Muir’s Biblical Reason for Praising Plants

On his 1,000 mile walk from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico, not long after the Civil War ended, John Muir encountered a man who questioned his motive to study plants, or ‘botanize’ as he often put it. The man said, “You look like a strong-minded man, and surely you are able to do something

A Call for Candelabra LED Lighting

I’ve recently moved into a place with several ceiling fans.  I think ceiling fans are fantastic for air circulation and important for reducing the need for constant air conditioning. But now I have a problem with the lighting situation.  In many rooms, these fans also serve as the primary light source.  Unfortunately, all of my

Living Wall Prezi

I recently experimented with the innovative presentation tool called Prezi.  This is an amazing way to visualize presentations, get the bigger picture, and allow for a less linear look.  This is a presentation I made last week outlining the basics about living walls “Introduction to Living Walls” Let me know what you think.  If the

Getting ‘Sustainably’ Involved in Saint Louis

I like St. Louis, although it’s not my hometown.  I did not grow up here.  I can’t answer ‘the high school question‘ with a name St. Louis natives can readily recognize.  In the name of graduate school at SIUE (studying Environmental Sciences, living walls, green roofs, etc.),  I left my home in southwest Missouri and

Honeysuckle of Doom!

We certainly love quick fixes.  We like things that take care of themselves.  Unfortunately, in the landscaping and agricultural world that can include  introducing non-native species into the environment without restraint or consideration of the consequences.  Luckily, many species cannot survive without human care.  But a few species can thrive without our care, and without

Fair Weather Fuel Economy

The best way to save fuel, aside from purchasing a fuel efficient vehicle, is learning to improve fuel economy in your current vehicle by ‘fixing the nut behind the wheel.’  Minimizing fuel consumption takes work and knowing the quirks of your specific vehicle.  Luckily, as the warmer months approach, fuel economy automatically improves (decreased warm

Stewards of Earth

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” ~John Muir

Sustainability at the core of education

Students, faculty, and administrations at the college level often debate the practicality of core curriculum. Some believe such broad courses enhance the ability to perform in our multi-faceted society. Undecided students get a taste of several disciplines, while major-bound students receive simple perspectives into fields outside their own. The intended result is a well-rounded and