Go Green this Spring!
By: Kelly Siegel
Although it still feels like winter in parts of the Midwest, spring is officially here! As we gear up for the start of spring and plan spring activities it is important to remember to keep these activities green. Here are some ideas to make the most of the season:
- Get your hands dirty and plant a vegetable garden. It takes some work and patience now, but when you are eating your home grown tomatoes this summer, it will all be worth it.
- Get outside. Go for long walks, bike rides, or runs and explore your neighborhood you have missed over winter.
- Many of us associate spring with spring cleaning. Go through those old boxes and your closet and donate, recycle, or reuse anything you don’t need any more. You never know what you might find!
- On the topic of spring cleaning, use green cleaning supplies. There are even ways to make your own. It is very simple and not only better for the environment, but your wallet as well.
- Use reusable water bottles – You can get some with cool designs and not waste plastic water bottles.
Do you have other tips to go green this spring? Please share.
Kelly Siegel is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for sustainable development, running, and traveling with friends
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
How Did You Celebrate Earth Hour?
By: Kelly Siegel
Did you participate in Earth Hour on Saturday? If not, it’s ok! Although Earth Hour took place on Saturday March 23, 2013 at 8:30PM, we can make every hour, Earth Hour.
Earth Hour began in 2007 and has been gaining steam ever since. It involves world participation in hopes to raise awareness on climate change. For one hour, everyone turns off their non-essential lights. My roommates and I did this on Saturday night and realized we don’t need our computers, tv, and phones all going at the same time to have fun!
It is important to realize that we should not celebrate Earth Hour for one hour every year, but every hour of every day! There are little things we can do every day to raise awareness and fight climate change, that are so simple that they are often forgotten. Try some of these out:
- Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
- Try to fall asleep without your TV or computer on. Not only does this conserve electricity but you will get a better night’s’ sleep!
- Don’t just put your computer to sleep when not in use, but actually shut it down. This goes for all appliances.
- You don’t always need to be connected to the internet. Take a break to read a book or write a blog post!
- Get your friends and family involved. You can brainstorm about other ways to be energy efficient together.
Kelly Siegel is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for sustainable development, running, and traveling with friends.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Career Advice from Ed
By: Kelly Siegel
In college, I majored in Environmental Economics and had a Business minor. I always enjoyed my math based classes, and wanted to learn how those courses could transfer to a career at the EPA. I sat down with Ed Pniak to hear more about his role as a Financial Analyst for the EPA.
What is your position at the EPA?
I am a Financial Analyst, which means I manage grants. My role is often referred to as a Project Officer. My main responsibilities include overseeing all water grants with Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and projects funded under the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
What is a typical day like for you?
Every day I am involved in the grants process, whether that be reviewing, monitoring a current project, or closing out a project. This could involve ensuring a budget for a new grant is fiscally responsible, confirming existing projects are meeting expected milestones, and reviewing final report for deliverables. I’m in constant communication with my state counterparts.
What is the best part of your job?
The balance of being able to manage the EPA’s resources responsibility and to help contribute to EPA’s mission through grant work.
Did you always have an interest in the environment?
No, but I did have an interest in the federal government. I have always wanted to contribute to public service. My interest in the environment has grown since being here.
Do you have prior work experiences that lead you to the EPA.
I have worked in the private sector and for non-profits. I also worked on a Presidential campaign team.
What classes did you take in school that you use on the job today?
I was an economic major, so I took a variety of economic classes including public sector economics and environment economics. Every day type classes, such as basic math, business communication and writing and rhetoric are important for the grants process.
Do you have any advice for kids today who have an interest in protecting our environment?
Within the EPA there are a lot of skills and rolls people can play. People with economics and finance knowledge are needed and fuel environmental protection. Don’t be discouraged if you are not interested in a direct science. You can still protect the environment!
Kelly Siegel is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for sustainable development, running, and traveling with friends.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
World Water Day
By Shelby Egan
Have you ever taken the time to think about where your drinking water comes from? March 22, 2013 is the international celebration of World Water Day! This day, founded by the United Nations, focuses on the importance of freshwater and how to use water resources responsibly. This year’s theme is water cooperation. Water cooperation means learning how people from all over the world can learn to share and manage water for things like drinking water, food production, and energy.
After moving to Chicago seven months ago, I am able to physically see part of the world’s largest freshwater systems: the Great Lakes. Living just blocks from Lake Michigan is not only a beautiful place to take a walk or go for a run, but a daily reminder of where my drinking water and the water used to wash my clothes comes from. Did you know that less than 1% of the earth’s freshwater coming from lakes, rivers, reservoirs and underground sources is drinkable? As a student, you may not have the power to be in charge of managing freshwater resources but you do have to power to learn more about World Water Day. By visiting the United Nation’s World Water Day’s webpage, you can learn more about the importance of freshwater. The U.S. EPA also has fun and educational resources for students to learn about water resources. Games like Water Sense and Beach Kids can be found at the EPA’s Water Science and Technology for Students webpage. After learning more about World Water Day from these resources, I’m sure you will consider how treasured our clean water is the next time you are taking a shower or brushing your teeth.
Shelby Egan is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for protecting natural resources, cities she’s never been to and cooking any recipe by The Pioneer Woman.
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
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