Discovering 3D printing at Hagåtña’s G3 Makerspace

Update

Tim Udo, G3 Makerspace Coordinator discussing details of his team's 3D printing workshop

Two of the 3D printing machines housed at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy & Inovation Hub in Hagatña

The polyethylene terephthalate machine (PET), used to make 3D printing fillament

A brid's-eye view of the PET machine with pictured fillament coiled on the left

A 3D printed karabao (water buffalo) created from fillament using recycled plastics

More 3D printed objects, including two karaboa and a replica of the mermaid statue found in Sirena Park in Hagatña, all accomplished using a special 3D scanning phone application

Leading the charge in showcasing the possibilities of 3D printing to the public is the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace & Innovation Hub, located in Chamorro Village in Hagåtña.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, operates similarly to a conventional printer. Instead of using ink on paper, it builds an object by layering filament—material used in 3D printing—to recreate a 3D scanned object.

Filament can range from materials such as plastics, clay, or even concrete, though the scope of substances used in printing will broaden as the industry continues to develop.

Tim Udo, G3 Makerspace coordinator, who helps teach the introductory classes for 3D printing, explains how this new industry can contribute to a circular economy and a cleaner environment in many ways.

Along with the creation of a machine that turns non-recyclable plastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into filament for 3D printers, the machines at G3 Makerspace can also print objects from polyether ether ketone (PEEK), which, after printing and annealing (heat treatment), has the same strength as steel.

Additionally, G3 Makerspace has another 3D printer specifically for using clay as a filament, which Udo says can be used for building structures or tiles that can further regrow coral.

At the G3 Makerspace 3D Printing Basics Workshop, classes are capped at three participants per class, allowing instructors ample one-on-one time with students.

Although classes generally take place on Wednesday nights during the Chamorro Village night market festivities, Udo welcomes anyone wanting to take classes during the day to speak with him at the G3 Makerspace, and he will work with their schedule.

Additionally, participants can look forward to Udo and other instructors teaching students about G-code, which is a widely used Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and 3D printing language used to communicate ideas to the 3D printing software.

At the end of the class, students will get to print their keychains, whistles, or 3D-printed characters as keepsakes to take home.

With the seemingly endless potential of the 3D printing industry, Udo, a mechanical engineer by trade, imparts some advice for any aspiring engineers regarding the limitations of additive manufacturing.

“If you want to do any kind of engineering, carpentry, or any kind of fabricating work, what you need to have is creativity. As long as you have creativity and interest to learn, you can make anything. [The Makerspace] can help you along the way with technical knowledge and the software, but as long as your mind can think of it, you can create it.”

As classes and activities expand at the G3 Makerspace & Innovation Hub, Tim Udo encourages the public to pay a visit to the shop at Chamorro Village.

“I think it is valuable for people to know that we are open to the public. People can get memberships here either on a monthly or yearly basis and then they can come here and utilize all the machinery we have. You can come and take a class for the laser [engraver], learn how it works, and then start cranking out your own products. The same goes for the CNC and the 3D printer. Come here, and we will teach you how to make all of it.”

Classes take place on Wednesdays during the Chamorro Village Night Market festivities. Participants who are 18 years old and older are welcome to sign up either in person or on the G3 Makerspace’s Instagram page.

November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

Shelton: Peace and sovereignty go hand in hand with island sustainability

Update

Austin Shelton, PhD, Director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, delivers his insights on sustainability and peace during his keynote address at the 'Fanhita: Security, Sovereignty, and the Path to Peace' conference hosted by the Commission on Decolonization (Photo by UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant).

Guam’s path to sovereignty and peace includes producing more locally, trading better, and circularizing the economy, according to Austin Shelton, PhD, Director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

Shelton mentioned these points in his keynote address at the “Fanhita: Security, Sovereignty, and the Path to Peace” conference recently organized by the Commission on Decolonization.

He highlighted the island’s significant reliance on imported goods and the urgent need to transition towards a more sustainable and self-reliant future.

Guam currently imports over 90% of its food and goods, a situation that poses immense challenges in terms of food security, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Shelton emphasized that the recent Typhoon Mawar served as a stark reminder of the island’s vulnerability due to its overdependence on external resources.

“When typhoon Mawar hit the island a few months ago, it was a good chance to remember how we used to do all of these things and prepare,” he said.

