Annual Sustainability Week celebration highlights green programs in town and on campus
Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' Sustainable Agriculture Practicum class plant strawberries at Kentland Farm. The strawberries are destined for Virginia Tech dining halls in the spring of 2018 if all goes as planned.
During Virginia Tech’s 11th annual Sustainability Week celebration from Sept. 16-24, dozens of events will be held on campus and in town to highlight efforts the university and town are making toward a greener, more sustainable future. The events are free and open to the public.
This year’s celebration is the 11th annual event, which is a partnership between Virginia Tech, the Town of Blacksburg, and Sustainable Blacksburg that highlights sustainability efforts in the town and on campus.
More than 30 events are planned to “celebrate, educate, and motivate” many of the sustainable efforts that are happening on campus and in the community.
This year's Sustainability Week begins Saturday, Sept. 16, with a kickoff bike parade event. Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam will lead a bike parade for people of all ages and abilities. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. at the Virginia Tech Electric Service facility at 601 Energy Drive, Blacksburg and end at the Blacksburg Farmers Market at 100 Draper Road NW, Blacksburg.
On Sept. 18 at 4:30 p.m. officials with Virginia Tech Office of Sustainability will host an informational session and panel discussion in New Classroom Building, room 210. Attendees will learn about the progress the university has made in reaching the goals outlined in the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment.
On Sept. 19, community members will have the opportunity to learn about Rocky Forge Wind, the state’s first wind farm. Representatives from the farm, which is located in Botetourt County, will talk with attendees about the project. This event will take place in New Classroom Building, room 170, at 6 p.m. Free pizza will be provided.
The annual Active Commute Celebration will take place on Squires Plaza from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 and will highlight information about Blacksburg Transit, the Virginia Tech Office of Sustainability, Blacksburg Office of Sustainability, Virginia Tech Bicycle Ambassadors, Zipcar, and Blacksburg Transit. There will be activities, giveaways, and free food from Panera Bread.
Throughout the week Sustainability Week ambassadors will be on the lookout for community members who are actively taking steps to live more sustainably. Anyone who is “caught green handed” will receive a sticker and have the opportunity to be featured on social media.
Other events will be held throughout the week, including free film screenings, outdoor service projects, and yoga classes. The full schedule, as well as a list of volunteer opportunities, is available on the Sustainability Week website.
