infusing sustainability into your college math classes tracey clancy onondaga community college

Infusing Infusing Sustainability Into Sustainability Into Your College Math Your College Math

ClassesClasses

Tracey ClancyTracey Clancy

Onondaga Community Onondaga Community CollegeCollege

What is sustainability?What is sustainability?

Why does it have a place in Why does it have a place in higher education?higher education?

What are the numbers?What are the numbers?

What is What is Sustainability?Sustainability?

In 1983, the United Nations Commission on Environment and Development defined sustainability as: "A way of living that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

What is What is Sustainability?Sustainability?

It is curious to note that while we have difficulty envisioning a sustainable world, we have no difficulty identifying what is unsustainable in our societies.

~ Rosalyn McKeown, Ph.D. Energy, Environment and Resources Center

University of Tennessee

More Than the More Than the EnvironmentEnvironment

Economic - the financial impact on an individual’s income or spending, or on a company’s profits and losses.

Environmental - the impact on the air, water, land and global climate.

Social - the impact on an individual’s happiness, health and productivity, or the impact on the community’s welfare.

http://www.designworksarchitects.com/pdfs/Sustainability101.pdf

More Than the More Than the EnvironmentEnvironment

Dr. Jason Hamilton, Ithaca College -Dept. of Biology and Environmental Studies Program

Profits

PeoplePlanet

SustainableSociety

Going ForwardGoing Forward

We must have healthy business We must have healthy business Producing necessary products in a Producing necessary products in a

responsible manner.responsible manner. Providing jobs and economic driversProviding jobs and economic drivers

We must have healthy governments We must have healthy governments Providing citizens security and human Providing citizens security and human

rightsrights We must have a healthy planetWe must have a healthy planet

Providing biodiversity Providing biodiversity Protecting habitatsProtecting habitats

What Changes Have We What Changes Have We Seen?Seen?

Photo by W.O. FieldMuir Glacier, Alaska Muir Glacier, Alaska August 1941August 1941

What Changes Have We What Changes Have We Seen?Seen?

Photo by Bruce Molnia, USGS.

Muir Glacier, Alaska Muir Glacier, Alaska August 2004August 2004

Polar Ice Cap - SummerPolar Ice Cap - Summer

http://nsidc.org/news/press/2007_seaiceminimum/20070810_index.html

Our AtmosphereOur Atmosphere

Data from IPCC1000 1200 1400 1600 1800

Year

750

1750

260

360

250

310

CH4 (ppb)

CO2

(ppm)

N2O(ppb)

2000

Global Climate ChangeGlobal Climate Change

According to NASA:According to NASA: The average temperature of the earth has risen The average temperature of the earth has risen

by 1.4º F since the Industrial Revolutionby 1.4º F since the Industrial Revolution This has been the major cause of the 4 – 8 inch This has been the major cause of the 4 – 8 inch

sea level rise over that same time.sea level rise over that same time. Although there are several competing Although there are several competing

theories:theories: Scientists expect temperatures to rise 2 – 9 º F by Scientists expect temperatures to rise 2 – 9 º F by

20502050 Sea levels are expected to rises between 1 – 18 Sea levels are expected to rises between 1 – 18

feet by 2100.feet by 2100. The most popular estimate is a 1 m sea level rise.The most popular estimate is a 1 m sea level rise.

http://geology.com/sea-level-rise

Since 2000Since 2000

The growth of carbon emissions from fossil fuels has tripled compared to the 1990s and is exceeding the predictions of the highest IPCC emission scenarios

Atmospheric CO2 has grown at 1.9 ppm per year (compared to about 1.5 ppm during the previous 30 years)

This glacier was once the biggest in South America, but it is now disappearing at a

rate of 200 meters per year.

