SUMMER 2021
The Green Observer R E A D
G R E E N .
L I V E
G R E E N .
Editor's Letter
Dear Observers, Summertime is upon us! What a wonderful season to go outdoors and explore everything nature has to offer. After graduating this year, I got the unforgettable opportunity to travel through our nation's national parks for the first time and treck through our diverse and beautiful landscape. With the increasing prominence of COVID-19 vaccinations, I hope you take the time this summer to discover a new natural world whether it be close or far from home. It is impossible to connect with our environment solely through books or media, as it is something that must truly be experienced firsthand.
As my four years with the Green Observer come to a close, I cannot thank our current and past members enough for the opportunity to be a part of this organization. It has been my honor to serve as the Editor in Chief this year, and I am so proud of all the time and effort our staff has put in to craft this school year's final issue.
“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” -John Muir
TAIYA TKACHUK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Meet Our Staff
TAIYA TKACHUK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ANTONIO CISNEROS YMCA BOARD REP
ZOE HUSPEN
SHALLON MALFEO SOCIAL CHAIR
GRACE GUDWIEN TREASURER
LUCY QUINN ART CHAIR
VERONICA CASEY
ALEXANDRA SCHNEEBERGER
JESSICA MINGIONE
LAUREN UMBRIGHT
ARIANA PALERMO
EMMA RODER
MOIRA SOMMERFELD
JOE LEHMAN
NATALIE MUELLER
Table of Contents 5
7
11
WAYS TO BE SUSTAINABLE
LOCAL EATS AND TREATS:
7 TIPS TO START YOUR VERY
IN THE SUMMER
URBANA'S MARKET AT THE
OWN SUMMER GARDEN
- NATALIE MUELLER
SQUARE
- ANTONIO CISNEROS
- JESSICA MINGIONE
13
13
15
SILVER LINING
OIL SANDBOX
WHO’S WHO OF SOME OF
- JOE LEHMAN
- VERONICA CASEY
THE UNITED STATES COURTS OF APPEALS AND SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CASES - JOE LEHMAN
19
21
ALL ABOUT AIR PLANTS
A GUIDE TO SUMMER OUTDOOR
- TAIYA TKACHUK
ACTIVITIES - ZOE HUSPEN AND GRACE GUDWIEN
5
Ways to Be Sustainable In the Summer NATALIE MUELLER
Summer is right around the corner. It is a time when school is out, and everyone can relax and enjoy the sunshine. That being said, environmental issues persist and can be amplified due to increasing amounts of human activity, such as an increase in greenhouse gases emissions and nonrenewable waste. An increase in human activities can create problems for the environment, but here are a few solutions to limit your impact on the environment.
Sunscreen Warm summer weather means most people will be enjoying outside activities. Therefore, sunscreen is critical in protecting your skin to avoid sunburn and damage. However, many sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that lead to coral bleachings. States have begun to start banning certain sunscreens to protect marine life. To keep your skin safe and be sustainable in the summer months, you can turn to eco-friendly sunscreen products, ultraviolet protective clothing or hats, and umbrellas (Adelson). So, when choosing a sunscreen, you should turn towards sunscreen that protects both the skin and the environment.
Reusable items Summer means hydration. Instead of purchasing plastic water bottles that can add up and increase waste, get yourself a reusable bottle. Reusable items such as straws and containers are great for picnics.
6
Composting
Plant-based diets
Composting can help your soil due to it being made
Summer is a perfect time for barbecuing. Yet, animal
from organic material, which can benefit your plants
products, especially beef, take a significant toll on
in the long run. Some composting examples are food
the environment due to the amount of water needed
scraps and yard waste. Making compost lowers
and methane released. Instead of grilling a burger,
waste and pollution. Your compost pile should have
you can check out some meatless substitutes and
an array of colors, from browns to greens. You
explore
should have alternate layers of organic materials of
zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. Also, stopping by
different sizes. The brown materials provide carbon,
your farmer's market can help the environment by
the green materials provide nitrogen, and the water
buying locally and organically or growing a personal
provides moisture to help break down the organic
garden. Always keep in mind if you are planning to
matter. There are many benefits to composting, from
grow a garden, there are natural fertilizers and pest
enriching the soil, retaining moisture, reducing the
control available. Summer allows people to get out of
need for chemical fertilizers, and lowering your
their comfort zone and try new foods.
some
veggie
options
like
asparagus,
carbon footprint. (Composting at Home). Composting helps not only the soil and personal gardens but also
Summer is a time to have fun and enjoy the sun. Yet,
the environment.
