Media Advisory: UAlbany "Going Green" on Campus Cleanup Day

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Contact(s):  Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

ALBANY,  N.Y. (May 5, 2008)

What:
Environmental sustainability is the theme of the University at Albany-SUNY's annual Cleanup Day as nearly 550 faculty, staff and student volunteers "go green" by planting trees and sprucing up the grounds of UAlbany's campus.

Who:

• Mary Ellen Mallia, Director of Environmental Sustainability
• UAlbany Students for Sustainability
• Other University students, faculty and staff

When:
Tuesday, May 6, 11:30 a.m.

Where:
Between State Quad and academic podium, University at Albany's uptown campus, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y.

Background:
The University at Albany's annual spring campus cleanup began with 100 volunteers in 1997 and has grown to over 500 volunteers pitching in time and energy to beautify the campus community for Commencement and enjoy camaraderie and morale building in the fresh air.

Created in 2006, the Environmental Sustainability Task Force's mission is to promote a University-wide culture that supports sustainability and raise awareness about eco-friendly practices, including cleaning up and beautifying the campus, as well as recycling and reducing waste. On Cleanup Day, the Task Force's goal is to continue to increase the campus community's connectivity with its natural surroundings and the University's awareness of its impact on the environment. 

In 2007, faculty, staff and student volunteers raked, gathered and removed 210 yards of debris; planted 19 trees and 40 flats of pansies; spread 100 yards of dark and red mulch; and potted roughly 1,500 Euonymus (winter creeper ground cover).

For more information on going green, visit UAlbany's Go Green Web site.

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