Sustainable Transportation Week, held from Sept. 18-23 this year, is an opportunity for all students to be aware of how their modes of transportation affect the world around them. There were multiple events students were encouraged to participate in and conversations to join to learn more about the cause. There was a bike repair service offered for free to all students with bikes on campus. Events like these offered support to students during the week when there was a no-car challenge. 

This challenge was for all students, faculty, and anyone else interested in participating involving avoiding the use of cars for the entire week. Bishop’s offered free bus passes for the week so students would be able to commute in a more eco-friendly way. Coffee was served to all students commuting to campus in an eco-friendly way in the Quad from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. After coffee, the event planners organized a variety of environmentally engaging activities. On Tuesday when students were encouraged to bike to school, a mechanic was available in the Quad to perform minor repairs on students’ bikes. 

On Wednesday the 21, students were encouraged to come to campus via carpool or electric car. After, the Conseil Regional de l’Environnement de L’Estrie hosted a Lunch-n-Learn in the Centennial Lobby, in which lecturers provided information about sustainable transportation to participants. That same day, the event planners organized a tree planting ceremony behind Paterson to celebrate National Tree Day. 

Another highlight of the week was the opportunity to win prizes. For every event a student participated in, their name was entered into a drawing to win one of two prizes: the first was a $50 gift card to Limocar, the bus service that goes between Sherbrooke and Montreal; the second was a prepaid STS local bus pass for the 2022-2023 academic year. Sustainable Transportation Week goes hand-in-hand with the farmers’ market that takes place every Friday in the Quad. The BU Environmental Club supports many events like this throughout the academic year to encourage everyone to be more environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. From tree planting to the community fridge, the BU Environmental Club has an influence on all parts of the campus community. They are currently recruiting for multiple positions, including co-leads. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to send an email to dstorey20@ubishops.ca or mbissonnette20@ubishops.ca.