Sustainability @ the Library
Carbon footprint, sustainability, environmentally friendly, et cetera, et cetera. There is so much being said about the green movement and making changes towards creating environmentally-sound practices at home and work! The last time I posted on the topic it generated quite a bit of interest, so clearly people (and librarians too! 
) are seeking information to the question: how do I go green?
Last week I received a survey from the Association of Midwest Museums asking members about Green Museums and Sustainability Practices. It brought two thoughts to my mind: 1) The museum world and the library world share a ton of common interests and issues and need to start working together more and 2) Librarians need a similar survey to see what we’re all doing related to sustainability at the library.
So while this has all been on my mind, I was sitting in the doctor’s office yesterday and found a great series of articles in the October 2008 edition of Black Enterprise, a cool magazine that says it’s geared towards African-American entrepreneurs, but really covers a huge array of topics, not just business. But I digress. They recommend some websites that provide information about technology and it’s relation to the environment. Let’s face it, libraries use a ton of technology and that really creates a huge carbon footprint. Here are some sites they mentioned:
Green Technology – http://www.green-technology.org - As they say: “a non-profit initiative designed to inform government efforts toward sustainability, providing a forum in which government officials can communicate with those in the private sector who are developing and distributing green technologies.”
The Electronic Product Enviromental Assessment Tool – http://www.epeat.net - Provides analysis of computer products based on their environmental attributes
I did try to hunt down the official Greenstar website hosted by the U.S. government, but to no avail. However, I did find this great website from the Chicago Center for Green Technology that is worth looking at.
Okay, that’s all for today folks. Peace out.
We actually have a “green team” at our library that comes up with green initiatives. They’re always looking for new ways to improve our lives. It’s actually quite inspiring.
Greenstar? Are you actually meaning EnergyStar? There’s Green Globes that is one certification of green. There’s also LEED.
p.s. I got myself unemployed sometime over the summer and have been having too much fun doing good things. I really need to get back into the workforce again as unemployment will only last so long. I’m imagining a career in philanthropy… there’s so much good to do out there and it’s where my heart is.
Energystar! THANK YOU! That was making my brain hurt! LOL That’s the one…Energystar everyone!
Ok, so I’m talking to my wife who is teaching a sustainable design class at LCC and wouldn’t you know there is a Green Star program. It’s Australia’s environmental building rating system.
Feel free to email me if you want more information on stuff like this. The two of us know a ton and would be happy to add a few books to your reading list if you would like.
Perhaps we can do coffee…