Learn about ‘green’ lifestyle at Sustainable Living Fair

Members of the UB community can learn how to lead a “greener” lifestyle at the ninth annual Sustainable Living Fair on Sept. 27.

The free fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union, North Campus. It is co-sponsored by the Professional Staff Senate’s Sustainable Living Committee, Campus Life, Parking and Transportation, United University Professions and Campus Dining and Shops.

“The Professional Staff Senate, through its Sustainable Living Committee, is committed to improving the lives of all UB community members through a better understanding of what sustainability is,” says Don Erb, senior sustainability associate in the Office of Student Life and co-chair of the Sustainable Living Committee. “Appreciating the three pillars of sustainability — economic growth, social progress and environmental stewardship — opens us up to more effectively helping our community and the world community to live the philosophy of providing ‘enough for everyone forever,’ as we are all connected to each other.”

In an effort to incorporate those three pillars of sustainability, the fair this year will feature three interactive workshops that address these topics, notes Janiece Jankowski, circulation manager for the UB Libraries and co-chair of the Sustainable Living Committee.

The lineup of workshops:

• How our Employee Assistance Program can support and sustain UB staff, presented by Neil McGillicuddy, employee assistance consultant, 11 a.m.
• Finding a sustainability job or internship, presented by Ed Brodka, career counselor with Career Services, 11:30 a.m.
• Do you want New York State to sell off its state parks? Find out how this can happen and what you can do to prevent this from happening, sponsored by UUP, noon and 12:30 p.m.

More than 40 representatives from local and national nonprofit organizations, businesses and clubs, as well as campus-based organizations, also will be available to offer information on how attendees can reduce their environmental footprint.

The event will include the Pride of New York, a program showcasing organic and local produce, dairy products and fresh baked goods from Western New York farms, fields and kitchens.

“Sustainability can be more inclusive than we all might think,” Jankowski notes. “So come join us and learn about aspects of sustainability that you didn’t consider or might surprise you.”

More information about the fair and a full list of vendors can be found on the Professional Staff Senate’s website.