Environmental Council Meeting Minutes
September 22, 1999
Old Chapel 206
Chair: Nan Jenks-Jay

In attendance: Krista Siringo, Linda Pitkin, Charlie Sargent, George McPhail, Dan Bedford, Nan Jenks-Jay, Tom Kelly, Kathy Morse, Amy Seif, Jess Pasko, Jamie McBride, Mike Snow, Oren Frey, Margaret Aleks, Tyson Schoelzel

Absent: Brian Harding

1. The meeting was called to order at 4:25 p.m.

2. Introduction to Environmental Council
Linda Pitkin, a member of the Council for three years, gave an overview of the history of the Council and a summary of past events. She passed out the handout "Middlebury College Environmental Council Quick Review."

3. Member Introductions
The new Environmental Coordinator, Amy Seif, was introduced. The members of the Council introduced themselves in order around the table. This year's Council includes four faculty, five staff and seven students. Nan Jenks-Jay introduced the absent or late members.

4. The minutes from the May 5, 1999 meeting were approved.

5. Focus items
A. Nan Jenks-Jay explained the Council mandate, Pathways to a Green Campus, and the Environmental Audit . The definition of the mandate changes depending on the members of the Council. Amy Seif passed out the handout "Pathways to a Green Campus Diagram." Members discussed making the campus audit more systematic. Kathy Morse will present her notes at the next Council meeting on how to do an audit successfully. The campus audit should be done this year, and summer is the best time to do so. Charlie Sargent showed the Council the biodegradable cornstarch bags and utensils that will be used at 12 large dining events this year.

B. Nan Jenks-Jay discussed the problems with doing too many large events . Last year, large events took too much time and some did not have enough attendance. Last year's events included the Eco-cabaret, Bread & Puppet, the Purchasing Clinic, and the Environmental Fair. Those events the Council didn't design did not work as well as other events, such as the Environmental Fair. The Council members should ask, "Where is our energy best spent and what can we do collaboratively?" There is no mega-event on the Council's agenda currently.

C. The Council discussed the issue of transportation on the Middlebury Campus. Should the Council take this issue on as the Council's "issue of the year?" This would require working with many other groups on campus. The Council discussed the electric vehicle project, a collaboration between Facilities and the Environmental Council. Members were asked to return to Council with thoughts about possible sub-headings under transportation. Tyson Schoelzel will ask Chris Klyza about the ES401 topic. George McPhail will examine the transportation issue within Facilities.

6. Small-Grants
Nan Jenks-Jay presented idea for a small-grants program to encourage the start-up of innovative environmental practices on campus.

7. Summer Clearinghouse
A. Students from Davidson College are interested in learning from Midd to start their own environmental affairs initiative. Jess Pasko and Mike Snow will contact them.
B. Should the Council join VT Businesses for Social Responsibility? Amy Seif will email details.
C. Presentations offered by Geocommons College Year and Progressive Asset Management. Council should not offer presentations that should be offered by other campus departments and groups.
D. Summer discussions included coming up with a slogan/bumper sticker, formal rotation of members, EPA compliance committee, and gathering information on ecological products to present to Purchasing.
E. Overview of Recycling changes and accomplishments

7. Other Business
None.

8. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Amy Seif on October 4, 1999.