http://www.effectofglobalwarming.com/global-warming-pictures.html

Rising Tides – Vanishing Rising Tides – Vanishing CoastlineCoastline

http://www.effectofglobalwarming.com/global-warming-pictures.html

Changing EcosystemsChanging Ecosystems

http://www.effectofglobalwarming.com/global-warming-pictures.html

Uncharted Territory: Uncharted Territory: PopulationPopulation

1950: 2.5 Billion 1950: 2.5 Billion PeoplePeople

1970: 3.7 Billion 1970: 3.7 Billion PeoplePeople

1990: 5.3 Billion 1990: 5.3 Billion PeoplePeople

2010: 6.9 Billion 2010: 6.9 Billion PeoplePeople

2030: 8.2 Billion 2030: 8.2 Billion PeoplePeople

2050: 9.2 Billion 2050: 9.2 Billion PeoplePeople

Copyright: Pearson Education Inc.

We now have more than 25 million Environmental Refugees as a result of drought, soil erosion, desertification, etc.

Environmental Refugees

This is more than war, political, and religious persecution combined.

Where Do We Come Where Do We Come In?In?

As educators, what is our As educators, what is our responsibility?responsibility?

Colleges and universities are a Colleges and universities are a significant portion of the global significant portion of the global economyeconomy

4096 U.S. Colleges & Universities

14.8 Million Students

$277 Billion Dollars

Moral ObligationMoral Obligation

As we educate tomorrow’s leaders it As we educate tomorrow’s leaders it is clear that we want nourish is clear that we want nourish students as individuals, as we students as individuals, as we prepare them for the difficult tasks prepare them for the difficult tasks they will face in the “real world.”they will face in the “real world.”

We are also educating tomorrow’s We are also educating tomorrow’s consumersconsumers – perhaps a much more – perhaps a much more important task.important task.

Higher Education is Higher Education is ActiveActive

The Higher Education Associations Sustainability The Higher Education Associations Sustainability Consortium (HEASC) is an informal network of higher Consortium (HEASC) is an informal network of higher education associations with a commitment to education associations with a commitment to advancing sustainability in both their constituencies advancing sustainability in both their constituencies and in the system of higher education itself. and in the system of higher education itself. We seek We seek to help higher education exert strong leadership in to help higher education exert strong leadership in making education, research, and practice for a making education, research, and practice for a sustainable society a reality. Higher education's sustainable society a reality. Higher education's leadership is critical to help businesses become leadership is critical to help businesses become sustainable; to have strong thriving and secure sustainable; to have strong thriving and secure communities; and to provide economic communities; and to provide economic opportunities for the broadest number of people opportunities for the broadest number of people while preserving the life support system on which while preserving the life support system on which all current and future generations depend.all current and future generations depend.

The HEASC is just one of many on-campus and multi-The HEASC is just one of many on-campus and multi-campus organizations focused on sustainabilitycampus organizations focused on sustainability

http://www2.aashe.org/heasc/about.php

How Can We Bring How Can We Bring Sustainability Into a Math Sustainability Into a Math

Class?Class?

Do it with the Do it with the numbers!numbers!

ProportionsProportions The world population in 2005 was The world population in 2005 was

6,451,000,0006,451,000,000 The US population in 2005 was The US population in 2005 was

296,410,000296,410,000 What percentage of the earth’s population is What percentage of the earth’s population is

in the US? in the US? {~4.6 %}{~4.6 %} World energy consumption was 421.51 Q World energy consumption was 421.51 Q

(Q is 10(Q is 101515 Btu) Btu) The US energy consumption was 99.74 QThe US energy consumption was 99.74 Q

What percentage of the earth’s energy What percentage of the earth’s energy resources were used in the US? resources were used in the US? {~23.7%}{~23.7%}

Percentages and Percentages and ProportionsProportions

In the US, refrigerators alone use the electrical In the US, refrigerators alone use the electrical output of about 25 large power plants. This is output of about 25 large power plants. This is nearly 7% of the energy we use in this country. If nearly 7% of the energy we use in this country. If we use 3,953 Billion kWh in the US, how much we use 3,953 Billion kWh in the US, how much energy in Billion of kWh do we use in the US, just energy in Billion of kWh do we use in the US, just for our refrigerators? for our refrigerators? {276.71 Bil kWh}{276.71 Bil kWh}

