February 2018

Recyclemania

The nationwide event that pits colleges and universities against one another in a friendly recycling competition is back again for 2018! BGSU is proud to participate in Recyclemania and help to encourage sustainability on-campus. This year is all about getting back to the basics of recycling and educating the university community on the importance of proper recycling and avoiding contamination. Contamination is any item that cannot be recycled, but ends up in a recycling container. Even a small amount of contamination, like plastic utensils, used napkins, paper towels, food waste and Styrofoam, can ruin an entire load of recycling. Plastic bags can even be recycled; however, they must be placed in the proper containers which can be found in the Student Union and Falcon Heights. In addition to many recycling-oriented events, the residence halls will compete again to see which hall can recycle the most over the course of the eight-week competition. The standings of each hall are updated on a weekly basis, so be sure to check the Office of Campus Sustainability’s social media (@GreenBGSU) or Campus Update for any new information. Overall, the goal of Recyclemania is to encourage students to shape a sustainable culture at BGSU through social and personal action.

Orange Bike Rentals

Spring Special

Did you know that BGSU has a bike rental program? Campus Sustainability’s Orange Bike Rentals has bikes available for semester or academic year rental periods for a very reasonable fee. Even better than that, the cost includes routine maintenance and repairs. Need the seat, brakes or handlebars adjusted? Air in the tires? Stop in at the Orange Bike Garage during open hours and we’ll take care of it! Since our weather this year hasn’t been ideal for bike riding, we are offering a special deal for post spring break rentals (beginning March 12 through the end of spring semester) of only $39.00 for current students as well as faculty and staff. If you are interested in joining the Orange Bike community of bike riders, email greenbg@bgsu.edu and we will send you the application and payment links. Why drive when you can enjoy fun, emissions-free, exercise and transportation with Orange Bike Rentals!

Now Hiring Sustainability Assistants

The Office of Campus Sustainability is looking for students who are knowledgeable and passionate about sustainability issues to apply for the Student Sustainability Assistant internship position for the 2018-2019 academic year. This position will work closely with BGSU Sustainability Manager, Dr. Nick Hennessy, and other office interns to ensure all office needs are met. Responsibilities include: managing web presence, coordinating volunteers, event planning, administrative meetings, research, project management, Student Green Fund administration, etc. This position is paid and academic credit is available if approved by your academic department. Please submit applications before 5pm on February 28th. To view the application requirements and read more information about our internship opportunities visit our website. Email greenbg@bgsu.edu with any questions.

Earth Week 2018

"Embrace This Place"

It’s time to start thinking about spring, and Earth Week activities and events at BGSU! This year’s Earth Week emphasizes the importance of the earth and environment in general, but also focuses on the place we call our home right here in Bowling Green. The week’s events are starting to take shape, with a speaker and presentation, tree planting, a panel on rights of nature; a socially responsible investments seminar, and of course the Eco Fair, featuring student organizations, departments, classes, and even local and state environmental organizations such as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wood County Solid Waste District and the Ohio E.P.A. If your department or area would like to be a part of Earth Week in some way (either though a table at the Eco Fair, a service activity, or even as part of the planning group), contact Campus Sustainability at greenbg@bgsu.edu. We would love to expand the type and number of events and broaden our base of participants as we celebrate and educate about our earthly “home”.

Spotlight Partnership with Asset 360

Since 2015 Bowling Green State University has been partnering with Asset 360, an environmental services company from New Hampshire that accepts surplus materials targeted for disposal and diverts them to needy communities in the Caribbean and Central America for reuse. Reusing items has played a key role in diverting campus waste and helping communities devastated by natural disaster and economic turmoil. This year BGSU has once again partnered with Asset 360 on the large scale project of finding a home for the furniture from the Harshman residence hall building. In total Asset 360 accepted 4,423 donated items which means that 243,720 pounds of furniture was diverted from the landfill! Not only has this been a great partnership for the environment but this partnership also saves the university 20% more compared to disposal options. Bowling Green State University has and will continue using initiatives and partnerships like this to ensure a future as a sustainable institution.

MLK Jr. Day of Service 2018

Monday, January 15^th in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. students across campus volunteered their time to various community service projects. The Office of Campus Sustainability was honored this year to be one of thirty-eight service projects offered. Students volunteering with our office helped tidy up the ReStore, a periodic Thrift Sale that offers a wide variety of gently-used, donated items to BGSU students, faculty, & staff for free! Our office always needs help keeping up with organizing, shelving, washing, and folding the large volume of donated items we receive throughout the year, so thank you to the volunteers who helped make the store look fantastic! Even though this day of service is over, we are still offering volunteer service verification for anyone interested in helping us continue to organize the ReStore for future events!

Like staying up to date on all of BGSU's sustainability updates? Be sure to subscribe to this newsletter to get it sent to your email inbox each month!

Updated: 01/10/2024 10:47AM