BGSU to celebrate Campus Sustainability Month Oct. 19-25

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 and other partners will celebrate Campus Sustainability Month Oct. 19-25.

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 field trip to Schooner Farms outside town, a campus “ReStore” event, a “Build a Birdhouse” workshop and more.

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.

The week kicks off Saturday, Oct. 19, with 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-Central Michigan football game (2 p.m. kickoff). Participants can sign up at the Green Game Day website.

At 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in 314 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, there is a presentation by BGSU professor Dr. Shannon Orr titled, “Holy Carp! Can we stop Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes?” The presentation will focus on the huge threat that this invasive species poses to the Great Lakes, the devastation they have caused to rivers and lakes and potential solutions to keep them from destroying the Great Lakes ecosystems, recreational/sport fishing and the very life of these bodies of water. The event is free and open to the public. 

Tuesday, Oct. 22, events include a tree planting, which has become a tradition at BGSU. Those interested in helping plant several trees should meet by the Administration Building fountain (facing Thurstin Street). Tools and gloves will be provided, and volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes. At 6 p.m. that same day, participants are invited to build their own bluebird house using reclaimed pallet wood in the “Build A Birdhouse” workshop. It’s free to University students, staff or faculty; pre-registration is required.

The BGSU ReStore will be open for BGSU students, faculty and staff from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23, 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.

At 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, guests can attend a Permaculture tour at Schooner Farms, located just outside Bowling Green. Participants will learn about permaculture, biodiversity, conservation and more. Transportation will be provided, departing promptly at 1 p.m. from the student union parking lot 7 near the Pub. Registration is required.

The Office of Campus Sustainability will collaborate with the University Activities Organization in the Falcons After Dark program on Friday, Oct. 25. 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.

In addition to these events, students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in Friday Night Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 25. Participants should meet outside 206 BTSU, (BGSU Film 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. More details on the week can be found at the Campus Sustainability webpage. The plan also focuses on reducing emissions, reducing waste and conserving resources while providing education, awareness and outreach.

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.

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