10/5/06: Project Abstract
There are two areas I want to focus on:
1. Solar power as an alternative energy source for projects.
Last week, Gilad and Jeff discussed building an instructional library for students to use on how to incorporate alternative energy saving technologies (solar, wind, mechanical, fuel cell). I would like to help with documenting how to work with solar power.
This would encompass:
- Understanding how solar panels work with the external battery setup
- How to measure the energy drawn and stored
- How to measure the power currently being used/required (this is the Audit)
- How to implement this on smaller/portable scales for individual projects (mini solar panels, mini Barbara/Jenna)
- Documenting step-by-step, similar to the PhysComp labs/instructables style
Rather than always drawing power from the grid, why not offset it since we have the resources available? We'll also be building an educational reference for current and future students to use and build off of.
I'm all for the idea of the Smart Room we discussed last week. One room, where everything could be "off the grid", and also serve as an educational reference. Someone mentioned the calling it the Green Room - even better! Presenting sustainability in a tangible, accessible form like this makes it more inviting to work with.
2. Researching the possibility of ITP participating in composting at NYU.
I recently emailed the NYU Garden Shop on whether or not they use compost in their gardens. Turns out, not as of yet. Just as of Spring this year, they've started to participate in the NYC Department of Sanitation's compost giveaway program, but they don't have a compost bin setup yet. George, the gardener Tom mentioned, is eager to set one up and we've been talking via email about some of the logistics that need to be considered to develop a proposal for composting on campus.
Some points to be addressed include:
- NYU compost bin location? George suggests in the rear of Coles Sports Center (largest open space available on campus) Requires building approval, and could be hindered by residents of nearby Silver Towers building.
- Compost bins need to be secured, so that not just any garbage gets tossed in there.
- Who will make sure only organic materials go from collection bins to compost bins? Garden staff/Recycling department staff/Students?
- How does ITP fit into this? Does our waste constitute enough organic material for a collection bin? What can be composted that I've seen us trash: fruit/veggie scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, flowers, bread, food soiled cardboard packaging/napkins, sawdust. Also, I just noticed Rebecca & Kate's ITPlant idea - the compost can serve as fodder to enrich the soil of those plants.
- How to get ITPers to separate their food wastes? Behavior change is the hardest part of getting folks to jump on the sustainability bandwagon. Offhand, I don't have any amazing ideas on how to approach this. If ITPlants abound, they could serve as visual feedback for their good deeds. Perhaps signage with encouragement along the lines of "Feed the ITPlants!"
9/14/06
I’m really looking forward to this class. It’s a great group with alot of knowledge to offer and share. Reading Cradle to Cradle is inspiring already.
What matters to me?
I want to start off by becoming more aware of issues surrounding sustainability, and what we can start practicing/modifying now. Just some thoughts, areas I want to explore:
- Energy Usage & Solar Technology - Understand how the grid works, and how we consume energy. More on the workings and feasibility of solar power. Tom suggested the possibility of wiring up a datalogger to the solar panels on our roof as a means to calculate how much power could be generated. I think this is a great idea & would like to participate in this.
- Waste in Urban Environments - During my summer travels to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dublin and Berlin, I noticed different ways these cities dealt with trash & recyclables. Also, my mom works as structural designer for the Los Angeles County Sanitation Department, so I hope to gain some insights from her perspective. After moving to NY, I was shocked at the amounts of garbage produced daily; in a city so dense, waste becomes so much more visible.
- Recycling - what really happens to recyclable products? How can the idea of reuse become more viable in cities?
- Balance Between Creativity and Responsibility - Examining the materials, equipment & processes we use, and moving towards more responsible practices.
What annoys me most about this?
That we’re so engrained in lifestyles and products which create these problems for the environment, that our infrastructure and economies will be difficult to change.
But my hope is that how strongly we feel the need to really start changing things, and having this course/environment to focus on ways to go about it, will actually take steps in that direction.
Also, I think Andrew's proposal is a great idea and goal for the class as a whole to work towards. This class is the first I've really heard about off-the-grid projects and housing, and I'm eager to take part in this effort.
