For the past three years, Bowdoin has participated in Dump and Run, an organization that began when a Syracuse University student lost a ring and decided to search the dumpster for it. She did not find the ring, but instead found lots of still usable items. Over time, she continued to search the dumpsters and decided to have yard sales with the salvaged items to generate money for non-profit organizations. The Dump and Run organization grew out of this and has spread to colleges and universities across the country.

Earth Day calls for a celebration of the environment. It also inspires us to better our own relations with the environment. And Earth Day is not just celebrated at Bowdoin College with speakers and fairs?it is celebrated all over the world with events to honor in a joyful manner our commitment to the environment.

You may ask, "Why are hybrid cars all the rage this year? Are they really that better for the environment? Are they really a practical automobile to purchase if you drive long distances? Are they really cool-looking?" Yes, yes, and yes again!

As we begin the new semester and kick-off the "Did You Know" column from Sustainable Bowdoin, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of "sustainability" and its implications for your life at Bowdoin College.

The Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Subcommittee of Sustainable Bowdoin is dedicated to ensuring that Bowdoin purchases environmentally friendly products. This endeavor is in compliance with the environmental mission statement that Bowdoin adopted in 2002.

Maine Recycles Week runs from November 8-15 this year. Sustainable Bowdoin is gearing up for this event and hoping that we will utilize all those well-marked recycling bins located around campus.

Bowdoin's Third Annual Energy Conservation Dorm Competition starts today! "Phenomenal prizes," to be unveiled in mid-October, will be awarded to dorms and social houses that conserve the most energy during the month-long competition.

So maybe you have a car at Bowdoin. Perhaps you use it to get home during the holidays, but stay out of it during the school days. Cut back on CO2 emissions, save your gas money, and enjoy the wind in your hair. Hop on your bike and head to some great places to enjoy autumn in Maine.

Every year college students leave behind literally tons of unwanted items when they head for home in May. All these valuable things could very well end up in Brunswick's landfill if it weren't for Dump and Run.

So spring is here (or at least according to the calendar). That means soon we'll be romping through the grass, studying on the quad, and frolicking beneath the pines.