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Sustainable Living
"A frequent entry point into a faith-based approach to
caring for the Earth is through a recognition that a lifestyle of endless consumption
denies us of the very satisfactions of life the marketing industry tries to attract us
with . . . Once there is an understanding of the gravity of the crises, and a personal
commitment to change, the next step is deciding just what action is necessary and most
likely to be effective. This is the path of compassion and connectedness to other beings
and is another critical link in developing a practice of environmental
commitment ~ Green Sanctuary Program Manual
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Past Activities/Events
October 5, 2011 - "Deep Green" Film Screening
Based on six years of intensive research and devoted exclusively to solutions to man-made global warming,
Deep Green cuts through the clutter to bring new clarity to an increasingly-urgent situation: the best
applications worldwide in energy efficiency, green building, de-carbonizing transportation, sustainable
agriculture, renewable energy and smart grids, and forest restoration. Some profoundly personal and
practical-like what one person can do to lower their carbon load in their own house, with their own
Lifestyle, on their own land. Others necessarily complex, such as Southern California Edison's quest
to find the best batteries to electrify transportation.
We heard compelling insights from dozens of prominent thinkers, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers
and government officials on de-carbonizing energy and restoring the natural environment. Included were
legendary authors Lester Brown and Michael Pollan; renowned scientists Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain
Institute and Dr. David Suzuki; powerful voices in China like Barbara Finamore, Huang Ming, and Zhang Wei;
and green energy pioneers in seven countries across Europe.
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October 11, 2011 - Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods
(And How to Avoid Them)
BUF and community members attended a presentation on how foods are
genetically engineered, the known and unknown dangers from their consumption, and how one
can protect their family by the choices they make every week. Attendees were encouraged to
help to achieve a "consumer rejection tipping point" which will force GMOs out of the US market,
just as they have already successfully done in most European countries.
Presented by Linda Fels and Tanja Kanoa. Co-sponsored by the Green Sanctuary Program
of the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship and the local Bellingham chapter of the Weston
A Price Foundation.
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May 4, 2011 - Community Night Movie Bag It Comes to BUF
As another activity in our Earth Day celebrations, the Green
Sanctuary Team supported the idea of a plastic shopping bag ban ordinance in Bellingham.
"Bag It" followed "everyman" Jeb Berrier who decided to take a closer look at our cultural
love affair with plastics. Americans use 60,000 plastic bags every five minutes—single-use
disposable bags that we mindlessly throw away. But where is "away?" Where do the bags and
other plastics end up, and at what cost to our environment, marine life and human health?
This event included a speaker on the proposed ordinance, discussions as well as an
opportunity to send letters to the city council.
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May 1, 2011 - Bag It Comes to BUF
As another activity in our Earth Day celebrations, the Green
Sanctuary Team supported the idea of a plastic shopping bag ban ordinance in Bellingham.
"Bag It" followed "everyman" Jeb Berrier who decided to take a closer look at our cultural
love affair with plastics. Americans use 60,000 plastic bags every five minutes—single-use
disposable bags that we mindlessly throw away. But where is "away?" Where do the bags and
other plastics end up, and at what cost to our environment, marine life and human health?
This event included a speaker on the proposed ordinance, discussions as well as an
opportunity to send letters to the city council. Admission was free, but donations of clean,
reusable fabric shopping bags for use by Lydia Place residents were gladly accepted.
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April - May 2011 - Reusable Shopping Bag Donations
As part of our Earth Day activities and in conjunction with the Plastics Reduction
Month and the proposing of the plastic bag ban ordinance in Bellngham, throughout the months of April and
May, we collected reusuable fabric or nylon shopping bags. Donated bags were destined to the residents of
Lydia Place.
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September 25, 2010 - Local Harvest Dinner
BUF's Simple Sisters hosted a smashing local harvest dinner success! All 30 seats
were purchased and nobody went hungry. All meals items were prepared using local food products. It was
a five-course meal including soups, salads, entrees, drinks and deserts.
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August 21-22, 2010: Training For Transition
BUF worked with Transition Whatcom to co-sponsor and host their training of leaders for the next
phase of the Transition movement. Workshop leaders were Cindi Landreth of the Transition Whatcom
Initiating Group and David Johnson of Transition Portland. The two-day workshop was designed to
better educate people about how to ease through the challenges facing communities today such as peak
oil, climate change, and the economic crisis. The training utilized a positive approach of focusing
on solutions that lead to a more satisfying life. The training was open to anyone and cost $150 for
both days per participant with a partial scholarships available. The workshops were held in Resources'
Sustainable Living Center.
