OCSL in Action
OCSL in Action
Biomimicry Solves Human Problems by Copying Nature
Bullet-proof skin inspired by spider-silk? Pharmaceuticals discovered by chimps? Self-cleaning surfaces and solar cells based on leaves? This may sound like science fiction, but it’s innovation inspired by nature, also known as the science of biomimicry. Janine Benyus, president of the Biomimicry Institute and part of Omega’s annual sustainability conference, Where We Go From Here, defines this developing field as a “science that studies nature’s models and then imitates or takes inspiration from these designs and processes to solve human problems.” A recent article in Business Pundit describes 10 amazing scientific advances due to the discovery of “new and interesting ways to steal Nature’s intellectual property” through biomimicry.
Earth Day Every Day
We love our planet—that's why we think of every day as Earth Day. Omega's teachers agree, and they've got some suggestions for how you can make small changes in your life that will make a difference for all of us. Check out their tips then share your suggestions with us.
Omega Dining Hall is 3-Star Green Dining
Meal time at Omega is a community event. Our Dining Hall is a place to join new friends, talk about the day's events, and share unique experiences. And because we're a 3-Star Certified Green Restaurant, guests can also be assured we're making the most sustainable choices possible when it comes to sourcing, cooking, delivering, storing, and composting our food.
We are certified by the Green Restaurant Association, who has been certifying restaurants for the past two decades. Potential restaurants must meet certain standards in the following categories:
- Water Efficiency
- Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Sustainable Furnishings and Building Materials
- Sustainable Food
- Energy
- Disposables
- Chemical and Pollution Reduction
Omega Responds to Tight Economy With Tiered Pricing Options
At Omega, we believe that the benefits of a holistic education should be available to everyone. We also recognize that what is affordable for some will not be for all. We are now offering Tiered Pricing on select programs to help meet the varying financial needs of our community. From some of our big conferences, like Women & Power and the Omega Center for Sustainable Living Conference: Where We Go From Here, to all of the programs in Arts Week, you can choose the price that is right for you. Look for the Tiered Pricing logo (at left) in this year's catalog.
Learn more and view a complete list of programs that offer Tiered Pricing.
President Bill Clinton to Speak at Sustainability Conference at Omega
We are excited to announce that President Bill Clinton is the featured keynote speaker at this year's Omega Center for Sustainable Living conference. Titled Where We Go From Here: Opportunities & Solutions in an Interdependent World, the conference will take place October 4–6, 2013. Registration begins on March 4. Additional speakers include Jeremy Rifkin, Janine Benyus, David W. Orr, Majora Carter, Paul Hawken, Bob Berkebile, and Michael E. Reynolds.
Local SPCA Shelter Builds Constructed Wetland
When the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in nearby Hyde Park, New York, wanted to build a new animal shelter, they realized their old septic system couldn't support it. They decided to go with a system similar to Omega's Eco Machine™. Two of the constructed wetlands are now in place and the rest of the system is under construction. “We are really excited because it fits our mission,” Dutchess SPCA Development Director Catherine Forbes said. “It fits who we are, how we want to be as neighbors and how we want to protect the wildlife.” (Photo: Darryl Bautista/Poughkeepsie Journal)
Van Jones: Keynote at Design by Nature 2012
Globally recognized, award-winning author and pioneer in human rights and the clean energy economy movement, Van Jones was named one of Time magazine's most influential people in the world. In this keynote presentation from Omega's Design by Nature conference, he discusses the politics of the green economy and why it's a lot less complicated than you might think.
Explore more from Van Jones
Omega's Living Sewage Treatment Plant Featured in Yes! Magazine
The Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) is featured in the latest issue of YES! Magazine:
"In a large greenhouse two hours north of New York City, banana trees, flowers, and other tropical plants grow amid frogs, fish, and burbling waters. Outside, bullrushes and cattails wave in the Hudson Valley breeze. Each year, more than 20,000 people travel to the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies for yoga retreats, wellness workshops, and conferences on how to live simpler, cleaner, better.
And each year, they stop in their tracks, stunned to learn that those lush gardens are actually sewage-treatment plants at work. At Omega, plants, animals, and microorganisms annually transform 5 million gallons of human feces, urine, and other waste into water rated pure enough to drink (though Omega uses it for irrigation).
'It looks like it came out of your kitchen faucet—there’s no odor, it’s perfectly clear,” says Omega’s CEO Skip Backus. 'It’s really sort of a life-changer for people.'"
Read the full article from Yes! Magazine
The Living Building Challenge: A Short Film Featuring the OCSL
Omega Center for Sustainable Living (OCSL) is featured in a short video titled The Living Building Challenge produced and directed by David Henderson-Hean and Todd Brooks. This inspiring short film on deep-green design was recently named a semi-finalist in the Focus Forward: Short Films, Big Ideas competition. Your vote could help this film win an Audience Favorite award.
Watch the video and cast your vote now
(Please note that voting may not be available on all mobile platforms. Your browser cookies must be enabled to vote.)
Bob Berkebile's Vision for the Future of Regenerative Housing
Bob Berkebile, the founding principal of BNIM Architects, brings more than 37 years of experience to the architectural profession. By combining his design and leadership skills, he has consistently created new approaches to holistic, integrated community building. He utilizes education, historic preservation, quality housing, mental health and public safety, and neighborhood conservation as tools to restore social, economic, and environmental vitality.