you must remember climate change does not stop just because it's nice outside. Climate change is
Travel
affecting all walks of life; therefore, preventing it should be everyone's focus. Everyone should try to be
Summer
allows
people
to
go
on
extravagant
vacations. Flying can have a harmful impact on the environment given the high carbon emissions for fueling a plane. Luckily, there are many alternatives to take a wonderful summer trip, such as traveling by train, car, bus, etc. Also, traveling to and from work or other activities by carpool, biking, or walking could also be great ways to lower your carbon footprint. Since the world is under a pandemic, many people have limited their travels to stay safe. Therefore, everyone should try to be safe and careful if they are thinking about traveling. Another option is a stayvacation or camping locally to help decrease car exhaust.
References https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-biodegradable-sunscreens.html https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home
sustainable this summer and all the summers to come.
Local Eats and Treats: Urbana's Market at the Square JESSICA MINGIONE
With the warming weather and the buzz of life all around, comes the return of a town favorite: Urbana’s Market at the Square, located at 401 S. Vine St. Urbana, IL 61801. Every Saturday from 7am-noon, now until October, you can enjoy the goods of local farmers and artisans including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, honey, local beer and wine, flowers, jewelry, art, and more. To explore the vendors, check out this interactive map. Some vendors also have an online marketplace where you can order ahead of time to pick up at the market or some offer pickup times and locations outside of the market.
7
8
While perusing the farmers market is certainly a fun way to start the weekend, eating locally also offers numerous benefits to you and your community:
Peak freshness, ripeness, and tastiness. Crops are able to ripen on the plant longer due to decreased transport time as opposed to produce that may travel thousands of miles to a large-scale grocery store. Also, the food you can find at the farmers market will be in-season meaning it will taste better than an off-season fruit that has been picked before ripening and shipped in. Increased nutrients. Because local food does not need to travel very far, the window between harvesting and eating is very short. This allows for minimal degradation of nutrients. 26% of vendors travel less than 5 miles to our Urbana farmers market and a total of 91% travel under 100 miles. Supporting the local economy. The money you spend on goods and produce at our farmers market will likely be reinvested into local businesses and our community. The gross revenue generated from farmers markets contributes to direct and indirect economic activity, as well as to city, county, and state taxes. Sustainable growing practices. The farmers market offers a unique environment where you can talk directly with the vendor to learn about their growing practices and contribute to those that you support. Farming practices reported by Urbana farmers include: organic (certified and non-certified), heirloom heritage, biodynamic, hothouse, hydroponic, permaculture, and more. Increased sense of community. 87% of patrons consider the Urbana market to be a “Community Hub” offering a place to connect the community with local farmers and vendors as well as chat with fellow friends and neighbors.
Other ways you can get local produce include farm stands, pick-your-own food farms, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription programs. The Common Ground Coop is a convenient grocery store where you can find local produce and goods throughout the week. Many of the products found at the farmers market are also sold there. This past weekend, I visited Urbana’s Market at the Square for the first time this season. This is my favorite time to visit because many vendors are selling herbs, crops, and native plants for your garden.
9
10
There was a pop-up store near the plaza that I had never seen before, The Little Red Hut Spring Market. They are open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-5pm, through the month of May. They carry a curated collection of local goods and crafts. I couldn’t resist picking up a particularly cute tea towel and scrunchie. If you get a chance, I declare The Little Red Hut a must-see, but you must act quickly before they pack up and move on.
7 Tips to Start Your Very Own Summer Garden
11
ANTONIO CISNEROS The end of April marks the beginning of a season ripe for new hobbies. While quarantine likely encouraged many of us to pick up bread making and even more to perfect our at home mini bar, I think it's important to celebrate the rolling out of COVID-19 vaccines with a hobby that can be shared with everyone! Whether you have a green thumb or are the grim reaper of plants these 7 tips will help any aspiring gardener produce the greatest yields of your favorite fruits and vegetables. 1. Grow plants that you're excited about! The first step
Something I do every summer is place stepping
to any successful garden is being passionate about
stones between the rows of seedlings so when the
what you're growing! If you hate tomatoes or can't
time comes to pick or adjust crops later in the season
handle spice, then maybe other crops will better fit
I can easily maneuver through my garden without fear
your taste. If you're an avid cook and get fed up with
of harming their growth. One last aspect of planning
grocery
common
is to ensure that your plants will have the proper
seasonings could be the perfect way to up your
amount of space needed to grow without any
cooking game, save money, and gain some gardening
impediments. This will often tie into your personal
experience. I personally love growing seasonings like
gardening space and can generally be boiled down to
thyme, cilantro, rosemary, and green onion since
common sense. If you're gardening out of a small
they're incredibly easy to handle and practically grow
windowsill planter, then maybe smaller plants would
like weeds. Keep in mind that depending on where you
suit you better than a larger tomato plant.
