Post 10: ...salt...grr...

Although I know that I would be furious if I were to slip on an icy pathway, hurt myself, and end up going to class with a wet rear, I can't help but hate the salt. I hate crunching on it, I hate the way it marks my pants and boots, and frankly, I hate how unnatural it looks on the ground. Large, blocky grains of salt surrounded by small pools of water... it looks so gross. I know that there are many benefits, in particular the number of injuries it helps avoid, but I wish there was a better way. I've heard discussions about how it is bad for the surrounding environment as well. As the snow melts and washes away the salt remains, it embeds itself into the ground, which can result in areas of stunted plant growth. I know that gravel can create mud and look even less appealing, but would this maybe be a more eco-friendly alternative? Heated sidewalks don't leave white streaks on clothing or result in muddy slosh, but then there's the question of wasting electricity. Really, there appears to be no good option...

http://www.aboutmyplanet.com/files/2009/01/427540206_ee5b9f53f6.jpg

Post 9: "Christmas Time is Here..."

The week of Christmas Fest has arrived on St. Olaf campus, and along with additional stress, there have been some noticeable changes as a result. Garlands and wreaths and Christmas trees have sprung up around campus. While these do provide a wonderful holiday feel, I have to wonder as to whether these decorations are the most environmental option for our "green" campus. Over the years, I have heard different discussions on whether Christmas trees in particular are very environmental as SO many pine trees are cut down for this event. Because we have real garlands and wreaths as well, this adds up to a great deal of tree destruction. Although our campus is red and green for Christmas, we're drifting from our other green movement.

Post 8: Surrounded by Fields

A very distinct element of the Northfield landscape is farmland. Confined mostly to campus, I tend to forget about the vast expanses of agrarian fields that surround the hill. As we discussed in class, perhaps this was part of the appeal for St. Olaf's location as students would be able to focus on their studies and not have the ability to waste time in a nearby city or urban area.
Although Northfield does have a "downtown," in a way, the St. Olaf (and Carleton-blah :-P) campus is the more central and lively part of the community. Given that so much of Northfield's population is students and given that a great deal of social activities in Northfield are located on campus, St. Olaf is more of a "downtown."
In contrast with the agrarian land surrounding Northfield, St. Olaf is an island of activity and excitement.