Sustainability

Jeff Bush
Class of 2010

Posted May 14, 2010

Class Year: 2010

Majors/Minor: Environmental Studies and Geology / Mathematics

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Leadership on campus: Nordic Ski Team, Quinby House Leader, Sustainable Bowdoin

Environmental Mission: Using environmentalism as a tool for social justice and promoting the common good.

How have you been involved in sustainability efforts on campus?

I am on the President's Climate Commitment Advisory Committee, working on Bowdoin's carbon neutrality plan and events to promote sustainable thinking around campus.  I will never forget being a discussion leader at the Locavore Dinner, walking around the dining hall, eating exclusively local food and engaging students in environmental conversations. Sustainable Bowdoin and being an Eco-Rep are other great ways that I have been involved.

What course or professor helped you to connect with sustainability on campus?

Phil Camill's Senior Capstone Seminar allowed me to learn about local climate action, get hands on consulting experience, and help the towns of Brunswick and Topsham develop plans to reduce their carbon emissions and save money.

Service learning classes have been an outstanding way to connect my education and environmental action.  With various classes I have done water quality and soil work for local communities as well as historical research.  The Geology department has been great about offering lost of service learning classes to connect education and environmental action. 

Are doing or honors project or independent study?

I am doing an honors project in Environmental Studies on Agriculture and Carbon Sequestration.  This fall I traveled to 26 different local farms and took soil samples.  I am researching how farming methods (grazing, manure inputs....) affect the total amount of carbon that is sequestered in the soil.  I am also looking into the possibility for Maine Farmers to be compensated for this sequestration through carbon finance.

I also have an internship this spring with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.  I am working with the town of Bowdoinham to reduce the carbon footprint of their municipal buildings and reach out to the community through environmental education.  

Did you study abroad? Were environmental topics a part of your program?

I studied abroad in Madagascar on SIT's Ecology and Conservation program.  This program changed who I am as an environmentalist.  The hands on aspects of the program allowed me to see how conservation and environmental issues affect the lives of Malagasy people.  I spent my last month doing an independent study project, traveling through the Jungle studying how carbon finance and conservation is viewed and implemented on the local level.  The program really highlighted how environmentalism is a human issue. 

How do you think will you remain involved in sustainability efforts after graduation?

I am hoping to work in the field of environmental and outdoor education.  I think that I am more prepared to live and think more sustainably as a result of my Bowdoin Education.

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