With our typical power generation, 1.5 lbs of COWith our typical power generation, 1.5 lbs of CO22 is released into the atmosphere per kWh. How is released into the atmosphere per kWh. How many pounds of COmany pounds of CO22 are released into the earth’s are released into the earth’s atmosphere each year to keep our refrigerators atmosphere each year to keep our refrigerators cool? cool? {~415 bil lbs.}{~415 bil lbs.}

Secondary Energy Infobook, 2007 NEED Project

Comparing Flow RatesComparing Flow Rates If you have a typical showerhead you use about If you have a typical showerhead you use about

5 gallons of water per minute in the shower. A 5 gallons of water per minute in the shower. A low flow shower head costs about $10 and uses low flow shower head costs about $10 and uses only 1.5 gallons per minute. only 1.5 gallons per minute.

If a typical family of four all take a 7 minute If a typical family of four all take a 7 minute shower today, how many gallons of water would shower today, how many gallons of water would they use with the regular showerhead? they use with the regular showerhead? {140 {140 gallons}gallons} How many gallons with the low flow How many gallons with the low flow showerhead? showerhead? {42 gallons}{42 gallons}

How about for the year? How many gallons of How about for the year? How many gallons of water would be saved over a year by using the water would be saved over a year by using the low flow showerhead? low flow showerhead? {51,100 – 15,330 = {51,100 – 15,330 = 35,770 gallons. Note bigger savings for longer 35,770 gallons. Note bigger savings for longer showers!}showers!}

Secondary Energy Infobook, 2007 NEED Project

Linear EquationsLinear Equations

Cost of operation for 10,000 hours Cost of operation for 10,000 hours of light (1600 lumens)of light (1600 lumens) Incandescent Light (IL): fixed cost of Incandescent Light (IL): fixed cost of

$3.20 and variable cost of 1000 kWh $3.20 and variable cost of 1000 kWh times the electricity cost /kWhtimes the electricity cost /kWh

yy11 = 1000 x + 3.20 = 1000 x + 3.20 Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL): fixed Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL): fixed

cost of $7.97 and variable cost of 230 cost of $7.97 and variable cost of 230 kWh time the electricity cost /kWkWh time the electricity cost /kW

yy22 = 230x + 7.97 = 230x + 7.97

IL vs. CFL IL vs. CFL (continued)(continued)

Graph the equations and determine at what Graph the equations and determine at what electricity cost (per kWh) does the investment electricity cost (per kWh) does the investment in a CFL make financial sense? in a CFL make financial sense? {Less than a {Less than a penny!}penny!}

Based on 9¢ per kWh electricity costs what is Based on 9¢ per kWh electricity costs what is the cost to operate a IL and a CFL for 10,000 the cost to operate a IL and a CFL for 10,000 hours? hours? {IL $93.20 & CFL $28.67 life cycle {IL $93.20 & CFL $28.67 life cycle costs.}costs.}

What is the life cycle savings for the CFL over What is the life cycle savings for the CFL over the IL (assuming 10,000 hours of operation?) the IL (assuming 10,000 hours of operation?) {That is a $64.53 savings over the life of a {That is a $64.53 savings over the life of a typical CFL.}typical CFL.}

Secondary Energy Infobook, 2007 NEED Project

Same Equations Different Same Equations Different VariableVariable

Assuming the cost of electricity is 9¢ Assuming the cost of electricity is 9¢ per kWh.per kWh.

Cost of IL in dollars: Cost of IL in dollars:

where where x x is hours of operation.is hours of operation.

Cost of CFL in dollars : Cost of CFL in dollars :

where where x x is hours of operation.is hours of operation. You can graph to find the number of You can graph to find the number of

hours for break-even. You can have hours for break-even. You can have them alter the 9 ¢ per kWh cost to see them alter the 9 ¢ per kWh cost to see the result.the result.

