BGSU to celebrate Campus Sustainability Month Oct. 23-30

In an effort to engage and inspire students, faculty and staff to become sustainability change agents, the Bowling Green State University Office of Campus Sustainability, Environmental Action Group, Student Green Fund and other partners will celebrate Campus Sustainability Month Oct. 23-30.

Scheduled events are designed to increase participation in sustainability efforts, increase awareness of campus sustainability and allow participants to learn and have fun at the same time. Events include a lecture, a tree planting, a film and a field trip to the Bowling Green wind farm just outside town.

BGSU’s efforts are part of a celebration of university sustainability initiatives taking place across the nation and demonstrate the University’s commitment to sustainability. That commitment was recently recognized by the Princeton Review, which named BGSU to its Guide to Green Colleges and Universities for the third year in a row. Only 399 schools nationwide are named to the guide.

The week kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 23 with a tree planting. Those interested in helping plant several trees should meet by the BGSU Community Garden behind the Fine Arts Building, near the Paint the Rock area. Tools and gloves will be provided; volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes.

The BGSU ReStore will be open for BGSU students, faculty and staff from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 24 in the Late Night Dining area on the second floor of Kreischer Quadrangle. Visitors can find free school/office supplies, household items, clothing, decorations, books and much more.

The film “Sustainable” will be shown at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 in 111 Olscamp Hall. The movie weaves together expert analysis of America's food and farming systems with a powerful narrative of one extraordinary farmer who is determined to create a sustainable future for his community. This screening is sponsored by the Environmental Action Group; pizza will be served.

Members of the Student Green Initiatives Fund will host a Sustainability Round Table for anyone from the BGSU community from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in 315 Union. Guests will learn about the history of the Green Fund and what’s happening in the sustainability area, as well as learn how to fill out a proposal to receive funding for their green idea and share their thoughts and suggestions about sustainable initiatives BGSU can take. Guests should bring their own lunch.

Also on Oct. 25, the Office of Campus Sustainability and the Environmental Action Group will host a Skype call-in with Peter Bane, author of “The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country.” Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. The event will be held from 8 to 9 p.m. in 110 Business Administration Building.

At 1:30 p.m. Oct. 26, guests can tour the Bowling Green wind turbines/wind farm, located just outside Bowling Green. Transportation will be provided, departing from the Bowen-Thompson Student Union parking lot near the Pub. Registration is required; guests should sign up through the Office of Campus Sustainability.

The Office of Campus Sustainability will collaborate with UAO in the Falcons After Dark program Oct. 26. BGSU students can enjoy free pumpkin carving or painting and sustainability crafts that include making organic laundry soap and reusable tote bags. Food and beverages will be served. The event begins at 8 p.m. in the Falcon’s Nest.

At 6 p.m. Oct. 29, Dr. Bruce Meyer, associate vice president for capital planning and campus operations and adjunct faculty member in the College of Business, will speak about “The Business Case for Sustainability.” He will address how sustainability has been employed in the business industry with success and how BGSU has integrated sustainability into its operations. The event will be held in 315 Union.

Guests are also invited to support Green Game Day, which invites students to team up with Campus Sustainability and BGSU Athletics to tackle waste at home football games. Participants will distribute green recycling bags and visit with tailgaters, collect recycling and enjoy their own tailgate picnic at the BGSU vs. Kent State football game Oct. 30. Participants can sign up on the Campus Sustainability Get Involved website.

In addition to these events, students, faculty and staff can also participate in Friday Night Lights at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and 26. Participants should meet outside 206 Union (Theater) to help turn out lights in University buildings to save energy and money. Volunteers will find candy hidden throughout the buildings at the Oct. 26 event; costumes are encouraged. No prior registration is required.

Events held during Campus Sustainability Week are part of ongoing efforts by the Office of Campus Sustainability to support the University’s goal of achieving institutional carbon-neutrality by 2040, as outlined in BGSU’s Climate Action Plan. They also focus on reducing emissions, reducing waste and conserving resources, and providing education, awareness and outreach.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

Guests with disabilities should indicate if they need special services, assistance or appropriate modifications to fully participate in these events by contacting Accessibility Services at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495 prior to the event.