Designing a Green Graduation at Colby College

Author (Your Name)

Alaina J. Clark, Colby College

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Open Access)

Department

Colby College. Environmental Studies Program

Advisor(s)

F. Russell Cole

Abstract

Lately, there has been a growing trend of “green” events. The increase in understanding and discussions about the future climate has caused people throughout the world to become concerned about their contribution to climate change. This is true in the Northeast United States as well. Many New England colleges and universities, including Colby College in Waterville, Maine, are becoming leaders in climate change mitigation. As a teaching institution, Colby has recognized that public education is an important part of the solution to the climate crisis. Colby also understands that commencement weekend is an ideal opportunity for climate change education. As a result, the college will follow in the footsteps of other “green” events by hosting its first ever Green Graduation. Colby’s Green Graduation will have seven focus areas, including: 1. transportation; 2. dining services; 3. facilities and energy use; 4. recycling; 5. publicity and publications; 6. RESCUE; and 7. education and awareness. It will be both environmentally beneficial and economically feasible. The Green Graduation will help to raise awareness about climate change, and it will help Colby take a leading role in climate change mitigation. Colby’s 2008 Green Graduation will be a small step towards climate awareness and carbon neutrality.

Keywords

climate change mitigation, Colby College, climate crisis, Green Graduation

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