store
prices
then
growing
are located certain plants will grow better than others. While having fresh kiwi or mango on hand would be
3. Invest in your garden and invest in yourself! This is
great, it's not very plausible given the central Illinois
a tip many use throughout their professional and
climate so be reasonable in your plant selection.
personal lives but it is just as applicable in your garden! Investing in your garden can take a lot of
2. Map out your garden before planting anything! I'm
different forms like attending a gardening class or
sure a lot of us are eager to dive into gardening but if
joining a community garden, but at its most basic
you
saplings
level it means acquiring a good set of gardening
haphazardly it could really be detrimental to the
tools. A hoe, dirt rake, shovel, and a set of metal
health of your plants and the potential of your overall
gardening tools should be more than enough to start
yield. Avoiding this is easy though, simply take the
your garden and can all be found at any local
time to plan out your garden before doing any actual
hardware store. While it may be tempting to buy
planting. Most fruits and vegetables need full sun,
cheaper versions of these tools, for example a plastic
with a minimum of five hours of direct sunlight so
tool kit, the strain it can put on your back and the rest
scout for a place on your property that can meet these
of your body is not conducive to an enjoyable
requirements. If you're planning on growing any
gardening experience. Purchasing a strong metal set
unusual crops, then I suggest researching their
of tools and maintaining their sharpness (much like a
specific needs to ensure it has the best chance of
good kitchen knife) will save you valuable time and
growing properly. Another concern is making sure that
effort better spent enjoying the summer weather.
run
outside
and
start
planting
your selected area will allow easy access into your garden to pick, water, and tend to the crops.
12
6. Nurture over Nature!!! Congratulations your garden
7. Time to enjoy the fruits and vegetables of your
is done! You've prepped your garden, picked out your
labor! Depending on the crops you planted the harvest
seeds, and planted all your saplings now it's time to
times and procedures may vary so make sure to
let nature do its thing and ignore your garden until
research the recommended methods for your specific
everything is ready to be picked. Yea, you wish it was
crops. Regardless, harvesting your garden promptly is
that easy Green Observer reader, but unfortunately
key to having high quality results, try to avoid leaving
having a successful garden means treating your
fully grown crops in the garden too long as the
saplings like your children and good parents dont
summer heat can diminish their flavors the longer
leave their child outside all day without giving them
they are left out. If after all your time and effort some
water first! Owning a garden means taking some time
plants don't reach their full potential, that's okay!
everyday to water and check up on your plants which
Nature is never consistent and expecting it to be even
can take a few minutes or a few hours depending on
in your own garden is silly. Sometimes you can do
the size of your garden. Making sure your plants are
everything perfectly and plants will still have difficult
well watered is key to proper growth but overwatering
seasons. Hopefully by the end of this summer you will
can be just as dangerous as underwatering and can
have had great harvests and plenty of fresh food to
cause seeds and roots to rot so make sure to inspect
share with friends and family and if not that's okay
the soil before adding any water. A great tip to see if
too you can always try again next year! Gardening is a
your plants need water is to insert a finger up to its
great hobby to pick up, not only can it help reduce
first knuckle into the soil and if it comes out dry it's
your grocery bills but it's also been known to help with
likely that your plants need watering. Another thing to
depression and reduce stress all while improving your
look out for is pests like insects or rabbits that are
diet so we encourage everyone to try their hand at
looking to feed off your hard work. Insects are
gardening and seek out other sources to further help
typically more attracted to plants that are growing
you on your journey.
poorly or deformed in some way but if your issues become excessive there are a variety of organic solutions you can find online as using toxic chemicals is not recommended. In regards to rabbits and other small creatures, chicken wire will be your best friend at keeping rodents away from your plants.
