April 16, 2017

The Susquehanna community is committed to effective environmental stewardship as a pathway to a more sustainable future. Our campus sustainability programs have succeeded in conserving energy, and reducing waste and pollution. We purchase more locally and sustainably produced goods and have integrated sustainability into the academic curriculum.

Our transition from coal to natural gas-powered heating—which reduced the university’s carbon footprint by 80 percent—in addition to a campuswide recycling program, the creation and maintenance of a campus garden and construction of LEED-certified buildings are the day-to-day reflection of Susquehanna’s engagement.

Bees Help Campus Garden Thrive

Cared for by students, in recent years the garden produced hundreds of pounds of fresh produce that students then distribute to community groups dedicated to alleviating local hunger.

To promote pollination and to support the local honey bee population, Susquehanna’s Beekeepers Club last year installed two hives at the Center for Environmental Education and Research.

“The hives increase plant health in the community and hopefully inspire people to keep more bees themselves,” said earth and environmental sciences (EES) major Josh Levesque.

Although one hive was lost over the winter, club advisor Derek Straub, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences, said they may split the remaining hive. They are still looking forward to their first honey harvest this year.

Earth Week 2017

Susquehanna is celebrating Earth Week April 16–22 with daily events meant to raise awareness about environmental issues:

• The Power Cut will take place in Evert Dining Room on Monday evening. Lights will be dimmed to raise awareness about the need to reduce electricity usage.
• On Tuesday, students can use buckets and scales in Evert Dining Room to weigh the amount of food they plan to dispose of after their meal.
• On Wednesday evening, Professor of Biology Jack Holt will take students to the Center for Environmental Education and Research, Sassafras Street, to learn about stars.
• Thursday is Bee Day to raise awareness about the endangered honey bee population. Aramark will feature foods that are dependent on bee pollination, such as many different kinds of fruits and vegetables, kidney and lima beans, walnuts, cashews and coffee.
• On Friday, students in Mellon Lounge will decorate small terracotta pots and air-cleaning plants such as palms, ferns and evergreens.
• On Saturday, the student-run nightclub TRAX will host a green/sustainability-themed party from 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Sustainably sourced snacks are on the menu.

“In conjunction with all of these events, students will create informational posters to hang in Mellon Lounge,” said Pam Frontino, assistant director of leadership and engagement. “They’ll also raise awareness about courses offered at SU that pertain to sustainability or environmental issues and ways to get involved.”