Learn about Bryant’s efforts to “go green”

“Rubie and the Green Machine” radio show hosted by Bryant Management lecturers will focus on environmental initiatives at Bryant.

“Going green” is a growing and necessary movement to help save the environment and aid an organization’s bottom line by cutting costs.

On Wednesday, the “Rubie and the Green Machine” radio show hosted by Bryant lecturers Adam Rubin and Dave Greenan will welcome Gaytha Langlois, professor and chair of Bryant’s Science and Technology Department. She will join Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) members to talk about Bryant’s efforts to be more environmentally responsible.

The program, which will air live on “The Beat of Bryant” 88.7 FM beginning at 4 p.m, will also include a call-in segment. (Call in number is (401) 232-6150.) Listen online.

Benefits of going green

Langlois, the director of Bryant’s Center for Sustainable Business Practices, is a prominent voice on campus for the environment. She was involved in a program sponsored on Earth Day in April about “China and the Environment,” took part in Bryant’s first “Green Week,” and was a participant in a World Trade Day panel discussion in May on green business practices. She says becoming more energy efficient and recycling can increase a company’s bottom line.

“It is a sound business practice that can cut costs,” she says.

Gaytha Langlois, professor and chair of Bryant’s Science and Technology Department

The SIFE students who will appear on the show are Marisa Bono ’11 (Derry, NH), Thomas Faxon ’11 (Fiskdale, MA), and Robert Taylor ’09 (Portland, CT). Each are involved in a SIFE project to teach Bryant students the benefits of recycling.

“By recycling, we help to decrease the amount of waste being dumped into landfills, reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses, and protect the Earth’s natural resources,” says Bono, who would like to be a corporate environmental officer one day.

(Photo on the left) Marisa Bono ’11 (Derry, NH) and (photo on the right) Robert Taylor ’09 (Portland, CT).

Turning off the lights after leaving the room, using less water, lowering the heat, and keeping car tires properly inflated are easy steps that can help reduce our carbon footprint.

“Each student can make a difference by doing simple things,” says Taylor.

Bryant’s green effort

Greenan and Rubin hope that the show brings more awareness to Bryant’s green initiatives. Last year, Bryant unveiled its new green data center, which reduced the amount of energy by 35 percent – a savings of nearly $20,000 a year.

Last spring semester, Bryant’s Center for Sustainable Business Practices held the first meeting of the Recycling Summit, and the Science and Technology Department took part in the “Focus the Nation” program to raise awareness to the issue of climate change.

(Photo on the left) Management Lecturer Dave Greenan, and (photo on the right) Adam Rubin.

“We want students to be aware of Bryant’s green efforts and understand that this is a hot-button topic in many businesses right now,” says Rubin. “Green is the future of our economy as we realize that we are rapidly using up our current energy resources.”

Adds Greenan, “My hope is that we can all find out what each of us can do to assist in helping Bryant go green. Open and honest communication will be the key to the initiative’s success.”