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August 2010: Food Donations Go To The Lummi Reservation Food Bank
The month of August was designated to support the Lummi Reservation Food Bank which serves
all residents (both Indian & non-Indian) living on the reservation and on Lummi Island. It is
being stretched to the limit because of the huge demand it is experiencing. This is one of six
Whatcom County food banks. The demand for food is huge and growing daily. With our economy
faltering, more and more people who used to contribute to the food bank are now finding that
they are in need and are using these services. BUF has agreed to send our food donations to the
Lummi Food Bank one month every quarter. They need canned vegetables (green beans and corn),
canned fruits, dry cereals (corn flakes, cherrios, etc., they get oatmeal in bulk), any kind
of tomato products like sauces, canned tomatoes, flour, sugar, canned milk, beans, pasta, and
rice. Please go through your cupboards or pick up something extra for the blue tubs. They stand
ready to gather your gifts. It is critical that we, as a community, don't fail in our commitment
to feed the hungry and be generous to those struggling to get by. We need to be in this effort
for the long haul!
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July and August 2010: BUF Flea Markets and Yard Sales
Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the Flea Markets throughout July and August! Various
flea markets and yard sales were held in the BUF Parking lot and peoples homes. We raised
around $1795 to put towards our budget shortfall. It was a great way for all the recycled
treasures to find new homes and simplifing life for their former owners. It was easy, cleansing,
tax deductible, and green! And every little bit helps towards the budget! A big very big
thank you to Coral Dudek, who created, organized and coordinated the entire event!
April 29, 2009: "Emerald Cities" with Joan Fitzgerald
Green Santuary will be hosted and co-sponsored with Village Books and Sustainable Connections,
a presentation by author Joan Fitzgerald, author of "Emerald Cities: Urban Sustainability and
Economic Development." Following Ms. Fitzgerald's presentation will be a panel of local
representatives to discuss local sustainability and economic issues for Bellingham and Whatcom
County.
Panel members included: Derek Long, Executive Director, Sustainable Connections - Tara Sundin,
Special Projects Manager, Planning & Community Development Department, City of Bellingham - Rick
Nicholson, Director of Service Development, Whatcom Transit Authority and Tom Anderson of
Transition Whatcom Initiating Group.
Here is a refreshing look at how American cities are leading the way toward greener, cleaner, and
more sustainable forms of economic development. Fitzgerald shows how in the absence of a
comprehensive national policy, cities like Chicago, Portland, and Seattle have taken the lead
in addressing the interrelated environmental problems of global warming, pollution, energy
dependence, and social justice.
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Cities are major sources of pollution but because of their population density, reliance on public
transportation, and other factors; Fitzgerald argues that they are uniquely suited to promote and
benefit from green economic development. She also examines how investing in green research and
technology may help to revitalize older industrial cities. Lucid, forward-looking, and guided by
a level-headed optimism that clearly distinguishes between genuine progress and exaggerated
claims, Emerald Cities points the way toward a sustainable future for the American city.
Joan Fitzgerald is the Director of the Law, Policy and Society Program at Northeastern University
and the author of Moving Up in the New Economy: Career Ladders for U.S. Workers and Economic
Revitalization: Cases and Strategies for City and Suburb. Co-sponsored by Village Books,
Sustainable Connections and BUF's Green Sanctuary Program.
April 25, April 29, May 1 and May 2, 2009: BUF's Green Power Drive
As part of our Earth Day Celebration, the Green Sanctuary Team partnered with 3 Degrees, in
conducting a green power drive among the friends and members of BUF. Bellingham used to be
the number #1 Green Power city in the nation, but we've lost our standing to Gresham and
Corvallis, OR. Through our drive, we want to work to restore Bellingham to the #1 spot, help
continue the greening of our congregation and our county and raise funds for the Green
Sanctuary Program! PSE gave back to the Green Sanctuary Team $10 for every family
we can sign up as 100% green power participants and $5.00 for every upgrade to 100% and
$5.00 for every sign-up less than 100%.
