BGSU to celebrate National Campus Sustainability Month Oct. 23-27

Events designed to increase awareness of environmental issues

In an effort to engage and inspire students, faculty and staff to become sustainability change agents, the Bowling Green State University Office of Sustainability is celebrating National Campus Sustainability Month.

From Oct. 23-27, the office will host several events designed to increase participation in sustainability efforts and awareness of campus sustainability.

"We've created a very cool, eclectic and diverse offering of events for this week, in an attempt to expose the community to as many environmental issues as possible," said Sustainability Manager Nicholas Hennessy in the Office of Campus Sustainability. "There is something for everyone: presentations, a film, outdoor service, a 'field trip' and both active and passive environmental/sustainability education. Hopefully, participants can get an idea of BGSU's commitment to sustainability."

The week will kick off with a guest lecture by Dr. Karen Root, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences . She will present "Managing Land Use to Foster Native Biodiversity" at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in 207 Bowen-Thompson Student Union. The lecture will focus on her research examining the question of whether our communities can develop strategies to make land use decisions more compatible for native species at the local and regional levels within the Oak Openings region of northwest Ohio, a biodiversity hotspot. Root is the president-elect of the Society for Conservation Biology North America.

At 7 p.m. Oct. 24 in 123 Overman Hall, the Environmental Action Group, in coordination with the Office of Campus Sustainability, will screen the film "We the People 2.0." The film contains exciting yet controversial topics about the loss of democracy in the United States through corporate power. A discussion will be hosted after the screening to answer questions, debunk myths and gain knowledge from those in attendance.

Guests can attend an open house and participate in a guided tour of The Oaks Dining Center green roof from 3-4 p.m. Oct. 25 and learn about how it was designed to benefit the environment and the building's operations. Sustainable features will be discussed such as plant use, construction materials and energy conservation.

BGSU's ReStore will be open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 in Kreischer Late Night at the Kreischer Quadrangle. Surplus BGSU office equipment and supplies will be available to current students, faculty and staff at no charge.

Students, faculty and staff are invited to help plant a tree between 1 and 3 p.m. Oct. 26 behind the union. The planting supports the University in its pursuit for Tree Campus USA certification through the Arbor Day Foundation and BGSU's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Shovels and other equipment will be provided; please wear appropriate footwear.

On Oct. 26, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, in coordination with the Office of Campus Sustainability, is rounding up all old or unused chemicals and paint to ensure environmentally safe disposal. Items will be collected from all BGSU departments that requested a pickup via this form by Oct. 20. Items that will be picked up include used/expired chemicals, cleaning supplies, paint, mercury-containing items, pesticides and fertilizers.

On Oct. 27, guests will tour the DG AMP Solar Field, Ohio's largest solar field, in Bowling Green to learn about the production, supply and economics of solar energy. Transportation is provided. To register, email greenbg@bgsu.edu by Oct. 20.

The week concludes Oct. 27 with Friday Night Lights, a student-led initiative to turn off lights in academic buildings. Every Friday at 6:30 p.m. student volunteers meet on the second floor of the union to split into groups and receive building assignments. They then turn off lights in those buildings, recording the lights they turn off and the savings that are made as a result. The total saved since the program was implemented in 2010 is $77,500.

Events held during National Campus Sustainability Month are part of ongoing efforts by Campus Sustainability and the Department of the Environment and Sustainability to support the University's goal of achieving institutional carbon-neutrality by 2040, as outlined in the University'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.

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