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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™

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Environmental Sciences

Illinois Wesleyan University

Series

2008

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Green Roofs For A Green Town: Possibilities Of Green Roof Implementation In The Town Of Normal, Lindsey Sihau, '09 Dec 2008

Green Roofs For A Green Town: Possibilities Of Green Roof Implementation In The Town Of Normal, Lindsey Sihau, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Green roofs have been growing in popularity throughout the world. Scientists have been studying them since the 1980’s. This research project reviews the literature regarding both the benefits and barriers to green roof construction and management. Policies around the nation are then examined and analyzed. Suggestions are made regarding possible additions to the local Stormwater Management Policy that would emphasize the importance of sustainable building techniques such as green roofs, and hopefully offer incentive to their implementation.

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What Impact Does Sustainable Certification Have? A Comparison Of Aquatic Nitrate And Phosphate Levels Between Two Golf Courses In The Bloomington-Normal Community, Jason Koval, '09 Dec 2008

What Impact Does Sustainable Certification Have? A Comparison Of Aquatic Nitrate And Phosphate Levels Between Two Golf Courses In The Bloomington-Normal Community, Jason Koval, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Two golf courses in the Bloomington-Normal community in central Illinois were tested for nitrate and phosphate concentrations in their ponds. One golf course (The Den) is Audubon International certified while the other golf course (Ironwood) is not. This study tries to establish if differing environmental management practices can contribute to significantly different concentrations of nutrients. It was determined that the nitrate concentration was higher at the non-certified golf course, while the phosphate concentrations at both courses were essentially negligible. The implications of these findings are discussed and were presented to both golf courses. It is the hope of this paper …

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The Feasibility Of Implementing Farm To School Programs In Bloomington-Normal Public Schools, Margaret Kane, '09 Dec 2008

The Feasibility Of Implementing Farm To School Programs In Bloomington-Normal Public Schools, Margaret Kane, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Farm to School programs promote partnerships between local farmers and school districts in which farmers can provide fresh organic produce for school meals and education about sustainable agriculture. A focus on local and organic foods has a variety of benefits that affect the environmental, health, and community. This study explores opportunities for Farm to School programs in Bloomington-Normal public schools, and concludes that a this type of program would be feasible in Normal, although there are quite a few barriers to overcome before implementation would be possible.

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Environmental Evaluation Of A Quaternary Wastewater Treatment Wetland, Olivia Demeo, '09 Dec 2008

Environmental Evaluation Of A Quaternary Wastewater Treatment Wetland, Olivia Demeo, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment have become a sustainable alternative to environmentally harmful traditional wastewater treatment methods. This case study evaluated the Schroeder Wildlife Sanctuary, a wetland area constructed for removal of nutrients from wastewater. An environmental evaluation of the wetland was completed that addressed three parameters: the water quality of wetland effluent, the avian biodiversity within the sanctuary, and an assessment of community outreach and education initiatives. Water quality testing was conducted using rudimentary LaMotte and Hach testing kits. The data was contrary to the literature and showed no nutrient removal occurring. However, the results were inconclusive because the …

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Growing Food Justice In West Bloomington, Illinois, Daniel Burke, '09 Dec 2008

Growing Food Justice In West Bloomington, Illinois, Daniel Burke, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

In some places in the United States, guns are more accessible than tomatoes. In a nation where food is in relative abundance, how can this be? Food security is the ready availability of nutritious and safe food and the assured ability to obtain it through normal sources (Morris et al 1992). Food justice asserts that no one should live without enough food because of economic constraints or social inequities. In this way, food justice frames the lack of healthy food sources in poor communities as a human rights issue (People's Grocery 2008). However, in some communities, access to fresh, healthy …

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The Feasibility Of Incorporating Sustainable Materials In The Design Of Habitat For Humanity Homes, Meaghan Collins, '09 Dec 2008

The Feasibility Of Incorporating Sustainable Materials In The Design Of Habitat For Humanity Homes, Meaghan Collins, '09

Outstanding Senior Seminar Papers

The concept of sustainable design has been one of increasing interest with regards to both personal choices and desire to reduce human impacts on the environment. This paper looks at the concept of sustainable housing design and why it is important. Particularly, it focuses on sustainable housing designs and materials that the McLean County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity can incorporate into the construction of its homes. This paper investigates three types of sustainable construction materials, flooring, cabinetry, and paints that Habitat for Humanity could incorporate into its homes.

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