To address these challenges and foster a more resilient and sustainable Guam, Shelton outlined a three-pronged approach: producing more locally, trading better, and circularizing.

Enhancing local food production is crucial for Guam’s food security and economic independence. Shelton highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the Guam Green Growth (G3) Initiative to promote local agriculture and aquaculture, including the partnership with Guahan Sustainable Culture for the community gardens.

Shelton also mentioned promoting aquaculture and aquaponics systems to increase local seafood production and supporting local farmers through education, technical assistance, and market access opportunities.

Guam’s strategic location can be leveraged to enhance trade partnerships and negotiate better trade deals, according to Shelton. He cited Singapore as an example of an island nation that has successfully diversified its trade network, ensuring a stable supply of essential goods.

He also emphasized the importance of political cohesion and collective bargaining power to negotiate fairer trade agreements that benefit Guam’s economy and food security. “We need solidarity and determination to fight for our collective best interests as an island,” he said.

Adopting circular economy principles can significantly reduce Guam’s reliance on imported goods and minimize waste generation. Shelton advocated for initiatives that promote recycling, waste reduction programs, and encourage the reuse and repurposing of materials. He also supported the development of local industries that utilize recycled materials.

Shelton said the G3 Conservation Corps plays a pivotal role in preparing the island’s workforce for the emerging green economy. Through hands-on training and education, the program equips participants with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in agriculture, aquaculture, recycling, and circular economy sectors.

He said the G3 Conservation Corps has made significant contributions to Guam’s sustainability efforts, including aiding in typhoon recovery efforts after Typhoon Mawar and disaster preparedness initiatives, among others.

November 15, 2023November 25, 2023

Townhall explores ocean and wave energy for Guam

Update

Austin Shelton, PhD, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director, stresses the need to diversify Guam's energy sources by exploring ocean energy potential at a townhall meeting organized by the University of Guam Sea Grant on Wednesday, November 15, at the Leo Palace Resort.

Fleur de Peralta, Senior Advisor in the Risk and Decision Sciences Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, highlights the diverse perspectives gathered from the focus groups, emphasizing the importance of addressing both enthusiasm and concerns for ocean energy development at a townhall meeting organized by the University of Guam Sea Grant on Wednesday, November 15, at the Leo Palace Resort.

Around 50 people from the public and private sector, and the academe, share their perception on developing ocean and wave energy systems for aquaculture and various socio-economic industries, at a townhall meeting organized by the University of Guam Sea Grant on Wednesday, November 15, at the Leo Palace Resort.

Islands like Guam face the challenge of developing resilient electricity infrastructure and energy systems, often relying on expensive and unreliable systems vulnerable to natural disasters and rising energy costs. To address this challenge, the University of Guam Sea Grant hosted a town hall meeting on November 15 to gather stakeholder input on the viability of using ocean and wave energy systems.

Over 50 representatives from various sectors attended the meeting. The first part featured presentations on ocean and wave energy systems, while the second facilitated a focus group discussion with key stakeholders.

The town hall discussions will inform two UOG projects. First, a collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant College Program and the US Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office, will assess public perceptions of ocean energy.

The project’s principal investigator, Austin Shelton, PhD, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant director, emphasized the importance of diversifying the island’s energy source.

“We have an abundant set of resources around us for renewable energy. We are very familiar with the sun and solar panels but now it is time to move to other areas of sustainability and renewable energy. That’s what we discussed — how we can take advantage of the resources around us in terms of ocean energy and do that in a way that is best for our island community,” Shelton said.

Francis Dalisay, PhD, UOG associate professor of communication and media and co-principal investigator said the town hall was a valuable opportunity for stakeholder engagement, “We were encouraged by the positive feedback we received from participants. It’s clear that there is a strong interest in developing ocean energy in Guam.”

The second project will assess the feasibility of using ocean energy technology to power the planned Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center. It will explore the potential of using ocean thermal electric conversion (OTEC) and wave-energy converter (WEC) systems to generate electricity for the facility. UOG partnered with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and SANDIA National Laboratories for the project.

Fleur de Peralta, Senior Advisor in the Risk and Decision Sciences Group at PNNL, the project’s principal investigator, said the focus groups had diverse participants. “We learned a lot from fishing community folks. It seems like some of the older folks are convinced — yes let’s have it, let’s do it now. And then there are some folks that were like — we need more information on the design. These are all valid questions.”

