If you live, eat or attend classes at BC’s campus, you know that there are very visible efforts happening to help make our environment more sustainable. There are water conservation tips on our bathroom mirrors, filtered water taps in the dining halls and the Plex, and constant efforts at efficient recycling. To achieve these initiatives on campus and constantly push the envelope further it takes a devoted team of administration, faculty and students. One of these dedicated, intelligent students is senior Daley Gruen.
Daley is well known on campus for his green efforts, from setting up stations in the middle of the quad to teach about recycling or inviting all his friends to green and sustainable events on campus. His role, though, goes much deeper than these appearances. He is currently the UGBC Director of Sustainability and is also involved with Ecopledge.
With BC working at a more sustainable approach to the way we live and are educated, it is easy to look past each particular initiative and program put in place. While some changes are very noticeable (such as the filtration water systems in the Plex) they quickly become the norm and we forget that while we have some sustainable measures in place, there is still a lot to do. The month of March is BC’s first ever “Green Month”. Gruen is involved in the project and extremely passionate about all the effects he hopes it has on campus.
“We have over 30 events and initiatives planned. People should check them out at bc-greenmonth.tumblr.com where they can also learn how to be responsible consumers by taking the Green Month pledge, making them eligible for tons of great prizes including pairs of tickets to the Sox, Bruins, and Six flags, and much more. Our theme is “everyone has a reason to be sustainable,” meaning that we want people to learn how this affects their life, that this isn’t a left and right issue, and it affects way for than just tree-hugging, bleeding hearts like me. “
Like many students at BC, Gruen was once less knowledgeable about the issues than he is now. When asked how he became involved with all of the green and sustainable efforts, he said that once he learned more, he couldn’t ignore the facts or his passion for the work.
“I got hooked once I heard the facts. Our unsustainable relationship with the planet is causing a rate of extinction thousands of times greater than the natural rate, there is a vortex of plastic trash the size of Texas swirling around the Pacific, man made climate change is a scientifically proven fact, and we would need over 6.5 Earth’s to sustain the lifestyle of the average American for everyone in the world. Once I got educated on the information, my heart just wouldn’t let me ignore it. I think Jesuits call that being ruined for life. But, I never met a bad person, most of us want to do good, but not everyone knows how or why. So, I try to do what I can to help facilitate that for as many people as I can.”
Daley’s experiences with the administration at BC and working with the student body will aid him in these endeavors as he moves on from campus. While working within the confines of BC’s regulations and administration is sometimes difficult for student groups, green advocates on campus have found nothing but support. The relationship between Daley, his colleagues and the administration is something that has been very beneficial.
“I’m happy about it. Oddly enough the administration is more receptive and proactive than the students. That’s probably because efficiency saves money and BC is a business–and for students it’s being asked to make a change, which is always met with complaining. In a lot of areas, like dining and procurement, and even facilities, BC is making great efforts towards more responsible practices. I hope that our investments in efficiency and energy reduction will be of the most forward thinking approach.”
With all his efforts on campus and working so diligently on Green Month, it seems only right that Daley would want to continue his efforts after he graduates this May. As with many students, though, his incredible dedication to making BC a greener place has left him with less time to find the perfect job for when he leaves BC behind.
“It’s definitely what I’m looking to get into. I’ve been somewhat killing myself with Green Month and schoolwork and haven’t had a chance to look for a job yet. I’d like to be involved in something around clean energy, corporate social responsibility, or green consulting. I definitely want to be in the for-profit private sector, because that’s where we have the most room to grow and where sustainability is most needed.”
If you want to check out all the Green Month events happening on campus, you can find the calendar here.