|
Home > Center for the Environment > Green Commencement 2009
Mount Holyoke Commencement is going “green” in 2009. Inspired by the 2009 senior class color (green!) and the increasing motivation for environmental action, the Center for the Environment has partnered with the Office of the President, the senior class, the Alumnae Association, Dining Services, Environmental Health and Safety, and Facilities Management to consider various initiatives aimed at making the Commencement/Reunion weekend more environmentally friendly.
President's Office
Printed Commencement Information Replaced with Web Site
The president’s office has created a Web site that details the events of Commencement Weekend. In prior years, all families received printed materials, but this year, they received a simple postcard, which directed them to the Commencement Web site. Not only does this initiative conserve paper products, it also allows for a dynamic commencement schedule.
All Commencement Materials Printed on Recycled Paper
Commencement and Baccalaureate programs, the Commencement/Reunion weekend program, and all other printed materials are being printed on recycled paper. In addition, efforts are being made to reduce the overall number of programs printed.
Senior Class of 2009
 Green Pledges
Members of the class of 2009 will have an opportunity to sign an environmental responsibility pledge, which will guide their future decisions. The pledge, crafted by Erin Schaeffer '09, is a simple declaration: “I pledge to explore and consider the social and environmental consequences of my future career and lifestyle decisions. I will also work to improve these aspects of any organization with which I am associated.”
Carbon Neutral Commencement Weekend Student Initiative
Members of the senior class have worked to raise enough funds to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) for the ENTIRE Commencement Weekend. Senior Sarah Keeping created the Pangy Day Thrift Store, an initiative that incorporated the community participation of a clothing exchange and craft table with experiential learning about the importance of reducing fabric waste through recycling unwanted clothes. Proceeds from the Pangy Day Thrift Store have been donated for purchase of the needed RECs for Commencement Weekend.
It is estimated that this weekend will demand 130,000 kWh and result in 80 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel generated electricity. Such an investment in RECs provides valuable support for projects, such as wind and solar power, which are an essential part of solving our climate crisis.
Dining Services
 Composting Available at Selected Meals
Continuing with a tradition started in 2008, Dining Services will use compostable bioware plates, cups, knives, spoons, and forks at the Old-Fashioned Community Picnic and the Celebratory Commencement Reception. Bioware also will be featured at the Senior Picnic. These items along with all other biodegradable waste will be collected in special containers and composted in an off-site facility. Educational posters will assist in proper disposal of all items at these events. This is a great way to reduce the amount of trash that goes to the landfill as well as to create beneficial compost.
 Local and Organic Foods Served
Mount Holyoke College Dining Services is committed to buying locally whenever possible and feasible. For Commencement Weekend, Dining Services will feature local and/or organic foods, depending on what is available.
Look for this icon  to identify which products contain any locally grown ingredients.
 Fair Trade Coffee Available
The coffee served at the various events is Certified Fair Trade organic coffee and is purchased from a local Massachusetts vendor, Equal Exchange, which was the first to offer Certified Fair Trade coffee in the United States. Equal Exchange was founded in 1986 and is a workers’ cooperative. Fair trade is based on dialogue, transparency, and respect. It seeks greater equity in international trade and helps producers achieve a sustainable future on the basis of fair wages.
At Mount Holyoke’s cafes, Blanchard Café and Uncommon Grounds, several selections of organic and fair trade coffee are available. The coffee is purchased from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc., located just north of us in Waterbury, Vermont. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is an active supporter and participant in the Businesses for Social Responsibility (BSR), an organization dedicated to aiding business in environmental and social stewardship.
More details on the environmental and sustainable practices of Dining Services.
Center for the Environment and Environmental Stewardship
Current Conservation Activities
The College has purchased renewable energy through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to support stewardship initiatives on campus.
Here are a couple of example projects where MHC currently purchase RECs:
New Residence Hall
A two-year contract for 625,000 kWh per year provides all the electricity used in this new building.
Student Computers
We purchase enough wind energy (287,000 kWh) to run ALL the student computers on campus each year. This was the award for the "Sleep Is Good" campaign, which encouraged users to let idle computers sleep instead of running a screen saver.
Carbon Calculator
 Do you wonder how much carbon your travel will result in on your way to and from Commencement? See our interactive carbon calculator tool, designed to help you understand the impact of your travel activities.
Low Carb(on) Commencement Events
 There are many events throughout the weekend that are carbon free (i.e., they do not burn any fossil fuels) and others that highlight environmental accomplishments on campus.
Some of these include the following (see the Commencement Schedule for times):
- Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony with Nobue Socho Yamashita
- Guided tour of the new residential hall, which was awarded a Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council
- The beautiful Canoe Sing on Saturday night, which is illuminated solely by candle light
- The Laurel Chain Ceremony, which is the culmination of the Laurel Parade where most participants walk. This glorious expression of tradition harkens back to the beginning of the College in the mid-nineteenth century.
- Annual and perennial plants available for sale at the Talcott Greenhouse. Bring home a lovely plant for your own garden.
Suggestions for Greening Your Commencement Weekend
 TRANSPORTATION
Take this opportunity to explore alternative ways of travelling to Commencement/Reunion Weekend! You might consider trains, buses, or carpooling. Here are some resources to assist you.
Public Transit
- Amtrak has daily trains from NYC to Amherst or Springfield. Unfortunately, there is no direct Amtrak train service between Springfield, Worcester, and Boston. However, other options abound.
- Springfield is the home of Peter Pan Bus Lines providing service throughout the Northeast corridor.
- Local and regional bus transportation is offered by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.
Local Ground Transport
CONSUMPTION
 Bottled Water
Bring along a refillable water container instead of purchasing bottled water. It’s a good way to save money, and South Hadley has some of the best water in the nation.
Sigg water bottles and other refillable containers are available in the Blanchard Campus Store.
Recycling
MHC has an extensive and well-conceived recycling program. You will notice many places where you can recycle your cans, bottles, and paper around campus. For more information on our recycling program, check out our Web site.
Printed Materials
Consider taking one or two programs for your family rather than one program for each member.
For more information on environmental initiatives on campus, check out these Web sites:
|
