History, 2004-2005
Organic Garden
Much happier in its new home (and safe from the threats of deer
and woodchucks!) the organic garden had a banner year. Tomatoes, pole beans, melons, and lettuce sprouted along the
fenced-in enclosure next to Williams, and a dedicated crew kept the weeds down all summer. The garden was so pretty by
the end of the summer that it became a favorite place for IC tour guides to pass by.
Read the Ithacan article about the garden here.
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Teach-Ins
Teach-In topics from the fall of 2004 included:
The Natural History of Ithaca
Global Warming
Environmental Politics
Alternative Transportation
Local Economy
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Hikes and Fun Things
ICES kicked off the year in fine fashion, with a number of fun outdoor excursions before the snow fell. Among these were a hike along Recreation Way to Second Dam (with swimming), a hike to Buttermilk Falls (also with swimming), a journey to the Farmer's Market, and apple picking. A Revision concert followed later in the year.
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Green Teams
The ICES Green Team effort came out in force in the fall of
2004. Each and every Saturday we cleaned up some part of campus, whether it was the football stadium or one of the
residential areas. The highlight of the Green Team season was the Parents' Weekend Green Team where we had eleven Green
Teamers. Liz even brought her dad! Read the Ithacan article about this Green Team
here.
This is just holding space... The fall semester found us working on a variety of personal
responsibility issues around campus. Each week we tackled a different topic, and our tables reflected these themes. From
a reusable mug giveaway to a water conservation display board complete with aluminum foil faucet, this campaign gave
us a lot of outlets to be creative and have fun. This is just holding space... ICES had long discussed the idea of putting together a cookbook, and
in the fall of 2004 we finally got it together! The cookbook committee worked doggedly for many weeks to ensure that the
cookbook was released just in time for our holiday craft sale. Featuring all-original recipies and fabulous artwork by
ICES members, this cookbook is sure to be a collectors' item in years to come. Copies are still available! This is just holding space... Thanks to the dogged efforts of one Juliana Quant, folks can
now opt in to live in the new Sustainably Conscious Living Community, on campus, located in Terrace 3. Read the Ithacan
article about the program here.
This is just holding space... Seven ICES members journeyed to Washington, DC for the January
20th re-inauguration of George W. Bush. We felt it was necessary to speak out against both the social and environmental
policies (or absence thereof) of President Bush, and we did so by carrying cardboard coffins, shouting, and waving signs.
Everyone stayed safe and had a great time.
Read the article here.
This is just holding space... In the spring of 2005, Ithaca College competed with 48 other
colleges nationwide in the intense, intercollegiate all-out recycling match of Recyclemania! The event kicked off on
January 31st, and it ran until April 9th. Our recycling rate wavered between 18% and 38% during the race, eventually
ending up in 9th place. All around, a good showing for our first year in competition. This is just holding space... Read about Recyclemania in the Ithacan
here. This is just holding space... Food Issues Throughout the semester, this group worked with Dining Services
on such issues as food waste, disposable packaging, and Late Night. Energy Conservation By working with ResLife, the Energy Conservation-ites were able
to purchase and install shower timers in all first-year residence halls. Bottle Bill & Redemption Center This group's activities consisted of surveying students to
gauge support for a redemption center on campus and working with NYPIRG to get the Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill passed in New
York State. This is just holding space... This event, which took place on March 31st, was a HUGE
success! There were six speakers, about 50 attendees, awesome emcees, and catering by GreenStar. People were able to
engage in small discussion groups with their preferred speaker, and everyone ended up having a positive experience. Shout
out to Beth, Nicole, Julie, Lisa, and Alexis for making this happen! This is just holding space... Throughout the year, there have been various potlucks and
parties for ICES folk to attend. While not directly beneficial to the environment, these gatherings helped us bond as
friends and cohorts. This is just holding space... Earth Week this year was one of the best in recent memory. The
weather was good, the week was full of fun, well-attended events, and when it was over we all got to kick back and celebrate.
ICES has had a truly great year. Thanks to all who made it possible. This is just holding space... At the end of the year, ICES spent some of its hard-earned money
on dinner out at Moosewood. Nothing better than fresh asparagus, organic tofu croquettes, and good, local wine. This is just holding space... This year's Take it or Leave it time was at its usual excellence.
Highlights included having a record-breaking crew (twelve people!), gorgeous weather, dinner at the ABC Cafe, a Fashion
Faux Pas Party, and TV news coverage! To see the video of the story by News 10 Now, click
here. This is just holding space...Personal Responsibility
Cookbook!
Sustainably Conscious Living!
Inauguration Protest
Recyclemania!
Spring Campaigns
Vegetarianism Teach-In
Potlucks & Parties
Earth Week
End of the Year Celebration Dinner
Take it or Leave it
