Greenhawks

Making Your Screen Time a Little Greener

As a college student during a pandemic, I spend increasingly more time online. I spend so much time on my school days studying and taking classes on a laptop, relaxing on my phone (hello, impulsive online shopping), looking up homework help and texting classmates about my struggles. Knowing that so many other people are in similar situations, I’m so excited to share a few of my favorite environmentally-conscious apps and websites. These apps and websites help to make my numerous hours of staring at a computer and my love for online shopping friendlier to the planet, as well as make me feel a little better about my weekly screen time notifications!

Composting: Nature's Way of Recycling in Oxford and at Home

Just over a year ago, I wrote my first article as a GreenHawks Staff Writer: "Get Involved in Composting!" The article covered the beginning of the City of Oxford’s composting pilot program and their role in various events to educate community members about the importance of composting.

Opinion: So… What’s up With the Future of Climate Change?

In this ever-changing world, new things become more relevant to us every day. One thing that has constantly been relevant, and will continue to be relevant, is climate change. Although this is a tricky topic to discuss, it’s one that needs to be discussed. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, even if steps are taken to prevent further climate change, such as lowering greenhouse gases, it will still continue on a negative trend  for decades afterwards. Climate change has been a big topic within the recent presidential debates, and it can get kind of confusing to follow along with. So, here’s a breakdown of each candidate’s plan for climate change and what that could mean for the future.

Chubby Bunny Bakery: Desserts for All

If you’ve been around King Cafe or a campus dining hall, you’ve probably seen Chubby Bunny treats, from muffins to pumpkin bars to cookies! These bakery items are perfect for the holiday season and are made special for those with allergies. I had the privilege of interviewing the owner of the company to get an inside look at her mission and motivation for these delicious treats.

It's Time We Talk About Disposable Masks

Quarantine Sanity: Journaling

In case you didn’t read my last post, which was a prelude to my content for the semester, I plan to contribute a ~Quarantine Sanity~ piece each month, which will focus on our mental health by providing versatile mechanisms/habits/activities that you are able to do during this time for YOU. With that said, I am so excited because my first ~quarantine sanity~ activity is journaling, a (healthy) coping mechanism that was my saving grace throughout the six months I spent at home earlier this year.

GHM Alumni Profile: From the Classroom To the Courtroom

To celebrate GreenHawks Media’s 10th anniversary in 2020, the site will continue to feature profiles of alumni staff writers that contributed to the publication’s content and mission during their time at Miami University. Our first October spotlight is Olivia Bauer, a 2019 alum. Olivia served as Editor in Chief during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years.

A year of wear: why I quit buying clothes

I took a year off from buying any clothing, new or used. And what came out of it was a deeper appreciation for fashion as an art form and a more personal relationship with the clothes I already had. All without spending a penny.

Environmental Justice and Landscape Architecture

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines environmental justice as “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” The Office of Environmental Justice was established in 1992 as a branch of the EPA and “has worked to address the disproportionately adverse human health and environmental impacts in overburdened communities by integrating environmental justice considerations throughout the Agency.” The organization provides financial and technical support for local, state and federal governments to relieve the stress put on populations particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. 

Low-Waste Product: I Tried a Menstrual Cup

For the last year or so, I have been trying to take small steps towards living a more low-waste life. It is something that can’t be done right away in the world we live in. To be able to manage it effectively, small changes in your daily life need to be taken. I have been making those changes, and this last week I have made what I feel to be one of the biggest changes in my lifestyle: I tried a menstrual cup. 

From Her Hands To Ours: The Environmental Legacy of RBG

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87 last week. She has left behind a grateful nation who will not forget her legacy of advocating for women’s rights and the equality of others. It should be known that her passing is mourned by environmental activists as well. Her vote was more than once pivotal to the environmental community. Former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator and current President of the Natural Resources Defense Council Gina McCarthy said “Through her expansive mind, sound temperament and unwavering judicial integrity, she plied the Constitution as a living instrument of American life, lending it meaning in the life of us all,” to address RBG’s impactful work for environmental rights. What follows is a small timeline of her most noted moments in environmental policy while sitting as a Supreme Court Judge.

Crawford signs PCLC Climate Commitment

Miami University President Greg Crawford signed the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitment (PCLC) in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 22 

Six Environmental Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

Are you a podcast person? Do you want to be? As students, I know our lives are busy and on-the-go. I listened to six environmental podcasts so I could share them with you! Of course, actively changing and adopting behaviors is vital, but so is simply learning– and these podcasts provide an opportunity to do so.

GHM Alumni Profile: Founder Reflects on the Road From Miami

To celebrate GreenHawks Media’s 10th anniversary in 2020, the site will feature profiles of staff alumni that contributed to the publication’s content and mission during their time at Miami University. Our second September spotlight is Adam Harris, one of the founders of GreenHawks Media.

Food & Habits Are Good for the Soul

Hello!! I want to start off with a big welcome for those that have moved into Oxford this week. I am so excited for you guys, and you came just at the right time - in my biased opinion, Miami is the prettiest during the fall. 

Photos From Yesterday's PCLC Signing

An Inside Look Into President Crawford’s Signing of a Robust Climate Commitment

“[Signing the PCLC] will elevate our awareness that achieving carbon neutrality and climate resilience requires the dedication of everyone in the University community, and it will inspire us to act as One Miami.”

Capturing the Last of Summer

Welcome back to Oxford, Miami students! Whether Oxford is a new or familiar place to you, it must be exciting to be here. However, between the excitement of this new time and its accompanying anxieties, it can sometimes be difficult to find space to breathe. This weekend, I took some time to find spots that provide a serene space where you can hit the reset button and take a moment to be still. Here is a series of photos I've collected while exploring natural areas in and around Oxford– and if possible, I'd encourage anyone to take a moment of your spare time to find some calm in the abundant nature around campus!

Sustainable Brands for Athletes

Growing up as an athlete was always tasking. Your body is constantly asking more from you, and you’re doing the best you can to treat it with patience and kindness. You train for hours on end to get one play right. It’s a constant go-go-go with little time to recover.

City of Oxford Makes Strides to Combat Climate Change

On Sept. 3, 2019, the City of Oxford signed the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. Now, in conjunction with Miami University President Gregory Crawford signing the President’s Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC), Mayor Mike Smith will reaffirm this pledge on Sept. 22, 2020. The event will highlight both commitment to taking action on climate change and raising awareness of the sustainable initiatives in our community. I was able to talk to Seth Cropenbaker, Assistant to the City Manager, and Jessica Greene, Assistant City Manager, to learn more about this collaboration and the City of Oxford’s pledges to a sustainable future.