Win $500 for Your 30-second Green Video

You are invited to send in a video, 30 seconds or less, that shows how you would make the environment better. The catch? Use only 3 words.

Green in 3 is sponsored by Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment. One contest period ends this Friday, February 12th. But there are 3 (of course) periods in all. The deadlines for the last two are March 12th and April 9th. There will be at least 15 First Place winners receiving $500 each. So see Green in 3 for rules and suggestions, and get busy!

Duke University To Go Climate Neutral

We applaud Duke University's plan to become "climate neutral" by 2024, one hundred years after its establishment. "Duke has long been a major center for the study of the environment," President Richard H. Brodhead said. "We are committed to being a leader in best practices in responding to climate change.” Since 2003, their new buildings have met the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.

William Chameides, Dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment, and others began in 2007 to assess the university’s greenhouse gas emissions. It's about 300,000 metric tons, caused mostly by energy and transportation uses. Duke is addressing these, converting the East Campus steam plant to run on natural gas, for example. The plan includes reducing the number of commuters who drive to campus alone and increasing the number of those who take buses or park-and-ride shuttles. The university intends to offset the emissions it cannot reduce by investing in projects that improve the local environment. An example might be helping North Carolina farmers capture methane and other harmful gases found in hog waste.

More information is available at Duke News and the Raleigh News-Observer.

Robert Redford Gets LEAF Award

As Earth Month draws to a close, let's recognize Duke University's brand new LEAF Award, for Lifetime Environmental Achievement in the Fine Arts.

Robert Redford received the first LEAF during Duke's Reunion Activities. The photo at left is from Duke News. Since the early 70's, he has shown his concern for the environment and the arts in his films, and has used his talents and resources to share it with others. He has taken a leadership role in non-profits such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Apollo Alliance. He has lobbied Congress and convened conferences on these issues.

"Robert Redford’s body of work as an actor, director, producer . . . highlights the critical but often underappreciated role artists can play in inspiring people to take action for the environment,” said William L. Chameides, dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment.

For more information about the award or Redford's long career, see The Duke LEAF Award. The site includes video of the award ceremony and audio of Redford's acceptance speech.

At News 14's interview, Redford was asked how the award would be compared with getting an Oscar. He said, "I like this a lot."