Fellowship Lecture: Labeling and Food Miles

Last week during U-hour, Lyle Center Faculty Fellow Dr. Jae Min Jung gave a presentation about his research on the use of state of origin labeling and its effects on consumer decisions. A state of origin label indicates which state in the union produces a particular item - in this case it would depict the state in which the food item was grown.

Dr. Jung's research question focused primarily on state of origin labeling and and how it affects the purchasing decisions of buyers. Previous research has shown links between country of origin and purchasing preferences; Dr. Jung wondered whether a state of origin label would produce a similar effect. For this research project, Dr. Jung used the state logos of two products, one from North Dakota and the other from ohio. Using university students as test participants, surveys were administered to assess purchasing preferences based on the state affiliation. Surveys showed that the students did prefer local foods, and when local foods were not available, they showed preferences by region. 

Dr. Jung's research  is intended to provide some marketing guidance to the state government, farmers, food processors and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable marketing programs that are locally based. These programs would encourage people to buy local produce and reduce the number of food miles (the distance products travel from farms to the stores and markets that sell them). If there proves to be a strong correlation between the state of origin labeling and an increase in local food purchasing, it should provide strong evidence that more informative labeling could help reduce the transportation of food and associated greenhouse gas emissions and, in turn, benefit the sustainability movement.

Fellowship Lecture: Biodiesel and Beyond

Dr. Michael Page gave his fellowship lecture on May 26th. The title, "Biodiesel and Beyond: Alternative Fuel Sources and Green Materials" had everyone's interest. Dr. Page is doing some exciting work with biodiesel and green paint technology, and so are some of his students. Where petroleum is "a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons contained in rock strata that can be extracted and refined to make many products," biodiesel is a fatty acid methyl ester (otherwise known as FAME) that can be made from the triglycerides (lipids) of any living organism (e.g., soy and canola oils and more recently, algae). Chemically, biodiesel is very similar to petroleum. The big difference? Biodiesel is a sustainable product where petroleum is not. According to Dr. Page, biodiesel:

• is safer to store and handle
• increases the lifetime of a motor
• is a cleaner burning fuel (because it doesn't contain any heavy metals, it has a lower amount of particulate matter)

The other aspect of Dr. Page's work is "green" paint technology. He explained that polyurethanes are "sticky" molecules that serve as excellent adhesives for things like sealants, coatings, foams, etc. and are potentially sustainable if they can be made from a non-petroleum based product like glycerol (a waste product resulting from the process of making biodiesel). Dr. Page is looking into this as well as the possibility of making urethane from castor oil.

Thanks to Dr. Page for sharing the results of all the hard work he and his students (all undergrads!) are doing. We look forward to hearing more.

Lyle Center Celebrates 15 Years

On Saturday May 2^nd, 2009 the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies held its 15^th Anniversary festivities. The outdoor event hosted at the Center provided a chance for those involved with the Center to celebrate 15 years of its growth and achievements. 120 or so attendees enjoyed a dinner prepared by the Los Olivos staff.

Guests represented all facets of the LCRS life and included faculty from all colleges, fellows, donors, graduates of the program, as well as current students and their parents. Students gave guided tours of the current research activities and latest demonstration installments on site. Jazz musicians played throughout the evening.

Dr. Rick Willson and other plein air painters held a silent auction of paintings they had done previously of the Center’s buildings, wetlands, and California Black Walnut groves. Proceeds from the art auction helped to benefit the Center.

Guest speakers began taking the stage a bit after 7pm. Interim dean and director of the John T. Lyle Center, Dr. Kyle Brown graciously thanked guests and VIP’s for attending the evening’s celebration noted our historical progress over the last 15 years. The first speaker was Provost Marten den Boer praising the work done at the center. Next to take the stage was Harriett Lyle who gave a moving speech about the continuation of her husband’s work. She emphasized our need to remember the beauty and art all around us. After Kyle Brown spoke about our achievements, Denise Lawrence, who is recognized as one of the first members of the Regenerative Center Faculty, finished the evening’s speeches recognizing the diversity and successes of graduates and the work of current students.

As the evening came to a close, we were reminded of the progress made and where the vision of the Center’s faculty, students, and staff may take us. Thanks to the support of many over these last 15 years, the event was a success and we hope to have more people and projects to highlight as the Center continues its mission advancing the prinicples of sustainable living.