Release

Media Advisory: UAlbany Goes Green
UAlbany kicks off its campus-wide environmental initiative this week with student recycling contest, Purple Path

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 11, 2006)

What:
Kick-off of "UAlbany Goes Green," a comprehensive environmental initiative encouraging the University at Albany community to be a model of environmental responsibility. An outgrowth of UAlbany's Task Force on Environmental Sustainability.

UAlbany Goes Green! Environmental Fair and Farmers' Market
Friday, Oct. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Podium Plaza near Collins Circle, uptown campus

Provost Susan Herbst and student and faculty members of the UAlbany Task Force on Environmental Sustainability will present:

• Recycling contest winners, with recycled material on display. The residence Quad that collects the most recyclable material wins a Great Dane trophy crafted from recycled material and bragging rights for being the "greenest" Quad on campus.
   
• Purple Path plans, a preview of a multi-use, environmentally friendly pathway that will encircle the campus to be used for walking, jogging, and navigating the campus by the UAlbany community, neighbors, and the public
   
• Public transportation demonstration, with information on UAlbany's program to reduce dependence on fuels while offering efficient, every 10-minute transportation between campuses
   
• Farmers' market, proceeds to benefit the Regional Food Bank
   
• Information tables from the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, Department of Environmental Conservation, Capital District Energy Action, and more

Background:
UAlbany's Task Force for Environmental Sustainability reinforces the University's recycling program through promoting research and education aimed at lowering consumption, protecting environmental resources, improving transportation efficiency, and reducing waste. In the past four years alone, UAlbany has recycled more than 3,000 tons—including an average of 1.7 million pounds of paper a year—or approximately 83 pounds per person. The University spends more than $15 million in utility costs in one year and the campus Physical Plant Department maintains an annual budget of $96,000 for recycling and refuse removal. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to "think green" by embracing the University's responsibility, as a 20,000-person-strong community, to conserve, recycle, and beautify the campus and environment. Resources to be environmentally responsible include events and activities—including "UAlbany Goes Green"—are scheduled throughout the calendar year to educate and engage the campus.