Bowling Green State University will celebrate Earth Week 2019 this week with a series of free events
intended to raise awareness of environmental matters. Two events will be held today to kick off the
week, including a tree planting service project and the Earth Week speaker, WTOL-TV meteorologist Chris
Vickers.
The tree planting service project will be held at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Oaks Dining Center entrance.
Everyone is invited to grab a shovel and help add to BGSU’s native tree population. Trees reduce carbon
dioxide, produce oxygen and help lower our carbon footprints. Tools and gloves will be provided; no
open-toed shoes.
Vickers’ lecture, “Climate Change: Today and Our Future,” will begin at 6 p.m. in 206 Bowen-Thompson
Student Union. He will discuss how extreme weather events in Northwest Ohio are related to climate
change and what to expect in the short- and long-term.
Events continue throughout the week, demonstrating the university’s commitment to sustainability, one of
the reasons it was named among the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the
2018 Princeton Review Guide to 399 Green Colleges.
On Tuesday, the campus-wide reuse and waste reduction initiative, “When You Move Out, Don’t Throw It
Out,” begins. Collection boxes will be located in all residence hall lobbies, Greek townhouses, the
Bowen-Thompson Student Union and Outtakes locations for nonperishable food and still-usable items such
as clothing, shoes, school supplies and books, and personal items.
The popular Eco Fair will be held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday in the Union Oval. Environmental and
sustainability-related organizations, both on and off campus, will have information to share.
Participants can view electric and hybrid vehicles, meet live animals and birds from Back to the Wild,
pick up a tree seedling and plants, grab a reusable bag and learn about involvement opportunities. In
the event of rain, the fair will be held in the Union Multipurpose Room (Room 228).
Environmental Action Group members will demonstrate how much we throw away, its impact on us and how to
reduce that impact during the Trash Audit from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Union Oval.
The week will once again include a tour of the DG AMP Solar Field on Carter Road, which is the largest
solar field in the state. Participants will learn about solar technology and how it is produced and used
in Bowling Green. Prior registration for the Friday tour is required by visiting bgsu.edu/solartour.
At 6:30 p.m. Friday, students will come together to turn off lights in selected buildings to save energy,
thus reducing BGSU’s carbon-based emissions, and money. Volunteers should meet in 206 Union; they will
receive Earth Week treats.
Later that evening, at 8, two bands will participate in an Earth Week Concert at Grounds for Thought, 174
S. Main St. The free concert will also include an open mic. Donations will go to local nonprofit
environmental organizations. The concert is sponsored by the Environmental Action Group.
On Sunday, the week culminates with the 10th annual Community Earth Day Celebration at the Montessori
School of Bowling Green. BGSU’s Campus Sustainability and Department of Environment and Sustainability
classes will join with other community and municipal groups for this outdoor, family-friendly event.
Guests can plant a sunflower, ride an energy-producing bike, see river-dwelling critters and chase the
Earth Ball across a field, among many other activities.
The Office of Campus Sustainability and the Department of the Environment and Sustainability co-sponsor
Earth Week; events are free and open to the public. More information is available at bgsu.edu/earthweek.

In 2012, BGSU signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, committing the
University to take action on climate change through a goal of carbon-neutrality. In 2014, BGSU submitted
its Climate Action Plan and began to implement it. Among the many projects moving the University toward
carbon neutrality and emissions reduction are numerous LED lighting upgrades, LEED building
construction/renovation, increases in waste diversion, and the study of renewable energy feasibility.

More information on the university’s progress toward its sustainability goals and its Climate Action Plan
is available on the Campus Sustainability website.
Guests with disabilities are requested to indicate if they need special services, assistance or
appropriate modifications to fully participate in any of these events by contacting Accessibility
Services at [email protected] or 419-372-8495 prior to the event.