Gulf of Mexico Response
“Environmental Commons brings democracy and science to environmental decision-making at the local, state and national levels. We encourage involvement in the democratic process to defend our environmental heritage – water, air, biodiversity, and genetic variability – known as ‘the commons.’ Conserving our commons is undeniably linked to the quality of our own lives – our health and the health of ecosystems.
We work to preserve our natural areas, protect wildlife and promote sustainable policies using education and informed discussion.”
– Britt Bailey, Director
| What is the Environmental Commons? |
http://www.rriearth.org/sustainableHaiti.html
Energy-Technology and Training Project
Representatives traveled to UNIF in June 2007 to begin the assessment and planning phase of work on this project. Two training workshops were held at UNIF for 26 participants. Project planning activities continued throughout the year and the solar and computer equipment was purchased.
The equipment was due to ship to Haiti at the end of February. However, multiple roadblocks impeded the project’s completion. Several challenges in Haiti including issues of civic unrest, corruption, starvation and oppression, and a hurricane that devastated the island were beyond anyone’s control. Also, February brought an end to our involvement with this project although we continued to follow the project’s progress. Shipment of the containers to Haiti was delayed until the end of April due to corruption in the Haitian customs and port system and the Haitian government‘s efforts to address the issues by closure of the ports in February. The shipment arrived in Port-au-Prince in mid-June and was held in the customs warehouse. The shipment finally cleared customs in mid-September and was safely delivered to UNIF.
This work was made possible through the collaboration and financial support of many organizations. With a grant from the Sisters of St. Joseph, Nazareth, Mich., and working in partnership with Partners in Progress, Association of Peasants of Fondwa, and Monroe County Community College Information Systems and Construction Management Technology departments, this project will help to advance UNIF’s mission by meeting its need for alternative energy and adequate technology needs. The project objectives included:
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| Vision Phase 2006 | |
In June 2006, delegates from River Raisin Institute and Partners in Progress traveled to Leogone, Haiti, to meet with the Association of Peasants of Fondwa (APF) and the University of Fondwa 2004 (UNIF) to exchange knowledge and strategies for addressing building and energy needs of UNIF. UNIF is dedicated to reversing the destructive cycle of economic impoverishment, rampant health crisis, and environmental devastation caused by centuries of violence and oppression. Years of unsustainable plantation agriculture and the forced displacement of peasants from fertile plains to mountainous slopes has resulted in severe deforestation, soil erosion and water contamination. Most Haitian people lack access to clean water and fresh produce. Many children are malnourished and suffer from preventable and treatable diseases.
The small university is training a new generation of people who participate with determination and conviction in the sustainable and integrated development of their country and who do not put their own personal interest first.
UNIF has critical infrastructure needs that must be met in order to increase student enrollment and make the school economically viable. There is also need for renewable energy source for a recently implemented water project that supplies the school and surrounding community with clean water. The specific objectives accomplished on this trip included:
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Delegates traveled to Leogone, Haiti in 2006 and met with faculty at the University of Fondwa 2004 (UNIF) to assess their energy needs and the potential of solar and wind energy. At present, the school buildings have almost no electricity and space is cramped and inadequate. There is also need for renewable energy source for a recently implemented water project that supplies the school and surrounding community with clean water.
Best Electric and students and faculty at Monroe County Community College assembled the solar equipment in January 2008. The equipment 
In October 2008, representatives from Monroe County Community College in Monroe, Mich., Oakland University in Macomb County, Mich., and Partners in Progress in Pennsylvania traveled to Fondwa for the installation of the solar equipment and computer systems and the final training sessions.
The Online Degrees You Need To Succeed
You may be closer than you think to the career of your dreams. That’s because at Ashford University, you can transfer up to 99 approved credits. You graduate faster, spend less on your education and maximize your career potential. Your Enrollment Advisor can help you choose a program that fits your personal and professional goals and makes the best use of your approved transfer credits. Whether you’re looking to earn an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you’ll find your ideal program at Ashford University.
With Ashford University’s online degree programs, you can:
- Work toward a degree without disrupting your life.
- Keep your current job while benefiting from the accelerated online environment.
- Finish your degree in as few as 12 months.
Accelerate Your Education, Maintain Your Lifestyle.
Back to School Special—Enroll now and you’ll receive:
- Application fee waiver
- $100 voucher toward your first set of books
SAVE up to $155 by enrolling today!
Higher Education Made Affordable
You deserve a quality education at an affordable price. Make your investment in your education count when you attend Ashford University. You’ll find one of our goals is to help you maximize your investment from initial fees through the entire financial process.
Our Faculty
When they’re not teaching, the instructors at Ashford University apply the same theories and techniques in their own professions. You benefit from their real-world experience. All Ashford University instructors hold a Master’s degree or higher, excel in the art of teaching online, and honor it as a top priority.
Financial Aid
You may qualify for financial aid. Contact us and let a helpful Financial Services Advisor guide you through your options and help determine the best one for you.
What is Sustainability – Definition.
peakmoment — March 11, 2007 — Peak Moment 51: Tour Scott McGuire’s “White Sage Gardens” in the back yard of his rental home — a demonstration site for suburban sustainability. He ponders, “How might a household produce and preserve a significant portion of its own food supply?” Composting, a water-conserving greenhouse, and seed-saving are all facets of this beautiful work in progress. [http://www.cocreativeliving.com]
The following show is now available online. Click the link below to play the show.
Aired: 10/24/2009
Title: Alternative Vehicles
This week on Green$ense Radio, we’ll be talking about altern
This week on Green $ense Radio, we’ll be talking about alternative vehicles.
Lincoln Simmons
Lincoln A. Simmons
The following show is now available online. Click the link below to play the show.
Aired: 10/31/2009
Title: Mass Transit
Mass Transit fares are increasing while service becomes more unreliable and the schedule inconsistent. It makes you want to jump in your car and drive, and that makes it kind of tough to be green. Imagine reliable mass transit, getting to your destination on time, and saving money in the process!
Tune in Saturday from 4:00 – 5:00 pm CDT with your host Robert Colangelo to explore what’s happening with mass transit in the Illinois region and nationwide. We’ll explore modes of transportation, planning to green-up existing transit systems and how these plans will affect you.
Lincoln Simmons
Lincoln A. Simmons
Lincolnsimmons's Blog 