Earth Week

BGSU promotes sustainability in the community 

The University will recognize Earth Week 2015 (April 20-25) with free events and films intended to raise awareness of environmental matters and offer opportunities to help decrease the University’s carbon footprint. A highlight on Earth Day itself, April 22, is the annual Eco-Fair, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Union Oval, featuring organizations, both on-campus and within the community, that deal with the environment and sustainability.

In January 2015, BGSU completed its Climate Action Plan and publicly committed to being “carbon neutral” by 2040. These efforts were put in place to contend the increasingly evident negative effects of global climate change. This month, BGSU is encouraging its community to get involved with sustainability initiatives thorough various programs and events.

Earth Week begins April 20 with “Toxic Communities: Exploring and Understanding Environmental Injustices Workshop,” focused on human-caused environmental issues that disproportionately affect minority communities. The workshop begins at 6 p.m. in 316 Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

Also April 20, the Eco Scavenger Hunt Kickoff will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union lobby. This event promotes sustainable lifestyles by supporting local businesses. Clues will be placed downtown, on-campus, and throughout surrounding areas. The team that visits the most clue locations will be awarded prizes from local businesses. Following the scavenger hunt, an awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. April 24 in 314 Union.

On April 21, BGSU alumna Dr. Barry, author of “Standing Our Ground: Women, Environmental Justice and the Fight to End Mountaintop Removal,” will be speaking on the women leaders of the Anti-Big Coal movement and their battle for sustainable communities. She will speak at 7:30 p.m. in the Union Theater.

On April 23, join in a panel discussion with local leaders on “Building a Sustainable BG.” Dr. Nicholas Hennessy, BGSU sustainability coordinator, and leaders from Bowling Green City Council and the Lucas County Sustainability Commission will be part of the panel. Learn about Toledo/Lucas County Sustainability Plan, BGSU sustainability initiatives, the new City Land Use Plan, and building sustainable neighborhood relations. The event will take place at 7 p.m. in the Union Theater.

“The Green FUN’d Run” is a 5K run/walk for BGSU students, staff and the local community on April 25. This event is intended to raise awareness of the BGSU Green Fund and promote campus and community sustainability efforts. During the race, participants will see signs with messages about sustainability. At the end of the race, participants can take an online quiz over the messages. For every correct answer, a raffle ticket will be awarded for prizes. Recycled art trophies will be awarded to the top male and female participants.

The full list of Earth Week events can be viewed on the Campus Sustainability website.