)36.0(125,1

)1.0)(09.0(1

xxy

97.7)023.0)(09.0(2 xy

Exponential GrowthExponential Growth

Assume that the current world Assume that the current world population is 6.6 billion (based on a population is 6.6 billion (based on a 2007 estimate) and that it is increasing 2007 estimate) and that it is increasing at 1.1% per year? Given that the at 1.1% per year? Given that the population P (in billions) grows population P (in billions) grows exponentially as described by: exponentially as described by: PP((tt ) = ) = 6.6 6.6 ee 0.011t0.011t , determine what the world , determine what the world population will be just 30 years from population will be just 30 years from now. now. {9.18 Billion, that is an increase of {9.18 Billion, that is an increase of about 2.6 billion people in 30 years!}about 2.6 billion people in 30 years!}

Contemporary Math Contemporary Math ClassClass

In our Contemporary Math class we In our Contemporary Math class we do not do many rigorous calculations, do not do many rigorous calculations, so I had to get creative.so I had to get creative. I introduce sustainability during our I introduce sustainability during our

chapter on routing problems. chapter on routing problems. Discussing how much carbon our Discussing how much carbon our “route” added to the atmosphere. “route” added to the atmosphere. (19.4 lbs of CO(19.4 lbs of CO22/gallon of gas.)/gallon of gas.)

I also introduce sustainability in our I also introduce sustainability in our chapter on voting theory.chapter on voting theory.

Plastic Bags Plastic Bags → Reusable → Reusable BagsBags

99% of the plastic bags in the US are NOT recycled99% of the plastic bags in the US are NOT recycled 2007 Data: US uses 380 billion plastic bags annually2007 Data: US uses 380 billion plastic bags annually

Equivalent to 12 million barrels of oil.Equivalent to 12 million barrels of oil. Plastic bags kill sea animals.Plastic bags kill sea animals.

Some mistake them for food, some get entangled in Some mistake them for food, some get entangled in them.them.

The petroleum from 14 plastic bags could drive a The petroleum from 14 plastic bags could drive a car one mile.car one mile.

One plastic bag could take up to 1000 years to One plastic bag could take up to 1000 years to decompose.decompose.

In CA alone, it costs $20.5 million to collect and In CA alone, it costs $20.5 million to collect and landfill plastic bag waste each year.landfill plastic bag waste each year.

Plastic Bag Solutions?Plastic Bag Solutions? In 2002, Ireland imposed a In 2002, Ireland imposed a €0.15 per bag tax €0.15 per bag tax

(about 20¢)(about 20¢) Result: 90% reduction in plastic bags.Result: 90% reduction in plastic bags.

Australia started a voluntary program to Australia started a voluntary program to encourage reusable bags.encourage reusable bags. From 2002 -2006, they reduced bag use by 45%From 2002 -2006, they reduced bag use by 45%

Other programs and bans have been started in Other programs and bans have been started in South Africa, Rwanda, Hong Kong, and Toronto.South Africa, Rwanda, Hong Kong, and Toronto.

Could you buy three or four Could you buy three or four reusable bags and use them for reusable bags and use them for half of your purchases? Vote Ahalf of your purchases? Vote A

Stats taken from www.pluspackaging.com and the EPA

Plastic Bottles Plastic Bottles → → Reusable BottlesReusable Bottles

In 2006 alone, Americans, on average, In 2006 alone, Americans, on average, consumed 167 bottles of water per person.consumed 167 bottles of water per person. 23% of the bottles were recycled.23% of the bottles were recycled. 38 billion water bottles went into a landfill in 38 billion water bottles went into a landfill in

2006.2006. It takes over 1.5 billion barrels of oil to It takes over 1.5 billion barrels of oil to

manufacture a year’s supply of bottled water.manufacture a year’s supply of bottled water. That is enough to fuel 100,000 cars.That is enough to fuel 100,000 cars.

