121 soaps!

We riders have been lucky enough to stay at a few hotels during our trip.

Hotels are amazing –fresh sheets, queen beds, several pillows, a nice bathroom, and tons of new toiletries.

However, these wonderful amenities also come along with their own environmental footprints, and we’ve faced a few questions. In particular, the riders have debated what to do with the little soaps and lotions we get at every hotel. Should we open as little as possible, and leave unopened toiletries at the hotel for the next guests to use? Or, should we collect what we don’t use, and donate the rest to charity? Who do we feel more comfortable using our unused toiletries? Who do we think might need them more? Which action will lead to decreased consumption and waste in the hotel industry?

Dealing with toiletries may seem like a little issue, but look at all the stuff we’ve collected so far:

That’s 121 soaps, 33 shampoos + conditioners, 29 shampoos, 21 lotions, 17 conditioners, 4 shower caps, 2 shoe mitts, 2 vanity packs (I have no idea what’s in these), and 1 body wash! (A lot of stuff we’ve encountered and could have used, eh?)

But we didn’t use them. After a few debates, the majority of us (although I should note here, NOT all of us) agreed to collect the toiletries and donate them to a charity in need (like a shelter) in Tucson, at the end of our trip. We have already identified a few charities that have indicated their need for shampoo, lotion, and soap.

2½ more weeks to go. I’m betting we can top 200 soaps.

By: Sapna Thottathil

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Denver and Boulder in Photos

A selection of photos from Boulder & Denver. To see all the photos from the tour, check out our Flickr page.




Photos by: Bob Filbin

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A Maine Education

(Editor's Note: Please join us as we reminisce about Maine)

It's been difficult keeping up with video editing while simultaneously filming our action-packed itinerary, but the longer drives out West are going to give me more time to work (although editing on a moving bus is a separate issue!).
It seems like ages ago that we visited Bar Harbor, Maine, but I just couldn't help putting together some footage gathered while many of the bus crew ate their first fresh lobsters ever, thanks to Ken Kline and the wonderful Sous-Chefs at College of the Atlantic (even though it's a little late!).
With the supervision of Professor Jasmine Smith, our riders learn the not-so-delicate art of eating lobster.

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By: Jen Baldwin

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Udallers visit National Renewable Energy Lab

On the morning of July 13, eleven of us went out to visit the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) in Golden, CO. There, we met up with Jim Bosch and Ivilina Thornton and hopped over to the security center – luckily everyone remembered to wear shoes and leave their Nalgenes behind.

At the Visitor’s Center, we received a quick introduction to the history and key research going on at NREL, such as solar and wind energy, biomass fuels, hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. Because hydrogen currently used in industry is more than 90% derived from natural gas, Jim emphasized the importance of finding green sources for hydrogen – whether using algae to produce it, or using clean electricity (ex. wind) to split water molecules via electrolysis.

Most of our brief visit (barely an hour, whereas I could have spent days in there) was spent looking at the evolution of photovoltaic (PV) solar technologies at NREL. Apparently, the early solar panels from the 60s were under 10% efficient at converting the sun’s energy to electricity, and today’s “high performance” solar panels can utilize over 40% of the sun’s energy.

Much of this research was spurred in the 1970s in response to the energy crisis and Arab oil embargo, as energy independence was seen as the priority (not so much environmental concerns). Today, a similar sentiment is in the air, in addition to growing environmental awareness and concern, which is helping to raise the profile of solar and other research being led by NREL. In addition to the high tech PV solar technology, we also got a glimpse of some clever “low tech” projects, such as using a “transpired solar collector” (black perforated wall) to pre-heat air entering a heating unit. While these technologies are very exciting due to their potential to lower our dependence on fuel from foreign countries, many of them should also make it possible to improve the quality of life in remote and financially poor communities.

By: Bret Strogen

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Art from Hooves, Wheels, and Rails

(Click on any piece to see a larger photo)

Le Tour - Noel Nemcik


Bike Chime, Geoffrey Berlin



80126 - Geoffrey Berlin


Lake Tahoe Before the Fire - Fern Spangler


Spirit of the City - John Barbour


Urban Rhythm - Crystal Olin


(Untitled) - Amy Snell


Walking Stick - Alvah Whitledge



Velo - Alex Juhalo


Moon Prints - Austin Metzger


Bicycle - Adam Hecht


Sprouting Denver - Mason Thrall


Untitled - Meagan Svendsen

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Hooves, Wheels and Rails - Sustainable Transit Art Show a Mile High

Returning to my home was humbling and inspirational. I seem to forget how beautiful Colorado and its people are until I fly away and back again. But let me tell you, being a mile high is hard to top.

After a Thursday spent with old friends and my dear family, I joined the Legacy Crew for a loaded Friday.

