Boise State is in its fifth year of participation in Campus Sustainability Day (CSD), a national celebration of sustainability in higher education. On a designated day each October, CSD charges colleges and universities with creating campus events that encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge among faculty, staff, students and community members. It is devoted to fostering sustainability principles in higher education institutions and their surrounding communities.

While CSD will be recognized nationally Oct. 21, Boise State’s Office of Energy Research, Policy and Campus Sustainability and the student Sustainability Club have organized three days of free, public events meant to inspire dialogue and action:

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Campus Sustainability Webcast. Student Union Simplot B Ballroom. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. New York Times science reporter Andy Revkin will host this national webcast focused on how campuses across North America are reducing environmental impacts in their operations, developing curricula and educational experiences that address climate disruption, and incorporating the principles of sustainability into their strategic plans and core missions. Panelists include Sarah Brylinsky, sustainability education coordinator at Dickinson College; Larry Eisenberg, executive director for Facilities Planning and Development in the Los Angeles Community College District; Joseph E. Grasso, assistant dean of Finance and Administration at Cornell University; and Angela Halfacre, director of the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability and a political science professor at Furman University.

Viewing of the documentary “Life and Debt.” Student Union Dining Stage. 6 p.m. Enjoy free pizza and watch “Life and Debt,” a feature-length film that addresses the impact of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and current globalization policies on a developing country such as Jamaica.

Thursday, Oct. 22

Campus Sustainability Panel Discussion. Student Union Forum. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Enjoy free pizza and an interactive panel discussion on Boise State sustainability efforts moderated by John Gardner, associate vice president for energy research, policy and campus sustainability, and featuring administrators from landscaping, finance, facilities, the Student Union Building, dining services and housing. Participants will be invited to ask questions about what each of these campus entities is doing to increase sustainability at Boise State.

Friday, Oct. 23

Local Market. Boise State Quad. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn about the sustainable aspects of buying local while supporting local artists and craftspeople.

For more information about these Boise State events, contact the Office of Energy Research, Policy and Campus Sustainability at ext. 6-4840. Learn more about the Sustainability Club and get the details about the national Campus Sustainability Day initiative.