Monday, September 20, 2010

Colin Beavan, the nationally renowned author of No Impact Man who radically lived a year in NYC without generating trash or energy waste, will challenge the University of North Carolina Wilmington in person at 7 p.m. TODAY, Monday, September 20 in Kenan Auditorium.

Beavan's lecture is one of numerous UNC Wilmington sustainability activities this fall that will challenge the campus to examine their lifestyle and reduce their impact on the environment. Details on other events are listed below. These sustainability challenges are part of the university's Synergy Common Reading Program which helps build community and conversation by encouraging the whole campus to read one book together.

This year's Synergy selection, No Impact Man, details Beavan's one year life experiment during which Beavan, his wife and toddler gave up all forms of energy-consuming transportation, turned off the electricity, washed clothes by hand and more. Beavan's visit to UNCW is the first time a Synergy author has lectured on campus. Nearly 30,000 university students across the nation have been encouraged to read No Impact Man as part of an "all freshman read" curriculum. Beavan will not be available for personal media interviews.

Colin Beavan Lecture and Book Signing
7-8.30 p.m., Monday, September 20 in Kenan Auditorium
Kenan seating is sold out, but tickets for overflow seating in the UNCW Lumina Theater (Fisher Student Center) will be available. Required tickets will be distributed beginning at 5:30 p.m. the day of the lecture at Sharky's Box Office on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are $9 for the public and are free for UNCW students, faculty and staff.

No Impact Week
September 26 - October 3
Each day students will be given a different "no impact challenge" such as buying less, lowering trash and energy waste, eating from local vendors, decrease water usage and transportation waste and giving back to the community. The campus will have related demonstration and activities.

No Impact Lunch supporting local farmers
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 29
The front lawn of Wagoner Hall will be transformed into a farmer's market featuring local North Carolina farmers. Wagoner Dining Hall will have a menu including local food and local organizations will educate visitors about sustainability and local eating. The public is welcomed.

Junk to Funk: Post-Consumer Fashions Exhibit
Opening Reception 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, October 14
The Anne Flack Boseman Gallery will feature wearable art and couture fashion made out of trash and recycled materials designed by students in the Department of Theatre's costume and design program.

For a complete list of events please visit http://www.uncw.edu/commonreading/events.htm

Media Contact:
Joy Davis, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.632.3903