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I thought this was an appropriate first song as it showcases the union’s role within the strike. Throughout strike week, the Rutgers unions emphasized the importance of power in numbers. This idea is highlighted with Guthrie’s lyrics:

This jazzy Radiohead song reflects the disconnect between the University and the union. The first part of the song is from the perspective of President Holloway and the rest of the administration. It starts with “Once again I'm in trouble with my only friend/ She is papering the window panes/ She is putting on a smile/ Living in a glass house”. This “only friend” is all the lecturers/researchers/professo rs/students that provide Rutgers with their prestige in education. As education is at the root of any university, they should be treated like a “friend”.

"Gonna Roll The Union On"

by Woody Guthrie

"We’re gonna roll the union on/ Boss gets away, gonna roll it over him” The union is fed up with the University administration and President Jonathan Holloway in particular. Which segways into the theme of the next song…

"Life in a Glasshouse"

by Radiohead

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3.

"Disease of Conceit"

by Bob Dylan

On a sadder tune, we have Bob Dylan’s “Disease of Conceit” discussing how the many people suffer at the hands of conceit and greed. It gives a more pessimistic view on the control of an unjust system.

"Conceit is the disease that the doctors got no cure They've done a lot of research on it but what it is they're still not sure"

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"Finest Wokrsong"

by R.E.M.

This song can be used to reflect the opposite of Dylan’s “Disease of Conceit”. Giving a more optimistic, call-toaction message that shows the side of the strike that strives for/encourages change within how the Rutgers education system treats their faculty members. The opening line: “The time to rise has been engaged/ You're better best to rearrange” emphasizes that the time to “rearrange” the system is now. Now, that they have the attention of students, news outlets, and head administrators they can create a more just situation.

5.

"Soup is Good Food"

by Dead Kennedys

I am a big Dead Kennedys fan and when I first heard about the strike and why it was happening, I immediately thought of this song. This is a spooky sounding punk song is chock-full of dark/morbid humor about the realities of working under a corrupt system. It is definitely worth a listen and a look at the lyrics to follow along to; but just given the title, the song pokes fun at how many jobs don’t pay well enough for their workers to live. So poorly in fact, that their employees still have to eat at soup kitchens while management says, “Hey! Cheer up, soup is good food!”

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6.

"B*tch Better Have My Money"

by Rihanna

This is just a fun song (more on the lighter side) added into this playlist as many of the picketers are advocating for increased, equal, and appropriate pay. I attended some of the pickets on Cook/Doug and union members chanted a parody of this song shouting,

“RUTGERS Better Have My Money”.

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"Know Your Rights"

by The Clash

It’s hard not to have a political playlist and not include The Clash, a punk band that stood at the forefront of many liberation groups and movements. This is a very straightforward, slightly sardonic/cynical song reminding people that they have rights even though most times there seems to be no repercussions if they are violated by people with power.

"Murder is a crime Unless it was done By a policeman Or an aristocrat Oh, know your rights"

8.

"Education"

by Pearl Jam

This song was chosen to give a torn student’s perspective on the strike and how it affects their educational track, graduating students in particular. The student is at a crossroads between caring about finishing school and earning a degree, and what meets them in the careerworld. Will they have job security? Are angry unions and greedy administration an inevitable part of their future?

And are they selfish for wanting to return back to classes in order to graduate, when their lecturers and professors are being mistreated and fighting for their rights?

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9.

"Be True to Your School"

by The Beach Boys

I’m a firm-believer in separating the administration from the actual university.

This song is for all the people [like myself] who genuinely love Rutgers but are unhappy with their treatment towards faculty. It is not the administration who makes the school. It’s the lecturers and professors who inspire you inside the classroom. It’s the students who teach you outside the classroom. It’s all the people on Voorhees Mall during strike week that came together in song and solidarity. That is Rutgers University. That is our school. So, as The Beach Boys say, “[RU] Rah, rah, rah, be true to your school”.

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10.

"We're Not Gonna Take It"

by Twisted Sister

It was a given that I added some Twisted Sister within this playlist. [It’s worth mentioning that these guys have a parody of the previous Beach Boys song called “Be Chrool to Your Scuel”] “We’re Not Gonna Take It” has been an anthem for many protests across the nation, especially in situations concerning education and fair pay. Just as Dee Snider [fully dressed in his glam-hair metal regalia] spoke eloquently against Tipper Gore and the PMRC (Parent Music Resource Center), many speakers came to Voorhees Mall to eloquently speak against President Holloway and the injustices placed upon the Rutgers faculty.

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11.

"Outside with the Cuties"

by Frankie Cosmos

Outside with the cuties I don't think the woods are too deep The grass covers the sand All the wood is damp Feeling very touched Because my friends are in love/ Your eyes reflect the greenish moon You move towards me and I love you I love you I love you Table of Contents

My highschool-self was internally screaming! On Friday 04/14, Frankie Cosmos came to Rutgers to have a free solidary concert, outside with all the strike solidarity cuties. After the show I got to meet the amazing Greta Kline and she even signed my skateboard.

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Campus Spotlight

Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health Living Wall Cook/Douglass Campus

Installed in 2015 with the construction of the IFNH building, this living wall blankets the wall of about 1,320 square feet as listed by Michael Coraggio on Greenroofs (Coraggio, 2018).

As of 2018, it is the largest interior living wall in New Jersey, he writes.

Designed by Michael A. Coraggio and Ryan M. Burrows, Ecowalls, LLC., the is vertical jungle dreamscape also won a "2016 Landscape Architectural Merit Award: Planting Design from NJASLA" (Coraggio, 2018).