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March 5-7, 2009: Women's Retreat
This year's women's retreat was held at Camp Lutherwood. Proprietors of Camp Lutherwood
have just recently become members of Sustainable Connections. Camp Lutherwood has instituted
various policies and equipment to assist with recycling, composting, energy conservation (CFLs
in many places throughout the camp grounds) and water conservation (dual flush toilets).
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October 1, 2009: "Economic Instability, Climate Change, and The End of Cheap Oil:
The Gathering Storm?"
Transition Whatcom, a local group with the goal of significantly reducing community dependence
upon fossil fuels, partnered with the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship and other organizations
to host three local speakers who are experts in the fields of economics, climate change science,
and energy resource depletion. This event provided up-to-date, factual information about these
critical issues, how they are related, and how solutions must be developed in the context of all
three. The presentations were followed by a question and answer session and discussion on local action.
The panel included:
Dan Warner, who addressed the current economic situation, teaches business courses at Western
Washington University’s School of Business and Economics, and has been involved for many years in local
efforts related to economics, growth and community planning.
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Juliet Crider, the second speaker, holds a Ph.D. in Geology and Environmental Science from Stanford
University. She is on the faculty at WWU, where she teaches courses and directs research on geologic hazards
that impact our community, including earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change.
John Rawlins, who until this spring taught astronomy, physics, and energy courses at Whatcom Community
College. Rawlins has a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics and worked for many years in the nuclear energy industry,
including 20 years with the Westinghouse Hanford Company, involved in breeder-reactor startup physics and
international collaboration on advanced nuclear fuel cycles.
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Location: BUF Sanctuary, 1708 I St., Bellingham
Cost: Free
This event is hosted by the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Green Sanctuary Program, and co-sponsored by Village
Books, RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, Community Food Co-op, Sustainable Bellingham, Pickford Film Center,
Moka Joes, Terra Organica, A-1 Builders, Adaptations Design Studio, and Appliance Depot. For more information go to
transitionwhatcom.ning.com, email tomxyza@comcast.net, or call
(360) 739-1968.
September 19-20, 2009: Rock the Bulb!
Puget Sound Energy was engaged in a four-month-long (July - October) campaign called PSE’s "Rock
the Bulb" Tour to promote home energy efficiency by encouraging PSE residential electric customers
to switch from incandescent lighting to ENERGY STAR®-qualified, energy-efficient compact fluorescent
light (CFL) bulbs. PSE’s Rock the Bulb Tour demonstrated easy ways for residents to lower their home
energy use as a first step to saving money, energy and the environment.
"CFL bulbs use 75 percent less electricity than old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs and last up
to 10 times longer," explained Cal Shirley, vice president of Energy Efficiency Services for PSE.
"Every light bulb changed will save $40 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime."
Several BUF members joined PSE and the Project Porchlight crews in passing out CFLsb between 10:00
am and 2:00 pm, manning tables at Lowe's off Sunset Blvd and they worked their behinds off! PSE
offered Whatcom residents the opportunity to bring in up to 10 regular incandescent bulbs and exchange
them for 10 CFLs and the event was very attended with lots and lots of individuals exchanging bulbs.
Everyone enjoyed snacks and family games – rode the energy comparison bike, spun the wheel of lights
and participated in fun energy-efficiency games and activities for the whole family! Everyone also
received energy-saving tips and learned more about saving energy and money from PSE Energy Advisors.
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May 17, 2009: Bike to Worship Day
Although we encourage use of alternative transportation everyday, we were happy to join St. James
Presbyterian Church in their efforts to set aside a weekend when Bellingham faith communities banded
together to support a reduced use of motorized vehicles. 4 BUF members traveled by bus, 20 walkee and
20 came to services by bike.
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February 8, 2009: Green Conversations: Recycling
BUF members concerned about BUF's recycling program met to discuss options of improving it.
Discussions included creating a portable recycling center for the social hall, working with RE
to education the youth about the program, better signage and announcements in the midweek email
updates and order of services.
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January 18, 2009: Green Conversations: Water
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BUF members concerned about water issues met to discuss the various issues around water and how
BUF can best address the issues. Because of the complexity of the issues concerning water
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October 23, 2008 - "Solar in Bellingham" with Dana Brandt
Owner of Ecotech Energy Systems in Bellingham, Dana Brandt reviewed the basics of: How solar energy works;
Why it works in Bellingham; What it costs; What the new financial incentives are; and took us on a virtual
solar tour of local installations. Dana Brandt has a wide range of renewable energy experience. He holds a
Master of Science degree in Renewable Energy and has been involved in renewable energy projects in eight
countries on five continents. He is also active in the emerging field of microgrids and distributed
generation.