Bastian Benlage, PhD, UOG associate professor of bioinformatics, added, “We talked with a number of our stakeholders that are involved in aquaculture and fisheries and overall, the perception was very positive because they see the potential for lowering energy bills for the equipment that are used to constantly run an aquaculture facility.”

In his presentation, David Crisostomo, a UOG aquaculture specialist, highlighted the Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center’s significance. He said the center has the potential to transform Guam’s aquaculture industry by providing a centralized location for research, education, and commercial production.

October 31, 2023December 7, 2023

‘Trick or Trees’ sow seeds of sustainability

Update

Volunteers plant acacia trees at the Cotal Watershed area to prevent erosion and revitalize the surrounding soil.

Guam Green Growth (G3) Project Coordinator Joey Certeza mentoring a G3 Local2030 Dorm Corps member during tree planting event

Members of the Department of Agriculture's Forestry Division, Guam Green Growth Local2030's Corps, and John F. Kennedy High School students spreading out to cover more ground during tree planting event

Two members of G3 Local2030's Dorm Corps spread mulch around the base of a freshly planted acacia tree.

A handful of the over 80 volunteers at the 'Trick or Trees' event in the Tarzan Falls area of Talofo'fo'

Despite rain and various ghouls roaming around the Tarzan Falls area of Talofo’fo’, nothing could spook over 80 volunteers from participating in the Guam Department of Agriculture (DoAg) Trick or Trees event on Saturday October 28. This costumed tree planting affair aimed to help stave off erosion.

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Local2030 Conservation Corps, in support of the DoAg Forestry and Soil Resources Division, arrived early at the Cotal watershed area. They assisted John F. Kennedy High School students in planting approximately 500 acacia trees.

Josh Fanapngag from the G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps worked alongside the other groups, digging holes for tree planting, providing mulch and fertilizer. To his surprise, the effort was completed in just over an hour.” I was really surprised when we finished [in an hour]. I was expecting to be there for about three or four hours.”

Erosion at the Cotal watershed area has been a persistent problem, prompting numerous restoration attempts over the past 40 years. While acacia trees are not native to Guam, their ability to provide nitrogen to the soil makes them crucial for sowing native trees.

Thanks to the sheer volume of volunteers and savvy preparation, the planting of 500 trees concluded in record time, leaving a few hours for the Local2030 Conservation Corps to enjoy the cool waters cascading from atop Tarzan Falls.

Fanapngag, a native of the island of Yap, recalls the experience with a smile, commenting on how the event unfolded.

“[The event went] way better than I expected. It was fun, I got to meet a lot of new people, and it’s good to establish new connections. It was a nice feeling to see what we are protecting, even though I am not from Guam. The island is really beautiful.”

October 28, 2023November 25, 2023

Local2030 Conservation Corps learns environmental justice in summit

Update

The Guam Green Growth (G3) Local2030 Conservation Corps actively participated in the two-day “Making Waves: For Peace and Climate Justice Summit,” gaining profound insights into environmental justice issues.

The event, held at the Sinajana Community Center, was a collaborative effort between the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance and Our Commonwealth 670. In partnership with the Tishman Environment and Design Center at The New School, the summit aimed to unite regional and global leaders in environmental justice movements. Their goal was to address concerns affecting island communities and brainstorm potential solutions.

Jonathan Mitsur, a member of the G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps, attended the summit and found it deeply impactful. One presentation, delivered by Joseph Certeza, G3 Project Coordinator, resonated strongly with Mitsur.

In his presentation, Certeza emphasized the significance of indigenous languages and the urgent need to practice and preserve them for future generations.

Mitsur was moved by the summit. He noted, “I liked the passion. There was a lot of emotion during the event, and it shows that this group can actually grow because there are a lot of people who want to do these things but cannot really express themselves as openly or freely.”

When questioned about his concerns regarding the preservation of language and culture on his home island of Yap, Mitsur expressed alarm after encountering new generations of Yapese individuals with limited language understanding or the inability to speak it at all. “Getting to hear from [Local2030 Corps]—their experiences, struggles, and the things they have had to overcome—brings a lot of concerns to my home island.”

He added, “Growing up, I was taught my own language, customs, and traditions, but as I got older and moved away from home, I noticed that the Western way of living is becoming a barrier, hindering the younger generation from learning.”