Boulder Deputy Mayor Suzy Ageton speaks to the crew at CU

We began early in the morning, taking in spray from the Dalton Trumbo Fountain north of the University of Colorado's (CU) Memorial Center. While water misted our necks, the elegant Suzy Ageton, Deputy Mayor of Boulder, approached. She met us with a smile and immediately began speaking of all that Boulder is doing to be green. The efforts are amazing, really. I can't say enough. For example, Boulder adopted the goals of the Kyoto Protocol in 2002 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2012, has initiated a Green Points Building program, and has begun planning for a new Transit Village Area that will connect RTD's FasTracks Plan to the city of Boulder. Of course, there are always compromises that must be made (i.e. the University of Colorado recently began using coal as its primary energy source) and battles that must be won (i.e. Boulder's ongoing housing crisis). Greening Boulder, as with all things, takes time. You can check out many of Boulder's initiatives here.

A few minutes later, we were in the offices of CU's Environmental Center, the largest student run environmental center in the United States. Marianne Martin, the Center's Associate Director, spoke with us about what they have done, are doing, and plan to do: very much. She then took us on a campus tour, pointing out new LEED certified buildings (such as CU's ATLAS Building and Wolf Law Building), a prevalence of on-campus recycling bins, CU's Bicycle Program, and CU's Recycling Center. The Environmental Center is large and in charge, helping CU to be one of the most environmentally conscious and active universities in the country. You can read more about CU's Environmental Center here.

CU Bike Station

After Boulder and a subsequent informative visit to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, we made our way to Union Station, located on Wynkoop Street in the heart of lower downtown Denver. Within two hours, we had transformed the station into an art gallery. At 3:00 p.m., it was time for "Hooves, Wheels, & Rails: Sustainable Transit in Colorado." An Artistic Exhibition! Originally, I had envisioned the exhibition as a way to bring communities together, celebrate and promote sustainability and livability in Colorado, and provoke thought about the importance of transportation options. More specifically, I wanted to call attention to RTD's incredible FasTracks Plan, the revitalization of Union Station, and the galliant efforts of local organizations such as Transit Alliance and ColoRail. We accomplished just that. Numerous local artists displayed their artwork in the main hall of Union Station. We saw a diverse palette, anywhere from a photo print or painting to a hand-made bicycle. To one side was projected a Google Earth animation of Denver's new development and RTD's FasTracks Plan. Toward the end of the event, Kathleen Osher, Executive Director of Transit Alliance, and Jon Esty, President of ColoRail, spoke briefly about their organizations. Together, the pieces and community gathering embodied Colorado's young enthusiasm for sustainable transit.

During the exhibition, we also held a silent auction, inviting the public to browse and bid at will. Proceeds benefitted the Transit Alliance, a local non-profit organization who "gathers a diverse group of businesses, governments, civic and environmental organizations to preserve the economic vitality, quality of life and environment of the Denver Metropolitan region by promoting public transit as part of a balanced, multi-modal transportation network". At the end of the day, we raised $485 for Transit Alliance, money that will be used specifically for their Citizens' Academy, an educational session about Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the Denver Metro area to be held this fall 2007.

Last but not least, we were astounded to see an unexpected, but much-hoped-for guest. Our very own Melissa Millage, Program Manager for the Udall Foundation, flew into Denver that morning, surprising us in Union Station as we were setting up for the exhibition. Her presence topped off the day, and we looked forward to the upcoming weekend with our new stow-away.

What a day! Our Rocky Mountain high lasted into the evening as we gathered with local alums Genevieve Maricle (Scholar '01) and Darren Legge (Scholar '06) and artists from the exhibition across the street at the Wynkoop Brewing Company, Denver's first brewpub. Cheers to Colorado!

By: Crystal Olin

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Visit to the 17th St. pump station construction site

(Editor's Note: Please jump back a bit in time with us to New Orleans...)

On the way down to New Orleans, I had told the other bus riders about the cleanup work I had done with my company (Weston Solutions) after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and showed them the pictures I had taken of the city and Plaquemines Parish. Because Weston is now the General Contractor for installing two enormous pump stations to protect New Orleans from flooding (where the levies broke), I was excited to schedule a visit for the riders to see the site and meet a few of my coworkers.

On the morning of July 4th, six riders and our faculty representative from the University of New Orleans, Juana Ibanez, visited Weston’s work trailer at the 17th St. canal’s pump station. After being given a thorough safety orientation to the site and getting suited up in the proper safety apparel, Lee Duncan explained the background behind the levy breach and flood control measures while we were waiting out the rainstorm in the trailer.

