Environmental issues are HOT right now (Global Warming pun anyone?). People are looking to sustainable solutions to a myriad of problems that we have created for ourselves, including the creation of green collar jobs. I personally look best in purple but I cannot deny the intelligence behind making a strong attempt not to poo where you sleep. . .or at least using that poo to fertilize something you are growing to eat when you wake up. I am all for making sure that things don't get too much worse. I saw Water World, bad acting and bad living conditions are in our future if we don't make some smart moves. I am especially concerned seeing as how I do not have the wherewithal to create a contraption that will turn human waste into drinking water (seriously, watch Water World, it is deliciously bad).

Anyway. . who's always at the forefront of new ideas, ART. It does not disappoint on the issue of sustainability as many are flocking to take pictures and eat cake at the marriage of art and sustainability. Live work spaces, pretty/functional household appliances, meaningful and moving art made out of recycled items and good old fashioned bird-feeders comprised of milk jigs, peanut butter and birdseed are all coming out of the art world.

Liz Celeste, in charge of sustainability and yelling at me when I put the plastic cup in the paper recycling bin (I deserve it), gets to demonstrate her care for the environment here at the Space. In addition to providing me with a plausible excuse for wanting a dishwasher (they are more environmentally friendly than washing by hand, or letting them pile up) she had this to say about sustainability efforts at the space:

Here at the OSU Urban Arts Space we are making every attempt to make environmentally responsible decisions. Some of the events & programs we have offered so far include the Ways of Knowing Water exhibition – with a special exhibit in the bathrooms highlighting the recycled rainwater to flush the toilets,



a recycled art-making event entitled Iron Artist Challenge,


an outreach project with Columbus School for Girls to help them imagine and design a green roof for their school, and an organic wine tasting with rooftop garden tours.

We hope to act as a model for other arts organizations by incorporating sustainability as a unique piece of our mission. In addition to our operations & programming, we are located within the historic Lazarus building which has been LEED gold-certified for the renovations. We are also happy to share the building with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, a trusted leader and environmental steward using innovation, quality service, and public involvement to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all Ohioans.

Finally, as a member of Mayor Coleman's Green Spot program we will promote our unique space for engaging in creative dialog about the environmental needs of our community and actively generating cooperative solutions.

If you are interested in a tour of the rooftop gardens, have an idea for a green event, or just want to learn more – please contact our Sustainability Coordinator, Liz Celeste at celeste.1@osu.edu