Every year, the ENVS 101 students select and develop a proposal to conduct a campus greening project.  The proposed project must exemplify the campus focus on Principled Problem Solving, and students must specifically relate the project and expected outcomes to the Guilford College Core Values.  A wide variety of interesting and exciting projects are generated from this class, many of which go on to significantly improve and reduce the ecological footprint of Guilford College.  Several selected projects are highlighted below.

Students:  Yolanda Williams, Natan Harel, Joshua Lewis

Project title:  Waterfree urinals and their economic, social, and environmental sustainability
 

As part of this project, Yolanda contacted several different representatives from waterfree urinal companies and was able to obtain a ‘buy one get one free’ deal on Falcon waterfree urinals!  The urinals were installed in Founder’s Hall as a pilot project, in cooperation with the Facilities Department and Gerald Little, Head of Housekeeping.  The goal of the pilot project was to see if this would be something that could work on the Guilford College campus.  After a trial period of approximately 6 months that included employee training on cleaning procedures and a determination of cost, the waterfree urinals were considered suitable for the campus.  The plan is to phase waterless urinals into academic and office buildings as future renovations are planned.  Another example of how student initiative and interest has made a significant change to improve our ecological footprint on the Guilford College campus!

Students:  Anne Marie Drolet, Eric Hawes,  Alex Thibadeau, Lani Cromwell

Topic:  Investigating Water Quality in the Guilford College Stream

Goals:  To determine presence of pollution in the Guilford College stream, and to investigate a potential point source of additional pollution (sewer line)

 Conclusions:  No distinct difference between upstream and downstream, suggesting the sewer line is not a significant point source for pollution.  Phosphate levels were higher than recommended levels, possibly from stormwater runoff. Total Coliform levels were high, likely contamination from goose feces based upon observation; could conditions have been exacerbated by drought?

Anne Marie, Alex, and Lani presented their results at the FIRST annual Guilford Undergraduate Symposium!

Students:  Lizza Vachon,  Abbie Rogers, Adra Cooper, Gabriela Spang

Topic:  Green Cleaners and the Guilford College Campus

Research questions: What are the harmful environmental effects of Guilford’s most frequently used cleaners?  Is it possible to replace those cleaning products with “green” cleaners? What criteria should we use for green cleaners?  What “green” cleaners are available for Guilford to use? 

-Test cleaners in the lab and “in the field” with Guilford College Housekeeping staff

-Make recommendations for future cleaning purchases for the campus


Abbie Rogers examining a bacteria culture                          Gabriela field testing cleaners on old shower curtains!

Results:  Based upon testing and collaboration with and input with Gerald Little (Head of Housekeeping at Guilford College) and the housekeeping staff, a decision was made to switch to cleaners that balance both employee health and environmental impacts.  This student project made a significant change to how the campus works, and has reduced our ecological impacts!

Students:  Erica Rhyne,  Kristen Odell, Marvin Morales

Topic:  Implementing Bluebird Nesting Habitat on the Guilford College Campus

Objectives:  Increase housing for bluebirds on the campus in favorable locations,  increase awareness and education about the ecological importance of insectivorous birds, and to work with the both Environmental Studies Department and Biology Department in promoting academics in the sciences.

Results:  Disseminated information about bluebirds, and installed several new permanent bluebird boxes that will be utilized by the Biology Department in their nesting studies.

Photo generously provided by Melissa Whitmire

Click HERE for a detailed map of bluebird house locations