The Office of the Dean for Student Development recognized EcoPledge with an "Ever to Excel" award last year, a recognition granted to the student group that is judged to have made an "outstanding contribution to Boston College as an organization."
EcoPledge's 2008 campaign included participation in RecycleMania, a collegiate recycling competition, in which BC placed 14th out of over 200 colleges and universities.
Of nine Massachusetts schools in the competition, BC placed second. The student organization's persistent labors toward reducing waste, increasing recycling, and improving conservation were cited as reasons for the high ranking.
Due to the group's efforts, BC's recycling rate has risen to 38.72 percent. EcoPledge was responsible for the new trash system in BC dining halls as well as the Bulb Brigade.
EcoPledge initiated the Bulb Brigade in an attempt to replace incandescent light bulbs in residence halls and facilities across campus with brighter fluorescent bulbs that run on lower wattage.
The campaign allows the organization to help save energy while educating students on simple ways to conserve.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that around 90 percent of the energy generated from incandescent light bulbs is wasted, while compact fluorescent bulbs use 75 percent less energy by conserving energy generated.
The group teamed up with Deidre Manning, director of sustainability and energy management, to promote the BConserves campaign. Manning said she will continue to work side by side with EcoPledge to continue to spread campus awareness around environmental issues. "They are a really great group of people with a lot of great ideas and enthusiasm who really gave us the additional resources for Facilities [Services] and who we're really glad about working with," Manning said.
This year, EcoPledge hopes to initiate more activities, events, and programs that will further energy conservation. The group will host a Harvest Fesival event in the Dustbowl this Thursaday that will involve activities and information regarding energy conservation and environmental awareness, including a water taste test and a recycling challenge.
RealFood BC and Sustain BC will also have tables at the festival. "We will have information on MAPS (a Massachusettes program to help students become involved in governmental energy policy), a 'What it means to be green' banner, a jeans donation table that will convert jeans to insulation, and a green living tips box," said Natalie Raffol, media director for EcoPledge and A&S '10. "I urge everyone to stop by the festival on Thursday in the dustbowl."
In the upcoming week, there will be an Eco Product Night, Eco Foodnight, and an EcoFashion show. "All these events are in attempt to make students who would not otherwise be involved in these issues see how being green can fit into their lifestyles," Raffol said.
Raffol said she has promoted the upcoming International Day of Climate Action on Oct. 24, when students will distribute materials related to environmental issues, hand out LiveGreen bracelets, and make an announcement at the Notre Dame Pep Rally.
There will also be a Nuclear Energy Panel on Monday, Oct. 19, as well as various speakers who will talk about green business, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable food in the upcoming weeks. "To become involved in EcoDrive, sign up to our listserv and come to meetings. Info tables on EcoPledge will be at the Harvest Festival as well," Raffol said. "There is even a Facebook group."
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