Events in 2009

February 15-20 - BCisGreen Week 

The Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) presented the first ever "BCisGreen Week" to celebrate the commitment to sustainability.  The week was a highly collaborative effort, with events sponsored by student groups, professors, administrators as well as campus entities such as the bookstore, O'Neill library and Residential Life.  Go to UGBC's "Going Green" website for more information, and for UGBC's green commitment and full schedule check out the Green Week Summary.  Also, read the Heights article: UGBC Launches GreenWeek.  The following is a description of the week's events and initiatives.

Sunday, February 15 - BC Men's Basketball vs. Duke

Green Week was kicked off to a great start during the exciting BC Men's basketball game vs. Duke, which BC came back to win.  Special "green" Superfan t-shirts were given out, and there were green public service announcements, commercials and sponsors.

Monday, February 16 - "Barack Obama's Energy and Environmental Policy"

Moderated by Kate Galbraith, a renewable energy writer for the New York Times, the panelists presented their own thoughts and information about President Obama's commitment to building green policies, and finished by answering questions from the audience.  The panel shed light on a wide range of important topics surrounding our current environmental, political and economic situation.

Panelists:

• Margarita Sapozhnikov and Bruce Tsuchida, Boston College Professors.  The two professors presented Barack Obama's New Energy for America Plan, and discussed topics including the weatherizing of homes, and the potential changes to our electric distribution.  The professors also detailed important science aspects, especially in regards to CO2.
• Charlie Lord, Esq., Boston College Professor.  Speaking from his extensive experience in the field, Professor Lord outlined our country's current options in terms of environmental law and policy.  He proposed that the changes made by the Obama adminstration will most likely be a mix of presidential overhauls and congressional amendments.
• Herman Karl, Ph.D., U.S. Geological Survey.  With a background in the collaborative process among scientists, Dr. Karl detailed his adapted model of conflict uncertainty communication that can be used successfully in environmental policy and natural resource management decisions. 
• Charles Derber, Ph.D., Boston College Professor.  A writer who studies the "big picture" of American culture and global capitalism, Derber provided compelling insight into the difficulties of a "short-term" society coming to grips with the very long-term issue of environmental degradation. 

Tuesday, February 17 - Town Hall Forum on Recycling

The forum featured a representative from Save That Stuff, BC's recycling services provider, addressing best practices, innovative ideas and common recycling misconceptions.  Facilities Management and Dining staff were also present to take questions, comments and suggestions.  Read the article in The Heights.

Wednesday, February 18 - Net Impact Presentation by MBA Students

Sponsored by Facilities Management and the Net Impact MBA club, this presentation provided an overview of other college campuses that have invested in renewable technologies, including geothermal and solar power.  The Net Impact team then presented its Biodiesel/Electric Hybrid Bus Feasability Study, defining the technology involved and discussing the features, costs, savings and potential impact on carbon emissions that a hybrid bus fleet would bring.

Wednesday, February 18 - Green Week Keynote Speaker:  Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's.

Bringing a warm brand of humor and a refreshing business philosophy, Jerry Greenfield spoke to a packed audience in Devlin 008, telling the entertaining history of Ben & Jerry's ice cream from its beginnings in Burlington, Vermont.  Greenfield explained how he and his business partner Ben Cohen took their company from a two-man operation out of an old gas station to a $300 million dollar empire, all while maintaining the "non-conventional" corporate goals of social responsibility and creative management.  Their belief that a company benefits from both profitable and social goals manifested itself in an unprecedented 7.5% pre-tax profit donation to non-profit organizations through the Ben & Jerry's Foundation.  Learn about the values and environmental actions of this dessert-lovers favorite.

Wednesday, February 18 - Movie Event:  "The Garden"

An Academy Award Nominee for Best Documentary Feature, "The Garden" follows the story of the largest urban community garden in the United States and the people who fought tirelessly to create it and keep it safe.  Sponsored by Real Food BC, the creators of our very own BC Community Garden, the film portrays not only the beauty of a community building around locally grown food, but also the many threats that the sustainable operation faces.   Click here to view the trailer and learn more about the movie.

Thursday, February 19 - Green Career Panel

The Green Career Conference served as an opportunity for all majors to explore the possibilities of working in the green career sector.  The panelists offered information on a wide variety of environmental careers, including policy, non-profits, and the public and private sectors.  Time was provided for networking and discussion, and students were able to interact personally with the presenters. 

Want more on green careers?  Visit JustMeans.com, a socially responsible networking site that includes green jobs and event listings.

Thursday, February 19 - UGBC "Green" Pub Series

Adding a new twist on the pub series, this event emphasized reducing waste and reusing drink cups, while providing environmentally friendly snacks.  Held in the Walsh Function Room, students socialized, took advantage of the cash bar and were given the opportunity to purchase reusable beer mugs through the BC bookstore. 

Week-long Events:

• BC Dining promoted sustainable food throughout the week, featuring locally grown menu items, discounts on using china instead of disposable containers, and free fountain drinks for students who brought reusable cups during lunch hours.
• Residential Life promoted Green Week by working to appoint "Green Hall Representatives," encouraging students to make the "We Are a Green Room" commitment, and making efforts to decrease waste in the office. 
• BC Libraries featured a "green" book display, flat screens with sustainable tips and how to use the libraries' environmental resources, as well as posters promoting double sided printing and recycling.
• The BC Bookstore highlighted its "green" products on a display table and offered discounts and promotions.
• Student leaders worked with the Student Programs Office (SPO) and the Bureau of Conferences (BOC) to promote the Green Event Checklist.
• BC Cable aired several environmental movies, including: "Global Warming: The Signs & The Science,"State of the Planet," "Global Warming: Rising Storm," "Next Industrial Revolution" and "The Future of Food."
• UGBC, Facilities Management, SustainBC, Ecopledge and Real Food BC were integral participants in Green Week, promoting varying initiatives at each event.

Want more info?  Check out the Green Week Summary.