On Tuesday evening, the University played host to Keen Footwear, a Portland-based company that is trying to spread a message of environmentally friendly business practices. The University is just one stop on the Keen sustainability tour, which is scheduled to visit 50 schools around the country.
Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy addressed the crowd about what can be and what has been done to increase sustainability throughout Eugene and the country.
Piercy, who has spoken with former Vice President Al Gore and former President Bill Clinton about the Clinton Climate Initiative, believes that corporations can be both pro-business and pro-sustainability.
“Businesses that produce food can do a better job of creating more natural foods and do a much better job at recycling their products, and that can be said for any business,” Piercy said.
Eugene is well-known for its environmental awareness and “green” initiative. This summer, Eugene’s first Office of Sustainability was established to create new opportunities for anyone interested in the topic.
“With the construction of this new office, we have now set a goal of zero waste of recyclable products and zero carbon neutrality in Eugene by the year 2020,” Piercy said.
Piercy and other sustainability advocates such as Oakland, Calif., Mayor Ron Dellums have helped to create the Gold Steps Award. The award is given out each year to recognize businesses for dedicated practices in sustainability and to urge other businesses to do the same.
“There is so much that every individual and business can do to make a difference,” Piercy said. “Even I used to be shy, but I was encouraged to run for office and I now realize the difference I can make and that every one of you can make.”
Erica Bruhn, marketing director for Keen, also spoke. She introduced a program called Hybrid Care, which promotes sustainability throughout the community. The program was launched during Keen’s infant stage in 2004 using its $1 million advertising budget. The program now includes several other companies that either promote or produce environmentally safe products.
“The purpose of Hybrid Care is to give an opportunity to anyone who has an idea on how to make sustainability more universal,” Bruhn said.
“Hybrid Pedal,” a documentary produced by the program, is receiving critical acclaim and will likely be showcased at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. The documentary chronicles several cyclists as they ride 1,000 miles from Portland to Salt Lake City in hopes of raising sustainability awareness.
Bruhn also introduced a program called Stand, which offers $150,000 in grants each year to individuals with promising ideas in sustainability. Applicants can ask for money in one of three categories. One of the categories is for outdoor athletes who wish to advocate fitness and environmental connectedness. Another gives grants to environmental activists, and the third looks to fund imaginative or creative sustainable practices.
The grand prize winner in each category will receive $25,000 to continue his or her environmental research, while five second place winners will each receive $5,000.
“There are only a couple hundred applicants so far, which unlike most sweepstakes, actually gives you a realistic shot at winning, so if you’re interested, definitely go for it, just go to the Keen Web site,” Bruhn said.
The presentation on Stand included a documentary about nine different people who all have unique ideas about sustainability. The documentary included a profile on Seth Warren, professional kayaker and sustainability advocate, who took a 60,000-kilometer trip around the world in an antique Japanese fire truck that he bought on eBay. The truck ran on nothing but recycled oils and does not use any fossil fuels or petroleum.
“The kids are blown away by what it takes to operate this truck, but it also gets them excited and willing to help the cause, and that’s what it’s all about,” Warren says in the film.
At the end of the documentary, students were encouraged to become involved in the Cascade Climate Network, a coalition of 15 universities across Oregon and Washington designed to help students become more involved in the community.
“Outreach is being conducted to major colleges in Oregon and Washington to get a strong showing of student solidarity,” said member Nathan Jones.
The night concluded with a raffle and an opportunity to win prizes, including backpacks made entirely of recycled materials.
“This stuff is really nice and every piece is unique,” said University student Molly Hart.
Students interested in promoting sustainability here on campus can contact a CCN coordinator, or go to the Cascade Climate Network Google group, groups.google.com/group/cascadeclimate,and sign up to be placed on the e-mail list.