In 2007, we spent $16 Billion on bottled In 2007, we spent $16 Billion on bottled water.water.

Plastic bottles do not BEGIN to decompose Plastic bottles do not BEGIN to decompose for 700 years.for 700 years.

Plastic Bottles – Plastic Bottles – Solutions?Solutions?

If everyone in NYC gave up bottled water If everyone in NYC gave up bottled water for:for: 1 week 1 week → save 24 million bottles from our landfills→ save 24 million bottles from our landfills 1 month → save 103 million bottles1 month → save 103 million bottles 1 year → save 1.3 billion bottles1 year → save 1.3 billion bottles

Could you use a reusable bottle Could you use a reusable bottle for half of your “water on the for half of your “water on the go?” Vote Bgo?” Vote B

Stats taken from www.earth911.com and the EPA

Compact Fluorescent Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)Lamps (CFL)

Average rated life of a CFL is between 8 and 15 Average rated life of a CFL is between 8 and 15 times that of an incandescent lamp.times that of an incandescent lamp.

For a given light output, CFLs use between 20% For a given light output, CFLs use between 20% and 30% of the power of an incandescent lamp.and 30% of the power of an incandescent lamp. Lighting accounts for 9% of a US household bill.Lighting accounts for 9% of a US household bill.

The purchase price for CFLs is typically 3 to 10 The purchase price for CFLs is typically 3 to 10 times greater than an incandescent lamp.times greater than an incandescent lamp.

CFLs can also reduce cooling costs (lower heat CFLs can also reduce cooling costs (lower heat output.)output.)

As compared to a incandescent, over a CFL's As compared to a incandescent, over a CFL's lifetime it can save over $50 in electricity costs lifetime it can save over $50 in electricity costs and save 2000 times its own weight in and save 2000 times its own weight in greenhouse gases.greenhouse gases.

CFL CFL → Solutions?→ Solutions?

If every American home replaced just one light bulb If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

If a household replace 3 frequently used light bulbs If a household replace 3 frequently used light bulbs with CFLs they would save 300 lbs of COwith CFLs they would save 300 lbs of CO22 and $60 and $60 per yearper year

Within the next year could you replace 3 Within the next year could you replace 3 light bulbs in your house with CFLs? light bulbs in your house with CFLs? Vote CVote C

Stats taken from www.energystar.gov

Vote with Preference Vote with Preference BallotBallot

Vote A:Vote A: you buy three or four you buy three or four reusable bags and use them for reusable bags and use them for half of your purchases? half of your purchases?

Vote B:Vote B: you use a reusable bottle you use a reusable bottle for half of your “water on the go” for half of your “water on the go”

Vote C:Vote C: within the next year you within the next year you replace 3 light bulbs in your house replace 3 light bulbs in your house with CFLswith CFLs

Preference SchedulePreference Schedule

1.) Plurality 1.) Plurality WinnerWinner

2.) Borda Count 2.) Borda Count WinnerWinner

3.) Plurality with 3.) Plurality with Elimination Elimination Winner (IRV)Winner (IRV)

# of # of VoterVoterss

11stst ChoiChoicece

22ndnd ChoiChoicece

33rdrd ChoiChoicece

Does the New York State Does the New York State Returnable Container Law Returnable Container Law

Work Today?Work Today? In 1982 NY State enacted the New York State Returnable In 1982 NY State enacted the New York State Returnable

Container Law to reduce liter and encourage recycling. Container Law to reduce liter and encourage recycling. The law went into effect in the Summer of 1983 and The law went into effect in the Summer of 1983 and required a 5¢ deposit on all beer, malt, carbonated soft required a 5¢ deposit on all beer, malt, carbonated soft drink, mineral water, and wine coolers in airtight metal, drink, mineral water, and wine coolers in airtight metal, glass, paper or plastic under 1 gallon. The reclamation glass, paper or plastic under 1 gallon. The reclamation system was set up through retailers and redemption system was set up through retailers and redemption centers which were given a 2¢ handling fee. Note: centers which were given a 2¢ handling fee. Note: unredeemed deposits are retained by distributors/bottlers.unredeemed deposits are retained by distributors/bottlers.

