Beat/Story Ideas

One of the more important issues today is the environment. WSU, like many other campuses is "going green" in a variety of ways, including recycling, research about sustainability, and using innovative eco-friendly building materials and designs. My beat will address environmental issues that are important on a wide scale, but with a specific connection to WSU. I think "green" issues are important to WSU students because most are aware they have the power to influence the condition of their environment, and many are concerned locally and globally.

In my beat, I plan to cover issues stemming from and influencing university research, student activities and campus renovations. Some key sources will be WSU researchers, student activism groups, administrators overseeing campus construction and budgeting, published and ongoing environmental impact studies, and WSU environmental press releases. I can cover this beat from Pullman because it is directly connected to WSU. The majority of my sources are local and easy to access. Other sources will be available online or via telephone.

WSU conducted a study that showed a connection between environmental toxins and inherited diseases like cancer and liver disease. I'll use the study to raise the issue about human exposure to chemicals in pesticides and fertilizers, and the organic trend.

• WSU Study Shows Environmental Toxins Can Cause Inherited Diseases Go beyond organic: Bliss serves up raw food with soul


• The foods you should definitely buy organic


• Keeping chemicals out of the classroom

An ever-growing popular trend is the switch from disposable water bottles to reusable ones. This is attributed to by an effort to create less waste for the planet to have to digest and to avoid harmful plastic chemicals such as BPA. This is of interest to WSU students because they are part of this trend, often spending $20 or more on a reusable bottle. This story will investigate the trend's origins, costs (locally, nationally, etc.) and connections to the environment.

• Choosing a reusable water bottle


• It’s the bottle that’s the trouble

Fuel is a hot topic for many students since even those who are not driving much now, will be when they graduate and start careers and commuting. WSU researchers are currently examining bio-fuels. Advances in bio-fuels could impact student pocketbooks and influence future car-buying decisions. This story will look into other alternative fuel sources, associated costs, supply and demand, and the effects it can have on students and the environment.

• Renewable Energy-Bio-fuels


• State looks at grasses, grains, wood products to produce fuel


• Clean Energy and Climate Change Law and You


• Research and Markets: Biomass Report - Market Research Report Ed 3 - 2009

Useful Sources:

• Cherie Winner, WSU News Service, 509-335-4846, cwinner@wsu.edu


• Mike Wolcott- Director of Institute for Sustainable Design, 509-335-6392, wolcott@wsu.edu


• Toni Nelson, ACUPCC Program Director, Second Nature, 859-940-2545, tnelson@secondnature.org


• WSU Green Media Resources


• John Gardner, Vice President Economic Development and Global Engagement, gardnerj@wsu.edu


• Howard Grimes, Dean of the Graduate School, Vice President for Research, grimes@wsu.edu


• Keith Jones, Director, Office of Intellectual Property, jonesk@wsu.edu


• Markus Flury, WSU professor of soil physics, 509-335-1719, flury@wsu.edu, $1 million grant for cleanup


• Jim Harsh, WSU professor of soil chemistry, 509-335-3650