In addition to his active participation, Mitsur volunteered as an usher and timekeeper for the event’s first day. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked, “I would say that everything went smoothly. Everyone was working together to keep the event running and on time.”

Regarding his final thoughts on the summit, Mitsur shared, “Never take anything for granted. Even though Yap is still conservative in its culture, you never know what the future holds. The summit itself taught me that if we work together and engage in activities that help preserve and document our culture for the next generation, that would be the best thing to do.”

September 29, 2023October 25, 2023

Catalyzing sustainable change: G3 initiatives shine at BSP symposium

Update

At the 8th Assembly of Planners Symposium organized by the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Kyle Mandapat, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement, delivered a presentation on advancing sustainable development through the Guam Green Growth (G3) initiative.

G3 is a crucial component in advancing the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The G3 movement was conceived when Guam became a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network, a consortium comprising other island nations and jurisdictions. This commonality allows Guam to engage in productive discussions on issues that impact island communities.

Mandapat mentioned some of the guiding principles that underpin the network’s initiatives, including the establishment of public-private partnerships and concrete action plans.

“After looking at the SDGs, we assembled a team of amazing partners, over 100 members from the private and public sector, from education to business to community groups and we formed the largest private-public partnership in the history of Guam, all to address a sustainable future,” he said.

The next significant step was the development of the G3 Action Framework, which outlines the necessary measures for Guam to progress toward sustainability.

Mandapat emphasized that the concept of sustainability has evolved beyond just addressing climate change. It now encompasses a wide array of components, including poverty alleviation, health and wellbeing, inequality reduction, and education enhancement.

“We are really trying to look at sustainability from an entire spectrum,” he said, adding that these components are the basis for the action framework.

Another vital component of this framework is the G3 dashboard, a tool designed to monitor the progress of each action point.

Mandapat outlined some of the accomplishments in the dashboard.

Among them is the Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) initiative. In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division, GROW has been actively involved in reforestation and watershed restoration projects in environmentally challenged areas. One notable project employs drones to distribute seeds, demonstrating innovative approaches to restoration.

Under the umbrella of workforce development, Mandapat showcased the G3 Conservation Corps. This program prepares its members for careers in the emerging green economy. The conservation corps engages in various focus areas, including aquaculture, invasive species management, renewable energy, and waste management.

Mandapat also spotlighted the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub, a vital contributor to transitioning towards a circular economy. Through the resources and workshops available at Makerspace, the community can explore innovative ways to repurpose discarded materials like plastic and wood into new products. “We provide training to teach people, including potential entrepreneurs, with the skills to use these materials and machines,” he emphasized.

Additionally, Mandapat mentioned other significant programs, such as the UOG Sea Grant’s aquaculture program and initiatives that support traditional island knowledge, including traditional navigation and the Yo’Amte project, which promotes traditional medicine and healing.

Given the urgency of achieving the 17 UN SDGs, Mandapat stressed the importance of community collaboration in securing a better, more sustainable future for the island.

September 14, 2023October 25, 2023

UOG and University of Hawai’i Sea Grant partner to expand Green Growth Initiative

Update

The University of Guam announced the expansion of the Green Growth Initiative across the Western Pacific. A $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of State via the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program will strengthen the partnership between the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and the University ofHawai’iSea Grant College Program.

UOG made the announcement on Tuesday, September 12, during the National Sea Grant Association meeting at the Hyatt Regency Guam. This marked the first time that Guam hosted the biannual meeting, bringing together over 70 directors and representatives from nearly all of the 34 Sea Grant programs nationwide.

The new grant will support efforts to expand the scope of Local2030 Islands Network and UOG’s Guam Green Growth Initiative to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

During the press conference, Austin Shelton, Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, emphasized the potential impact of this collaboration, stating, “This seed funding will enable our island neighbors to hire their own Green Growth coordinators. We aspire to collectively strengthen our capacity across Micronesia and the Pacific to advance sustainable development.”

Shelton further highlighted the value of knowledge exchange with regional partners, saying, “Our island neighbors are at the forefront of sustainability, and this partnership offers an exciting opportunity to expand capacity and knowledge exchange throughout the Pacific.”

Randall V. Wiegand, Acting President of UOG, acknowledged the transformative potential of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership expands the ways we, as a region, can support each other in advancing the green economy and addressing climate change.”

Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero, President of the Northern Marianas College and one of the program partners, said the partnerships “are essential to our collective efforts to improve the world.”

