Green Commencement/Reunion Weekend Initiatives
In 2007, Oberlin College began its journey towards climate neutrality by hosting its first eco-friendly Commencement/Reunion weekend. The “green commencement” initiative provided more than 5,000 alumni, family members and friends a variety of ways to reduce their carbon footprint during the four-day event. In 2008 and 2009, we increased the number of green initiatives and ways for those in attendance to reduce their environmental impact. We again encourage this year’s graduating class, family members, and alumni to learn more about how they can purchase carbon offsets, decrease their use of energy, and responsibly dispose of any waste generated during this weekend.
Bio-ware Used for Plates and Flatware
In an effort to reduce the amount of waste generated from the many Commencement/Reunion events, Campus Dining Services, managed by Bon Appétit Management Company, has replaced all plastic ware with bio-ware. The used bio-ware plates, cups, knives, spoons and forks will be collected in special containers and composted in an off-site facility. This process requires your help to be successful. Please take the time to dispose of only bio-ware in the marked containers. With your help, we will be able to repurpose waste that would otherwise have been deposited into a landfill.
Approximately 20-35% of the food served by Campus Dining Services and Bon Appétit will be from local sources.
Composting Available at Select Meals
During two of the main events, the Friday night picnic and the Champagne Luncheon, all of the biodegradable waste will be composted. Every plate, cup, utensil and scrap of food will be compostable at these meals. Composting will also be available at other meal locations across campus.
Carbon Offsets Purchased by Participants
Donations towards offsetting carbon emissions for travel to Commencement/Reunion Weekend will be accepted at the Green Education Booth near Headquarters in the Science Center through POWER Fund (Providing Oberlin With Efficiency Responsibly). When you offset your carbon through the POWER Fund, you fight climate change, stimulate the local economy and lift people out of poverty. POWER offsets carbon by making low-income housing as efficient as possible.
Printed Reunion Directories Replaced with Online Connections
In 2010, the 10th, 25th, 30th, and 45th Reunion classes are directing all alumni to OBIEWEB for classmate connections. Log onto OBIEWeb to make your own connections by visiting http://www.oberlin.edu/alumni/.
Programs Printed on 100% Post-Consumer Paper
Commencement programs, the full Commencement/Reunion Weekend program, and other printed materials are being printed on “Environment,” 100% post-consumer paper.
Green Pledge Signed by the Senior Class
The Class of 2007 adopted a green pledge and more than 264 seniors signed a Social and Environmental Responsibility Pledge and wore green ribbons during Commencement. In 2008, 168 students signed the green pledge. The hope is for every future class to adopt the same pledge: “I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of my future career and lifestyle decisions. I will also try to improve these aspects of any organization for which I work.”
Bring Your Own Water Bottle
As part of our ongoing effort to make Commencement/Reunion Weekend have as little impact on the planet as possible, the Green Commencement/Reunion Committee has asked Campus Dining Services to eliminate single use water bottles. Water will be available throughout the weekend in several locations - we welcome you to fill your own reusable bottle. Help us reduce the amount of plastic on campus during this busy weekend by bringing your water bottle with you!
Rideshare
Your journey can be part of the celebration and help us green Oberlin: Fly or Drive Together! Whether you fly or drive to Commencement/Reunion Weekend, you now have an opportunity to connect with your neighbors on your journey. You can carpool to Oberlin or share a cab or rental from the airport. Does your car have an extra seat? Use your trip as a mini-reunion and find other Oberlin alumni and friends in your region, while reducing the number of cars traveling to Oberlin in May. Go to http://www.spaceshare.com/oberlin/ and make a connection.
Shuttle link: http://www.gohopkins.com/
Hybrid Vehicles Rented for Transportation Needs
Each year Oberlin College rents vehicles for use during Commencement/Reunion Weekend. These vehicles are used to provide transportation for those who need assistance and for those attending off-campus events. In 2008, the College made the commitment to rent only hybrid vehicles for this purpose.
Unfortunately, these vehicles are in very limited supply. In 2010, we will use some hybrid vehicles and some gasoline powered vehicles.
Green Initiatives
The chart below lists specific initiatives undertaken by Oberlin College since the inception of Green Commencement.
| Green Initiative | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local and Organic Foods Served |  | | |
| Composting Available at Select Meals | | | |
| Carbon Offsets Purchased by Participants | | | |
| Programs Printed on 100% Post-consumer Paper | | | |
| Sustainability Panel Discussion Offered | | | |
| Compact Florescent Lighting Utilized | | | |
| Green Pledge Signed by the Senior Class | | | |
| Bio-ware Used for Plates and Flatware | | | |
| Recycled Paper Napkins Printed without Artificial Dyes | | | |
| Green-themed Class Banner Designed and Displayed | | ||
| Rideshare Website Available for Participants | | | |
| More Efficient Airport Shuttle System Implemented | | | |
| Carbon Offsets for Entire Weekend Purchased by Bon Appétit | | ||
| Hybrid Vehicles Rented for Transportation Needs | | | |
| Composting Education Programs at George Jones Farm | | | |
| Permaculture workshop offered at SEED House | | ||
| Green Educational Activities for Children Offered | | | |
| Special Low-carbon Meal Served during Weekend | | | |
| 175 Trees Planted Around Community | | ||
| Bottled Water replaced with Water Pitchers and Glasses | | | |
| Eliminate all single use water bottles on campus | | ||
| Printed Reunion Directories Replaced with Online Connections | | |