13
Silver Lining Joe Lehman The COVID-19 pandemic kicked the world in the teeth, but sometimes the darkest nights have the brightest stars. All of these pictures were taken in my backyard while I took my classes from home. The beauty of nature, even when the rest of the world is falling to pieces, always strikes me. COVID allowed me to see a Scarlet Tanager for the first time. It allowed me to photograph god-knows how many Baltimore Orioles. It gave me an opportunity to take a picture of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird perching on a bush. Look, of course these birds are not a cure-all for COVID. The devastation this pandemic caused cannot be overstated. But even in times of crisis, nature goes on, and maybe there is value in stopping and appreciating it, even in – especially in – hard times.
14
Oil Sandbox VERONICA CASEY
My toy pipeline runs through the toy ground with toy oil The toy earth is dug up, toy steel and toy concrete fill the soil The oil spills. Plastic beads and lego bricks flow into the plastic river My imaginary friend, TC, assures me it’s ok. They tell me this always happens; my tears I must suppress They tell me it doesn’t matter because i can just keep Playing through the mess. Toy soldiers cry out We can’t drink the river water - the beads fill our throats The stuffed animals are dying The polluted play environment is terrifying Oil destroys our toy dreamland. I lock my toys away To explore the lush grass outside Where my friends beg me to play I jump over grand tree roots Breaking apart the pieces Of the pipeline delusion Image Source
Who’s Who of some of the United States Courts of Appeals and Some Environmental Cases JOE LEHMAN Courts hear a lot of cases, and some of those cases happen to land in our environmental wheelhouse! When a losing party thinks that the original trial court or administrative agency got a decision wrong, they can appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for whatever geographic region the parties happen to be in. Here are a few brief, humorous takes on some recent appeals in environmental cases. These are, of course, important and pressing issues, so I’ve linked the court’s actual decisions in each case, and I encourage readers to take a gander at what the real judges have to say. But hopefully this format makes these complicated cases a little bit more accessible.
United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit New York v. Chevron Corp. (Decided April 1, 2021) City of New York: we should be able to recover monetary damages from oil companies for causing global warming! District Court: Pretty sure you can’t do that. Second Circuit: Since Congress never gave us the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and because we don’t really want to wade into these complicated forigne policy questions, we agree. Case dismissed.
Photo courtesy of Aaron Logan, Https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lightmatter_oilrigs.jpg
15
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit Sierra Club v. US. Dept. of the Interior (Decided March 10, 2021) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: We think that this natural gas pipeline could cause harm to, and harassment towards ocelots, and it will take some of their land. BUT it won’t jeopardize their existence as an endangered species. The gas pipeline may be built! Sierra Club: Um, guys, that’s pretty much the definition of putting a species in jeopardy, which is pretty illegal. *enter lawsuit here* Fifth Circuit: Maybe you’re right Sierra Club, but the decision wasn’t arbitrary, capricious, or against the law in any way. The gas pipeline may be built. (Sorry Babou).
Photo courtesy of EEIM
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Ackerman, et al. v. United States Dep’t of Agric., et al. (Decided April 28, 2021) Ever wondered how much farmers should be paid for beans? Well, Judge Kethledge has the answers you seek! This is a riveting story of a lawsuit over insurance on bean yields in Michigan. You can also read a dissent from one of the Sixth Circuits more entertaining judges. Judge Clay argues that 1) his panel needs to defer to the Department of Agriculture, and that the majority cherry-picked evidence. It is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in a good debate, and to anyone who wants to be a farmer or work on/with a farm later in life.
Photo courtesy of Sanjay Acharya
16
17
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit League of United Latin American Citizens v. Regan (Decided April 29, 2021) (no – not that Regan. This one is the administrator of the EPA) In 2007, two environmental organizations asked the EPA to prohibit the use of the chemical pesticide chlorpyrifos. The EPA – true to form of a government agency – drags its feet, and doesn’t address the petition for almost 10 years. Ninth Circuit (2017 - after 10 years): Alright guys, it’s time to get moving on those petitions. EPA (2017): we’re going to deny the petitions. EPA (2019): we see you pesky environmental organizations have filed some objections to our decision. Those are going to be denied. Ninth Circuit (2021): Look guys, you’ve spent the last 14 years looking at documents that say this pesticide is dangerous. Sure you overruled the objections, but now you have 60 days to 1) prove that this pesticide is safe or 2) ban this pesticide. Get it done. Ninth Circuit Dissent (2021): We are three lawyers. Why aren’t we deferring to the environmental experts on a complicated environmental question?
