By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
In an effort to engage and inspire students, faculty, staff and community members 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).
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. Later that day, participants will build their own bluebird house using reclaimed pallet wood in the “Build A Birdhouse” workshop.
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.
In addition to these events, students, faculty and staff will help turn out lights in University buildings to save energy and money.
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. 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.
