Oberlin Commencement & Reunion 2008

Sustainability

Green Commencement/Reunion Weekend Initiatives

In 2007, Oberlin College took a step 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. We 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.

Green Initiatives

The chart below lists the specific initiatives undertaken by Oberlin College.

Green Initiatives Chart
Green Initiative 2007 2008
Local and Organic Foods Served check check
Composting Available at Select Meals check check
Carbon Offsets Purchased by Participants check check
Programs Printed on 100% Post-consumer Paper check check
Sustainability Panel Discussion Offered check check
Compact Florescent Lighting Utilized check check
Green Pledge Signed by the Senior Class check check
Bio-ware Used for Plates and Flatware check check
Recycled Paper Napkins Printed without Artificial Dyes check check
Green-themed Class Banner Designed and Displayed check  
Rideshare Website Available for Participants   check
More Efficient Airport Shuttle System Implemented   check
Carbon Offsets for Entire Weekend Purchased by Bon Appétit   check
Hybrid Vehicles Rented for Transportation Needs   check
Composting Education Programs at George Jones Farm   check
Green Educational Activities for Children Offered   check
Special Low-carbon Meal Served during Weekend   check
175 Trees Planted Around Community   check
Bottled Water replaced with Water Pitchers and Glasses   check
Printed Reunion Directories Replaced with Online Connections   check

Local and Organic Foods Served

Campus Dining Services and Bon Appétit will provide approximately 20-35% of the food served from local sources.

Composting Available at Select Meals

During two of the main events, the Saturday night picnic and the Champagne Luncheon, all of the biodegradable waste will be composted. Composting will also be available at other meal locations across campus. In 2007, we composted 380 pounds of material from Commencement/Reunion Weekend.   

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 carbonfund.org. In 2007, more than 170 reunion participants purchased carbon emission offsets and we hope to exceed that number in 2008.

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.

Sustainability Panel Discussion Offered

In 2007, an environmental panel discussion was sponsored by the classes of 1961, 1962, and 1963 for their 45th reunion. Carl McDaniel ’64, chair of EnviroAlums, participated in the discussion, along with Erik Jansson ’62, Rev. Robert Loesch ’63, Don Wheeler ’57, Andrew deCoriolis ’07, and Erin Morey ’07. Another environmental panel discussion is planned for 2008.

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. 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.”

Bio-ware Used for Plates and Flatware

In an effort to reduce the amount of waste generated from the fifty-two 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.

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/oberlin175/ and make a connection.
Shuttle link: http://www.gohopkins.com/

Bon Appétit Management Company

Bon Appétit Management Company, Oberlin College’s dining service management provider, has donated $5,000 to offset the entire carbon load for the 2008 Commencement/Reunion Weekend through carbonfund.org. Bon Appétit has always been committed to providing local and fresh food and has been an active partner with Oberlin College on its efforts to green this weekend, including the purchase of bio-ware and assisting with composting efforts. To learn more about their commitment to environmental sustainability and community, visit their website at http://www.circleofresponsibility.com/.   Although Bon Appétit is purchasing carbon offsets for the entire weekend, alumni, parents and friends are still being asked to donate individually through carbonfund.org or in person at the green commencement/reunion booth in the Science Center. In 2007, 110 people made donations towards offsetting carbon emissions for travel to Commencement/Reunion Weekend, which accounts for 170 people (when you include the other folks riding in cars that were offset). This amounted to $535.37 collected and 97.34 tons of CO2 offset.   

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.

Composting Education Programs at George Jones Farm

Find out more about George Jones Farm: http://www.georgejonesfarm.org/

Printed Reunion Directories Replaced with Online Connections

In 2008, the 25th Reunion Planning Committee decided to forego a printed reunion directory and to direct all of their alumni online to OBIEWeb for classmate connections. By utilizing the online community, the Class of 1983 is eliminating the printing of hundreds of directories that will soon contain outdated contact information. Visit OBIEWeb to make your own connections by visiting http://www.oberlin.edu/alumni/.