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
18
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit United Mining Association v. U.S. Department of Labor, et al. (Decided January 22, 2021) Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (bet you didn’t know we had one of those!): Hm… working in a mine is pretty dangerous. Here are some well-thought-out regulations that should keep miners healthier. National Mining Association: hm…those sound like some pretty arbitrary and capricious rules. Time to get litigious! Eleventh Circuit: nice try – the Mine Safety and Health Administration thought through these rules pretty clearly. The new mine health rules may go into effect. Judge Lagoa, dissenting: well sure, but the Mine Administration never actually showed the evidence they used to come to their conclusions which is pretty important. I think the decision was both arbitrary and capricious.
19
All About Air Plants TAIYA TKACHUK
Tillandsias, or commonly known as air plants, are trendy low-maintenance houseplants that are finally getting the much-needed hype they deserve. Air plants come in nearly 600 varieties that are fuzzy, furry, spiked, rounded, and everything in between. What makes these little guys special is the fact that they don’t need soil to grow! In fact, that couldn't grow in soil even if they tried. They are classified as epiphytes, meaning that they grow by clinging to other plants. In nature, you can find them sprouting on a variety of natural materials such as bushed, tree trunks, and rocks. They use their roots to attach themselves to other surfaces instead of absorbing nutrients like many other plants we are familiar with. Here’s some other curious facts you may not have known about air plants: 1. They don't need soil to grow! You can experiment with growing air plants in a variety of fun, reusable containers such as seashells, bottles, cans, driftwood, old mint containers, etc. 2. They purify our air! NASA research revealed how air plans can effectively remove toxins from the air, helping purify our home environment. 3. They can flower! Air plants are able to produce flowers only once during their lifetime, depending on their species. Flowers can come in an assortment of colors ranging from pink and purple to red. 4. They produce pups! Air plants' offspring are called pups, which can be detached and raised as new plants. 5. You can find them in the wild! You can find air plants growing in many Southern regions of the United States, but take caution to preserve them in their natural environment. 6. Anyone can learn to grow them! Air plants are very low-maintenance and portable for aspiring gardeners who love to travel. Try growing one this summer!
20
Image Source
A Guide to Summer Outdoor Activities ZOE HUSPEN AND GRACE GUDWIEN As we quickly approach the summer, many people turn to activities in nature to fill their time. Spending at least two hours a week in nature has both psychological and mental benefits. That time outside can reduce stress, reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem, and improve focus. Here is a list of some of our favorite locations throughout central Illinois to spend your summer days. 1. The Kickapoo State Recreation Area in Vermilion County has a great location to go kayaking. Once you rent a kayak or canoe from Kickapoo Adventures, you can spend your day floating down the body of water. Once you're done, you bring the kayak up to the bank and they will bring it back to the rental spot for you. 2. The Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby is a fun place to spend your day hiking. They have multiple trails that will take to you small waterfalls and picturesque lookout points. You can also rent a spot in the nearby camping site and spend the night there under the stars. The changing scenery with the seasons is something beautiful to see. 3. If you're already in the area near Starved Rock, it is worth checking out the Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County, Illinois. They have scenic waterfalls and changing elevations to view the scenery from many different vantage points. This location is ideal for a quick day trip in nature, although the stairs might have you out of breath by the end of it. 4. A little over an hour away from campus, Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, IN offers many outdoor activities. On land, Turkey Run has over 14 miles of hiking trails of all levels as well as guided horseback riding. In the water, you can rent kayaks, canoes, or tubes from local companies or bring your own to the park. Fishing is also allowed, too. If you want to stay overnight, options to tent or RV camp as well as to stay in a cabin or inn are all available. 5. Near Homer, IL (about 25 minutes from UIUC), is Homer Lake Forest Preserve. At Homer Lake, you can hike on their 10 miles of trails, fish, or boat from their boat launch. To fuel up after your adventure, feel free to use the grills around the forest preserve. While you're there, check out the Interpretive Center, too. 6. Also about a 25-minute drive away from campus is Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve in Mahomet, IL. With a 3.3 mile paved path, this is a great place for runners, cyclists, and rollerbladers; check out the covered bridge along the path when you are there. In addition, Lake of the Woods has hiking trails, boat rentals, a botanical garden, and spots to have a cookout. Buffalo Trace Prairie is part of Lake of the Woods as well, and it offers different views for hiking. On the chance of a rainy day, visit the Museum of the Grand Prairie to learn more about prairie ecosystems.
21
22
Starved Rock is known for its waterfalls during the spring. Photographs by Grace Gudwien
Homer Lake Forest Preserve has abundant space for boating and fishing. Photograph by Rachel Kapusciarz