The redemption rate is 77.4% for beer and 61.6% for soft The redemption rate is 77.4% for beer and 61.6% for soft drink; for an average of 70.2% overall.drink; for an average of 70.2% overall.

The 5¢ deposit has not changed in the The 5¢ deposit has not changed in the 2626 years, but the years, but the value of money has! Using a linear regression, the value of money has! Using a linear regression, the average annual inflation rate since 1983 is about average annual inflation rate since 1983 is about 3%. 3%. That means a nickel use to be “worth” more back in 1983. That means a nickel use to be “worth” more back in 1983. Today’s nickel does not buy as much as it did in 1983.Today’s nickel does not buy as much as it did in 1983.

Does the New York State Does the New York State Returnable Container Law Returnable Container Law

Work Today?Work Today? Assuming law makers determined that a Assuming law makers determined that a 5¢5¢

deposit was the necessary amount of money to deposit was the necessary amount of money to encourage someone to return a can in 1983, encourage someone to return a can in 1983, how has that motivation changed over 26 how has that motivation changed over 26 years? years?

How much buying power would a 5¢ deposit from How much buying power would a 5¢ deposit from 1983 have in 2009? (Average annual inflation rate of 1983 have in 2009? (Average annual inflation rate of 3%)3%)

How much is our 2009 nickel worth in “1983 dollars” How much is our 2009 nickel worth in “1983 dollars” (or cents)?(or cents)?

Does our law work? Is the same motivation present Does our law work? Is the same motivation present today?today?

Should we raise the deposit or should we raise Should we raise the deposit or should we raise children who seek to recycle? children who seek to recycle?

Recall:Recall:

niPA )1(

More Numbers!More Numbers!

The average refrigerator in 1973 was about The average refrigerator in 1973 was about 30% efficient, today they are around 90% 30% efficient, today they are around 90% efficient.efficient.

New front loading washing machines use 40 New front loading washing machines use 40 percent less water and 60 percent less energy.percent less water and 60 percent less energy.

On average oil refineries consume 9% of the On average oil refineries consume 9% of the energy in the crude oil they refine.energy in the crude oil they refine.

On a per barrel basis, today’s refineries use On a per barrel basis, today’s refineries use about 25% less energy than those in 1973about 25% less energy than those in 1973

In the US, on average we generate, 4.4 lbs of In the US, on average we generate, 4.4 lbs of waste per day. Germans only create 2.0 lbs of waste per day. Germans only create 2.0 lbs of waste per day.waste per day.

Secondary Energy Infobook, 2007 NEED Project

Did you know...Did you know...

For every ton of paper that is recycled, the For every ton of paper that is recycled, the following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months. to power an average house for six months.

You can run a TV for six hours on the You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can. recycling one aluminum can.

By recycling just one glass bottle, you save By recycling just one glass bottle, you save enough electricity to power a 100-watt enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hours. bulb for four hours.

http://gogreeninitiative.org/content/WhyGoGreen/

Please take a handout:Please take a handout: Website address for this presentation.Website address for this presentation. Some nice website addresses.Some nice website addresses. More numbers you can use.More numbers you can use.

Questions?Questions? clancyt@sunyocc.educlancyt@sunyocc.edu

THANK YOU FOR THANK YOU FOR COMING.COMING.

TAKE A MOMENT TAKE A MOMENT TO ENJOYTO ENJOY

THE SIMPLE,THE SIMPLE,

YET REMARKABLE LIFEYET REMARKABLE LIFEOF OUR PLANET.OF OUR PLANET.

www.authorstream.com/Presentation/stetson80634-71242-simple-life-inspirational-nature-thesimplelife-1-spiritual-ppt-powerpoint/