Israel, Maryland follow green trend
By: Katie Shutt
Issue date: 9/17/08 Section: Israeli Affairs
It seems like everything and everyone is "going green" these days. Google went green, the Emmy Awards went green, this summer's Beijing Olympics went green and there are even plans in the works to make Hummers go green. One hundred fifty elementary schools in Israel and the University of Maryland can now be added to the green list.
"Going green, on the surface, is about reducing environmental impacts in a very comprehensive way," said Mark Stewart, the University of Maryland Campus Sustainability Coordinator. The process can include an individual reducing his or her own energy spending habits, a building undergoing infrastructure upgrades to become more energy efficient or schools integrating ideas of climate change throughout the curriculum.
The Israeli Education Ministry, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Ministry, is following the blueprint. Recently they approved a budget increase of 1 million Israeli Shekels for environmental education programs.
In order for the Israeli schools to be green, they must satisfy three requirements laid out on the Ministry of the Environment's Web site. The requirements are curriculum integration, rational use of resources and contribution to the community.
The schools are educating students on the importance of recycling and individual energy conservation. Students are also encouraged to educate their families and neighbors about the environment and participate in adopt-a-site projects within their communities.
It is important for Israel to focus on conserving energy because of the lack of fresh water, said Dr. Bruce James, director and professor of University of Maryland's Department of Environmental Science and Policy.
"Fresh water is a critical resource in Israel. It's not oil, it's water. There is simply not enough for everybody," James said. Israel may very well be defined by this crisis, but can benefit from recycling what it does have--solar power and wind power, James said.
"Going green, on the surface, is about reducing environmental impacts in a very comprehensive way," said Mark Stewart, the University of Maryland Campus Sustainability Coordinator. The process can include an individual reducing his or her own energy spending habits, a building undergoing infrastructure upgrades to become more energy efficient or schools integrating ideas of climate change throughout the curriculum.
The Israeli Education Ministry, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Ministry, is following the blueprint. Recently they approved a budget increase of 1 million Israeli Shekels for environmental education programs.
In order for the Israeli schools to be green, they must satisfy three requirements laid out on the Ministry of the Environment's Web site. The requirements are curriculum integration, rational use of resources and contribution to the community.
The schools are educating students on the importance of recycling and individual energy conservation. Students are also encouraged to educate their families and neighbors about the environment and participate in adopt-a-site projects within their communities.
It is important for Israel to focus on conserving energy because of the lack of fresh water, said Dr. Bruce James, director and professor of University of Maryland's Department of Environmental Science and Policy.
"Fresh water is a critical resource in Israel. It's not oil, it's water. There is simply not enough for everybody," James said. Israel may very well be defined by this crisis, but can benefit from recycling what it does have--solar power and wind power, James said.
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