Photo Cr. Alexa Haris

Come relax and take in the luscious greenery after a doctor's visit at the health center or a delicious lunch from Harvest.

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Alexa Haris, Ajna With Flowers (2022), Digital Photo Like Alexa's work?

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Alexa Haris, Little One (2017, Digital Photo

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Alexa Haris, University of Basel Greenhouse I (2022), Digital Photo Like Alexa's work?

Follow her on Instagram @alexandriaharis Inquire about booking a photoshoot.

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Alexa Haris, Topiary Park I (2019), Digital Photo Like Alexa's work?

Follow her on Instagram @alexandriaharis Inquire about booking a photoshoot.

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Works Cited "Squirrels around the World"

“Economic and Environmental Damage Caused by Grey Squirrels.” British Red Squirrel, 2023, http://www.britishredsquirrel.org/economic-environmental-damage-caused-grey-squirrels/.

“Maryland Mammals: Eastern Gray Squirrel.” Maryland Department of Natural Resources, https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/easterngraysquirrel.aspx.

“Squirrels: What Are Squirrels?” Learn More About Squirrels In NJ | Heritage Pest Control, 2023, https://www.heritagepestcontrolnj.com/squirrels.

University of Pennsylvania. (2013, December 6). History of American urban squirrel.

ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 16, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131206132408.htm Variegated squirrel. Variegated Squirrel - Facts, Diet, Habitat & Pictures on Animalia.bio.

(2023). Retrieved April 19, 2023, from https://animalia.bio/variegated-squirrel

"From Ancient to Environmentally Conscious: Greek Islands and Renewable Energy Advancements" Bourtis , E. (2023, February 13). Greek Islands and renewable energy: A green future. GreekReporter.com.

Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://greekreporter.com/2023/02/13/greek-islands-investments-renewableenergy/ Kokkinidis, T. (2023, March 28). Greek island of Halki now self-sufficient on energy. GreekReporter.com.

Retrieved April 17, 2023, from https://greekreporter.com/2023/03/28/greek-island-halki-self-sufficient-energy/

"Jordan: The Water Crisis" Water, sanitation and hygiene. UNICEF Jordan. (2020, November 4). Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.unicef.org/jordan/water-sanitation-and-hygiene

"What is the Willow Project?"

ConocoPhillips Welcomes Record of Decision on the Willow Project. (2023, March 13). ConocoPhillips.

Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.conocophillips.com/news-media/story/conocophillips-welcomesrecord-of-decision-on-the-willow-project/ Elbeshbishi, S. (2023, March 15). Biden approves Willow Project. What to know about the move to allow oil drilling in Alaska.

USA Today.

Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/03/15/biden-approved-willow-projectexplained/11478463002/ Nilsen, E. (2023, April 4). Willow Project: Federal judge denies preliminary injunction on Alaska oil-drilling project. CNN. Retrieved May 13, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/03/politics/willow-projectinjunction-ruling-climate/index.html Table of Contents

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Works Cited "Red States, Green Financing" Renewables By District | Enersection. https://renew.enersection.io/ Denning, L., & Davies, J. (2022, August 2). US Green Energy Budgets Pushed by Democrats Get Spent on Republicans. Bloomberg.com. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/features/2022-08-02/us-green-energybudgets-pushed-by-democrats-get-spent-on-republicans#xj4y7vzkg Dvorak, P. (2023, January 23). Biden's Green Subsidies Are Attracting Billions of Dollars to Red States. The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/bidens-green-subsidies-are-attracting-billions-of-dollars-to-redstates-11674488426 Four ways red states are benefiting from clean energy development. (2022, October 12). Generation180. https://generation180.org/four-ways-red-states-are-leading-the-clean-energy-transition/ Meyerson, H. (2023, January 24). The Democrats' Green Investments Are Going to Republican States. The American Prospect. https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2023-01-24-democrats-green-investmentsrepublican-states/ Morehouse, C. (2022, August 18). Red states reap inflation bill's green benefits. Politico. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/the-long-game/2022/08/18/red-states-reap-inflation-bills-green-benefits00052463 Nilsen, E. (2022, August 31). Republicans voted 'no' on the climate bill. Their states will get billions of dollars from it anyway. https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/31/politics/republican-states-benefit-climate-law/index.html Tamborrino, K., & Siegel, J. (2023, January 23). Big winners from Biden's climate law: Republicans who voted against it. Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/23/red-states-are-winning-big-from-dems-climatelaw-00078420 Wallace-Wells, D. (2023, March 8). Opinion | Clean Energy Is Suddenly Less Polarizing Than You Think. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/08/opinion/clean-energy-gop-red-states.html

"How Sustainable are LEED Buildings?" .US Green Building Council. (2022, April 21). What is LEED certification? – U.S. green building council. usgbc.org. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/4404406912403-What-isLEED-certificationBreza, I. (2020, May 10). The effects of green building certifications on low-income communities. Library of Virginia. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://libraetd.lib.virginia.edu/downloads/w95051089? filename=Breza_Indigo_STS_Research_Paper.pdf Benson, E. M., & Bereitschaft, B. (2019, August 8). Are leed-nd developments catalysts of neighborhood gentrification?

Taylor & Francis.

Retrieved April 23, 2023, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19463138.2019.1658588

Campus Spotlight Coraggio, M. (2018, November 9). Rutgers University NJ Institute for Food, nutrition, and Health Living Wall.

Greenroofs.com. https://www.greenroofs.com/projects/rutgers-university-nj-institute-for-food-nutrition-andhealth-living-wall/

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