The Heights

Considering a More Positive Outlook on Climate Change

Peter Coquillette • December 4, 2023

While I agree with the intentions of the environmental movement, I think our generation's fear of climate change is overly pessimistic and lacks positive foresight.

Maroon, Gold, and Green: A Look Into Sustainability Initiatives on the Heights

Eliza Hernandez and Ernest Romero • November 5, 2023

“Sustainability is going to be so important going forward,” Ryan said. “It doesn't matter what your career interest is, or, you know, your individual interests—It's going to apply to so many different disciplines, so I think it's important for students to view it as something they should be paying attention to and being proactive about.”

This Is Your Brain on Meditation

Alli Hargrove • April 19, 2023

As it turns out, our minds are capable of so much on their own when there are no prompts or external stimuli. That is, if we give them the space—and time—to do so.

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down: Week of April 16

Opinions • April 16, 2023

With the first glimpse of summer at the end of last week, Boston College students emerged from their dorm rooms and flooded the quads.

Be One With Nature: Embrace Your Inner Animal and Think Environmentally

Alli Hargrove • February 12, 2023

If you think about it, despite our best attempts to isolate ourselves from nature by hiding behind the walls of our houses and sequestering ourselves in compact cities, we cannot escape the fact that nature trickles into every crevice it can.

Ground Zero for Below Ground Life: What Happens to Us After Life?

Alli Hargrove • December 4, 2022

I was curious about how our bodies—or parts of them, like nails—contribute to the soil’s microbiome. This is especially relevant in the modern age, where we generally spend our lives indoors and away from nature. But, humans still affect the earth’s soil in critical ways, including after we die.

Environmental Racism Panel Discusses Accountability, Awareness, and Solutions

Will Martino • December 1, 2022

The key to environmental justice is keeping conversation about environmental racism alive, according to Rev. Vernon K. Walker, program director of Communities Responding to Extreme Weather.

One Billion Oysters, One Million People, One Mission: Pete Malinowski Talks Billion Oyster Project

Aidan Franklin • March 5, 2022

The world can be saved one oyster reef at a time, according to Pete Malinowski, the executive director of the Billion Oyster Project.

BC Delegation Reflects on Experience at COP26

Julia Kiersznowski • December 5, 2021

A group of Boston College faculty and students returned to campus with a host of new knowledge and perspectives about environmental policy after the University was invited for the first time to COP-26 in Glasgow, Ireland.

Green Newton Promotes Use of Electric Vehicles in the City

Elizabeth Schwab • October 7, 2021

Leslie Zebrowitz bought her Tesla as a gift to her grandchildren, but she said she did not think the environment would also reap the benefits of her gift. Newton needs to make structural changes to its transportation systems, and the best way is through the use of electric vehicles (EVs), Zebrowitz said. About 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the city come from residential and personal vehicles, according to Zebrowitz.

Schiller Institute Hosts Second Environmental Racism Panel

Erin Shannon • March 13, 2021

The Schiller Institute collaborated with BC’s Forum on Racial Justice in America to host an environmental racism panel on Feb. 23 over Zoom. Mizelle and two other panelists spoke about the convergence of environmental and racial issues.

Newton Ordinance on Single-Use Bags Helps BC Students to be More Climate-Conscious

The Heights Editorial Board • January 27, 2020

A City of Newton ordinance requiring businesses over 3500 sq. ft. to provide paper bags instead of plastic bags to customers went into effect Jan. 8. The ordinance also requires that businesses charge...