By Brittney Dunkins
From campus-wide single-stream recycling to the Capital Partners Solar Project and the new Eco-Equity Challenge, the George Washington University proves that sustainable initiatives require a network of support.
In celebration of that collaborative ethos, the Office of Sustainability and the university community will bring GW’s sustainable initiatives to the forefront with a series of activities commemorating April’s designation as Earth Month.
“The ‘Power of Partnerships’ theme reflects the importance of collaboration in achieving GW's sustainability goals,” said Shannon Ross, stakeholder engagement coordinator in the Office of Sustainability. “We’re excited to showcase the benefits of sourcing energy from a solar farm through the Capital Partners Solar Project and the newly launched Eco-Equity Challenge. Neither of these projects could have been accomplished without working collaboratively with partners.”
Events begin Thursday with the Environmental Film Festival screening of “Return of the River” and will culminate in the Earth Day fair April 22.
George Washington Today put together a list of Earth Month highlights below. Check the Office of Sustainability website for a full list of events programming updates.
Environmental Film Festival: “Return of the River”
March 19, 7:30 p.m.
Marvin Center, Amphitheater
Co-directors Jessica Plumb and John Gussman will discuss “Return of the River,” which tracks the restoration and dam removal of the Elwha River in Washington State—the largest project of its kind in history.
Equitable Development in D.C.: Sustainability from Below
March 26, 9 a.m.
Marvin Center, Grand Ballroom
GW partners with nonprofit organization ONE DC for the second annual conference on “Equitable Development in D.C.” Attendees will discuss strategies to combat displacement by gentrification in D.C.
Earth Hour
March 28, 8:30 p.m.
Campus buildings go dark for the annual worldwide event to raise awareness of climate change. GW students, faculty, staff are encouraged to turn off their lights in support of the event.
The National Organic Program: Behind the Scenes with Kathleen Merrigan
April 1, 7 p.m.
Elliott School of International Affairs, Room B12
GW’s First Chapter hosts Executive Director of the Sustainability Collaborative Kathleen Merrigan for an evening of discussion of the U.S. National Organic Program.
Campus 2 Career Student-Alumni Dinner of Sustainability
April 7, 6:30 p.m.
GW Alumni House
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend the Campus 2 Career dinner to network with alumni who are succeeding in the sustainability field. Register online.
Earth Day Fair
April 22, 11 a.m.
Kogan Plaza and Mid-Campus Quad
Join George Washington President Steven Knapp, the Office of Sustainability and a variety of GW organizations and departments to celebrate Earth Day. The fair will feature the winners of the Eco-Equity Challenge and showcase GW’s green initiatives.