“Our aspirations are as expansive as the Pacific our ancestors traversed, and as profound as the Marianas Trench,” Deleon Guerrero added.

Darren Lerner, President of the Sea Grant Association and Director of the UH Sea Grant College Program, commended the long-standing partnership between the two universities. He praised UOG for its commitment to excellence, emphasizing the strength derived from the dedication of every program to this shared goal.

Jonathan Pennock, Director of the National Sea Grant College Program, also recognized the impressive growth of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant program in a relatively short period of time. He emphasized its strong connection to the community and praised the program for effectively carrying forward the mission of Sea Grant.

In 2022, UOG achieved Sea Grant Institutional Status following a unanimous recommendation from the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and official designation from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) senior leadership.

The National Sea Grant College Program is a collaborative effort between universities and NOAA. It is dedicated to enhancing the practical utilization and conservation of coastal and marine resources, with a vision of fostering a sustainable economy and environment. The Sea Grant network comprises more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, public outreach experts, educators, and students.

September 8, 2023September 8, 2023

Plastics drive kicks off at G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub

Update

Every Wednesday from 3pm to 8pm is the dedicated time for people to drop off their
clean #2 and #5 plastic containers at House 114 (formerly the Chocolate Factory).

These plastic donations will become part of the circular economy diverting waste from the landfill that can be recycled into products with Makerspace machines that transform the plastics into new and useful products.

Make a difference and become part of the circular economy.

Reduce, Reuse, and
Recycle!

For more information, please call (671) 683-7715.

August 1, 2023August 6, 2023

Guam National Wildlife Refuge Ritidian Unit leads lesson on conservation with Guam Green Growth

Update

The Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps spent the day with the Guam National Wildlife Refuge Ritidian Unit to learn more about conservation on the island.

The group was led by Park Ranger Marybelle Quinata, who took the team through the grounds to get a closer look at the obstacles of conservation on Guam.

“Learning more about the effects of climate change, invasive species, littering and pollution from someone who is on the ground is very beneficial for the Corps,” noted G3CC coordinator Phillip Cruz. “Marybelle provided a tour and explained to them the wildlife refuge and the different ecosystems, endangered plants and animals on the reserve.”

The Corps assisted in clearing pathways and learned while helping with trail maintenance and grounds management, also providing more post-typhoon recovery support.

July 12, 2023July 24, 2023

Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps hunt for invasive brown tree snake

Update

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In June, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3) took on the most notorious invasive species on island, the Brown Treesnake (BTS). No matter what their level of comfort for handling snakes, they all enthusiastically entered the classroom at USGS (United States Geological Survey) in Ritidian and got down to the business of learning about BTS.

USGS biologists delivered a PowerPoint presentation with photographs of snakes in various species of trees and tangled vines to help the G3 group hone their BTS search image. Biologists Charlene Hopkins and Marijoy Viernes expertly answered numerous questions from G3 participants. Afterwards, they brought out colorful rubber snakes to allow everyone to practice handling skills and field euthanasia stress free. Then, the live snakes were released from their snake bags and things got very animated!

Divided into two groups, participants got hands-on experience in using a snake stick as well as how to safely pick up snakes in a controlled environment. It was difficult for the snakes to get traction on the shiny, waxed floors, but for some first-time wranglers it still was a challenge.

As the sun went down, it was time to head outside to search in the wilds of Harmon! Dividing into three teams with a USGS biologist leading each, everyone began walking slowly and purposefully along the roadside near Two-Lovers Point meticulously searching the vegetation for snakes. The extra-bright headlamps provided by USGS made it easier to see the shine on their sinuous bodies as they slid through the trees.

One team was successful in capturing seven snakes with one snake each from the other two teams. In total, nine snakes were captured and euthanized. Viernes said of the G3 team, “They were wonderful to work with. Everyone in my group during the search had many good questions about BTS, which showed their interest.”

Feedback from G3 participants was positive. “After the training, I felt more educated on the topic of invasive snakes in Guam, learning there are no deadly venomous snakes here. My level of comfort for handling snakes is much higher now and I am better at spotting them,” said Chansey Rios.

Ryan Perez stated, “The training was very good. I have killed snakes before when they have come around my house, but now I know how to handle them properly and humanely.”

This G3 cohort continues to make advancements toward a healthy, sustainable environment for Guam.