Dartmouth's 'Big Green' road trip heads to New York

Fifteen eco-conscious Dartmouth students are boarding the “Big Green Bus: A Vehicle for Change” for its 5th annual cross-country adventure to educate America about sustainability and green living.

Dartmouth’s Big Green Bus – a coach bus specially-converted to run on waste vegetable oil – is a veritable mobile classroom for sustainable living, suited for the more than 40 educational stops planned across the country. 

Now in its fifth year with over 45,000 miles traveled and 5,500 gallons of waste vegetable oil used in place of diesel, the Big Green Bus team will make its first stop in New York City on Wednesday, June 17 in front of the Timberland store in Soho at 474 Broadway from 8a.m. to 10 a.m.

Using renewable energy to power wi-fi on the bus, anyone can interact with the students in real time and participate online in the summer tour at www.changents.com/biggreenbus where the crew will file regular story updates from the road such as blogs, podcasts, photos galleries, videos, Tweets, action opportunities and more.Dart

“This year, the Bus interior will resemble a ‘green’ living room,” said Merritt Jenkins, a member of Dartmouth’s Class of 2010 and co-general manager of the Big Green Bus. “We hope to connect with homeowners by presenting environmental and economic issues facing our society today, and how individual action can help mitigate these problems.”

“From New York to San Francisco, we will be traveling the country helping Americans make energy conscious choices.”

Green science fair on wheels

Equipped with a specially-modified engine, solar panels, an interior completely constructed of sustainable materials, and a host of other innovative technologies, the bus is a virtual exhibit for sustainable practices. With five key educational pillars in mind, the bus and its drivers will focus on promoting:

• Reduction of consumption and recycling
• Energy efficiency
• Clean and renewable energy
• Wise food choices
• Personal action through voting

“I’m excited about putting to use all the new teaching tools we have this year to help the public learn about the energy issues facing our society,” said Marissa Knodel, a 2009 Dartmouth graduate and the Big Green Bus’s education director.

The Big Green Bus leaves the Dartmouth College campus on June 16th and will travel more than 12,000 miles through 40 states from New Hampshire to California and back again, educating Americans of all ages about how to green their homes and their country.