Once the rain subsided, we walked over to see where the levy gave out (where the helicopters were dropping sandbags for immediate protection after the hurricane), and then took a look at the largest pumping station most of us will probably ever see – 7300 cubic feet of water per second, shooting into the Lake through pipes that are nine feet in diameter! What was hardest to believe is the cost and difficulty of putting in these structures on top of pretty weak soil; they had to erect a multi-million dollar temporary crane pad just to support a crane to be used for moving the equipment into place, and the pilings to support the station needed to go a little over one hundred feet down into the soil, since bedrock can not be reached.

After the tour, several of the riders drove through the areas of New Orleans that were hit hard by the storm. This pump station that we saw is just one of the many incredible costs associated with rebuilding New Orleans and protecting it from future storms. However, even with all these new measures, no one can pretend that the city is immune to hurricanes. For that reason, everyone (engineers, hippies, etc.) seems to have an opinion about whether New Orleans “should” be rebuilt, though I don’t think anyone has the right to make this judgment call. Every country, city, neighborhood, and home is built with varying degrees of risk, and almost everything constructed by man has costs associated with risk management and emergency planning. Obviously New Orleans was lacking adequate storm protection and emergency preparation, and is built in a high risk location, but I believe that anyone who wants to live there should be allowed to live there . . . it’s just important for individuals and organizations (ex. government and insurance companies) to recognize and take responsibility for the costs associated with their decisions, instead of expecting to pass costs on to others that had no interest in encouraging risk-taking in the first place.

By: Bret Strogen

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“Bugles, Rules, and a Rich Gravy Diet”

It was a first in Kansas for most of the riders, and the college-town of Lawrence was a great introduction to this mid-western plains state. Our morning was divided between projects highlighted by KU’s Center for Sustainability (see Kayanna’s limerick about bio-diesel at KU), and tours of Haskell Indian Nation’s University. Haskell is a federally funded school, one of only a handful in the U.S., with enrollment open to members from federally recognized tribes and direct descendants. Originally started as a boarding school in 1884, Haskell has come a long way in controlling the type and experience of education students receive while at the school. We started our tour that day at the Cultural Center and Museum, where we were welcomed by Lori Tapahonso, Haskell’s Public Information Officer, who gave us a brief history of the museum and school and then let us loose to roam the exhibits. Organized in a circular pattern, the museum focuses on Haskell’s rich history, as told from the students’ perspectives.

“Bugles, Rules, and a Rich Gravy Diet”, was one display heading that caught my interest. Many of the bus riders had little knowledge of the role boarding schools played in institutionalizing assimilation and forcing changes in traditional lifeways. I think something else that struck many people, myself included, was the negative impacts the schools once had, especially on families.

Lori Tapahonso gives a tour to the Udall riders at the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum

The Cultural Center and Museum is also home to a collection of photos taken by Frank Rinehart at the Trans-Mississippi Exposition and Indian Congress, held in Nebraska in 1898 (many of the original glass plates are housed in the climate-controlled basement). The photos are quite striking and paint an interesting picture of the diversity of Native cultures attending the Expo. Many of these images have come to represent and stereotype much of Indian country today, though the beauty of these original photos still rings true. We also checked out the archival library and gathered around a few art pieces created by Haskell students and faculty. I really recommend checking out the website to get a little more information, see the different programs they have at the Center and Museum, and view a few examples of the Rinehart photos. It’s pretty amazing that Haskell started out as an Industrial Indian Training School if you look at it today.

After touring the rest of campus, looking at the medicinal gardens, and finding some shade with Haskell students in a traditional switch grass structure (busy campus), we headed back to KU for a great lunch with the Center for Sustainability and the Ecumenical Christian Ministries (ECM). It was appropriate to be talking about environmental justice, social equity, and diversity issues and education after touring Haskell. We also talked about the concept of Earth Ethics with Thad Holcombe, the pastor from ECM, all while eating a wonderful, almost entirely local meal prepared and provided by Community Mercantile, Lawrence’s long-standing health food cooperative. It was such a well-thought-out and kind meal that was so tasty, and the company was equally as wonderful. It’s amazing how much you can talk about in an hour!

Leaving lunch we headed back in the direction of Haskell, this time to the wetlands adjacent to the school. Originally an official part of the Training School grounds, the Wakarusa Wetlands, or the Haskell/Baker Wetlands, have long been a part of the school’s history. We learned quite a bit of this history in detail as we walked the land with Mike Caron, a member of Save the Wetlands and a handful of students from Haskell. During the settling of Kansas by Europeans (I kept imagining a bloody free for all), wetlands were viewed as unproductive land, and along the way, came to be federally-owned lands used for the school. In the 70’s different parcels of Haskell lands were sold off and Baker University, located about 30 miles south of Lawrence, bought the majority of the wetlands. This was interesting to me, given the cultural significance of the wetlands to Haskell students from the beginning of the school to the present day, where students still go to relax, pray, study the ecosystem and traditional uses of plants. Mike told us about a road, the “49 Road”, in the wetlands where students could get away to party, drum, flirt, and as a result learn about other lifestyles and cultures.

