Earth Day is an annual reminder to be kind and mindful of the role we play in protecting our environment. First held on April 22, 1970, Earth Day continues to draw attention to the state of our planet and how we can promote sustainability as individuals and within our communities. Read on to learn more about general and Chicago Booth-specific go-green initiatives.

How can YOU Go-Green?

  1. Turn off your computer at night
  2. Unplug all electronics when not in use
  3. Use natural light during peak sun hours instead of turning on lights
  4. Read emails and files without printing them out
  5. Make a habit to use reusable bags

What is Chicago Booth doing to Go-Green?

  1. No longer purchasing bottled water
  2. Changing light bulbs to LED
  3. Purchasing recycled copier/printer paper
  4. Working with general contractors to incorporate green construction practices during building projects and build outs, including recycling our discarded carpet and donating furniture to community groups or other University departments when possible
  5. Installing new lighting control systems at Harper and Gleacher to take advantage of light harvesting where possible (These systems incorporate additional sensors and programming to sweep lights off when not in use.)
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While at Booth, students have the opportunity to join groups focused on promoting sustainability efforts as well. Full-Time students can become members of the Business and Sustainability Club (Booth Energy, FEAD, and Net Impact are also full-time student group options centered around the environment and natural resources) and Part-Time students can join the Booth Corporate Sustainability Club. Students also have the opportunity to get involved with the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation to explore related coursework, competitions, events, and more.

The Business and Sustainability Club aims to foster conversation between Booth students with an interest in finding solutions to climate change. The club also provides resources to students interested in pursuing careers in corporate sustainability and hosts events where students can engage with recruiters and alumni in the sustainability space.

The Booth Corporate Sustainability Club works to foster a culture of sustainability by engaging with industry professionals, inspiring connections within the Evening/Weekend student population, and centralizing access to sustainability resources. The group also plans to host a week filled with events for Earth Day! Their upcoming events consist of the following: Beach Cleanup Co-Sponsored with SAC Philanthropy, Earth Week Pledge Tree Event, Sustainable Financing Panel, Careers in Sustainability Panel Cosponsored by Career Services, and a Plogging Collab with Booth Running Club.

We hope this Earth Day you take some time to incorporate sustainability into your everyday routine in order to help do your part to make the world a better place. We wish you a Happy Earth Day! #Go-Green

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