Mike Caron talking about the history of the Wakarusa Wetlands

There is currently a controversial proposal to construct an 8-lane highway through the wetlands. While we didn’t hear anything from the proponents’ side of things, it seems to me that the proposal presents a solution that is unnecessarily destructive in more ways than one. The issue, which has actually been in contention for over 20 years, has brought together diverse groups of people, from ecologists, environmental activists, and members from the over 135 tribal nations represented at Haskell, in an effort to prevent the highway from going through the wetlands. I can see this as a great success story, as this coalition of people have worked together to change something from happening in their “backyard”, to use a common phrase. While frustrating at times, I think this issue may also provide a great learning experience for a student; for example in how to handle her or himself while dealing with a large entity, or how to work within a coalition to try and create change. (This experience may also further illuminate issues that may have been potentially experienced within their own communities at home—I’d be interested to learn more). Personally, I hope the highway is built elsewhere, in lands less ecologically sensitive, and as equally important, in lands that are less culturally important.

By: Jenny Vazquez

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A Kansas Limerick

There once was a Kansan who frowned
He frowned because his oil was browned.
It was leftover grease
The supply never ceased
And into the drain it got downed

Then someone at KU got smart:
“With dependences on oil we’ll part!
we don’t need no soy oil
just bring brown grease to boil
And biodiesel vats we’ll start!”

And so today we got the spiel
About their new biodiesel
Clear as water
But burns way hotter
You can’t deny it’s golden appeal.

(The KU Biodiesel Initiative gave us a talk about their biodiesel production. Associate Professor Susan Stagg-Williams and Ilya Tabakh presented to us. For more information, check out the KU media write-up.

STUDENT CO-OP TEASER TRAILER:

And then we went to visit Ad ASTRA, one of 3 coops administered by KU Student Coops. This tour was led by Dustin Jensen (Scholar ’06 & ’07), and Laura Adams (Scholar ’05) - pictured on the right.

It was a glimpse into communal living in an environment where 10 different people with different skills to contribute – from finding ways to improve building insulation to constructing recycled metal sculptures – to create a sustainable living space. For more resources, you’ll have to sit tight till August (when I’ll post my final project).

By: Kayanna Warren

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Udallers Enjoy a Local Burger in Kansas

Fast food made with local ingredients. Not exactly what I was expecting in Kansas. But – hey – Lawrence surprised me for a lot of reasons.

Not least of which was the Udall love shown by all the alums who came out. Laura Adams (Scholar ’05), Trisha Shrum (Scholar ’04 & ’05), Ben Champion (Scholar ’00), Matt King (Scholar ’06), Dustin Jensen (Scholar ’06 & ’07), and fac rep. extraordinaire Sue Lorenz all made it out to the oh-so-cool restaurant Local Burger.



After eating our delicious meal, Hilary Brown, the owner of Local Burger, joined us and shared the history and motivation behind her restaurant. Amazed at the power of good food to improve her health (not to mention the better flavors), Hilary set out to create a restaurant that would offer no-frills local food at affordable prices (similar to the Farmer’s Diner out in Vermont). Her restaurant continues to turn a profit and has a very strong following (including the folks at Sustainable Table who recommended the joint.) She even helped produce a Morgan Spurlock-esque documentary called “Localize Me.”

With full bellies and an inspired mind – all I could think as I made it to the KU dorms was “Why didn’t I make it to Lawrence earlier?!”

By: Eli Zigas

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Native American Health Symposium - Oklahoma City

I was really looking forward to the Native American Health Symposium that took place on July 9 in Oklahoma City. Kudos to Dr. Steve Prescott for proposing the symposium and hosting a wonderful welcome dinner for us the night before, and to the team at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for organizing the flawless event.

Dr. Steve Prescott with Jenny, Martina, and Bret S.

Health care is a really important issue I haven’t studied in depth, and I was curious to learn about the unique ways it effects the American Indian population. The speakers focused on how to address dementia, arthritis, and diabetes that are disproportionately impacting Native communities, and how to work with traditional elders who might have different perceptions about ailments and treatments than their caregivers.

I was particularly struck by Kenneth Copeland’s presentation on youth obesity and diabetes. He elucidated connections between children’s health and the riders’ main focus areas of environmental and Native American issues that I didn’t anticipate. Increasing numbers of children are developing Type II Diabetes Mellitus, due to decreasing physical education programs and the lack of readily available nutritious food. He called upon Udallers to seek holistic solutions to these problems. We need to rethink our city and town planning to provide sidewalks and safe places for children to exercise outdoors, decrease toxins in the environment, and increase access to nutritious foods while eliminating products with high amounts of corn syrup, refined sugars, and palm oil.

By: Jennifer Baldwin

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