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October 2008: Green Building and Renovation
October 1-10: Energy Alternatives. This week we looked at energy alternatives including solar,
wind, geothermal, hydroelectric and biomass.
October 11-17: Energy Efficiency. This week we looked at those things we can do to our homes
to increase energy efficiency.
October 18-24: Water Conservation. This week we looked at ways to conserve a very precious
resource: water.
October 25-31: Resource Materials. Although space scheduling was a problem, printed materials on
various green resources have been made available to the congregation.
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September 7-14, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m - "Eat Local Week"
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This week-long culinary extravaganza was packed full of fun and delicious events celebrating the
local bounty of harvest season in Whatcom County sponsored by Sustainable Connections. It included
all-local fine dining at favorite restaurants, classes and recipes helping people to Buy FRESH, films,
demonstrations and many more activities.
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September 15, 2008 @ 7:00 p.m - "Food Consersations"
The new UUA Congregational Study/Action Issue for 2008 – 2012, selected at General Assembly,
is "Ethical Eating: Food and Environmental Justice." The Green Sanctuary Program Team felt the issue
of eating locally takes a big priority in our combating a myriad of environmental and social issues.
For this reason we, chose the month of September for "Local Foods and Food Security." As a part of
that effort, we invited BUF members and members from the greater community to join us for a short
film "The True Cost of Food" and tackled questions the film raised. About 30 people attended this
event.
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| September-October 2008: "Menu for the Future" course by the Northwest
Earth Institute.
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Session One: "King Corn" and introduction - Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis, best friends from college on the east
coast, move to the heartland to learn where their food comes from. With the help of friendly neighbors, genetically
modified seeds, and powerful herbicides, they plant and grow a bumper crop of America’s most-productive, most-subsidized
grain on one acre of Iowa soil. But when they try to follow their pile of corn into the food system, what they find
raises troubling questions about how we eat and how we farm.
Session 2: What’s Eating - Given the array of food choices and advice, eating in modern America industrial
society can be wrought with confusion, contradictions and anxiety. This session considers the effects of modern
industrial eating habits on culture, society and the Earth.
Session 3: Anonymous Food - This session traces the historical shift from family farms to industrial agriculture
to present day questions surrounding GMOs and industrial organics. The session examines the ecological and economic
impacts that have accompanied the changes in how we grow and prepare food.
Session 4: Farming for the Future - This session explores emerging food system alternatives, highlighting
sustainable growing practices and the benefits of small farms and urban food production. It considers how individuals
can make choices that lead to a more sustainable food supply.
Session 5: You Are What You Eat - This session explores food systems from a human health perspective. The
session considers the influences that shape our choices and food policies from the fields to Capitol Hill, and the
implications for our health and well-being.
Session 6: Towards a Just Food System - The readings in this session examine issues of hunger, equity, and
Fair Trade. The session considers the role that governments, communities and individuals can play in addressing
these issues to create a more just food system.
Session 7: Choices for Change - Individuals and communities are discovering the benefits of choosing local,
seasonal, and sustainably grown and produced foods. This session offers inspiration and practical advice in taking
steps to create more sustainable food systems.
Session 8: Winding Up - Celebrate the completion of the course with a local foods potluck and a discussionon
on where we go from here.
March-April 2008 - Local Food
The theme for the months of March and April 2008 was Local Food. A variety of information on local
food was made available during the Grand Coffee Hour throughout the month. Some examples of the
information displayed can be viewed here. We were also fortunate enough to have a few CSA members
available to talk with congregational members and answer questions about the Community Supported
Agriculture (CSA) program on April 6, 2008.
Whatcom Farm Map & Guide
Whatcom County Community Supported Agriculture Farms
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January-February 2008 - BUF's Recycle Program
In January 2008, three members of our Green Sanctuary team attended Sustainable Connections’ "Toward
Zero Waste" workshop. This was a citywide initiative to help businesses reduce their waste. As a result,
we had Sanitary Services (our local trash collector) perform a waste audit on our building. In the
following months, we instituted color-coded recycling and waste containers throughout the building, added
Food Plus Recycling and switched our mix of waste and recycling collection bins outdoors.
To see more information on BUF's Recycling Program click here.
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February 2008 - E-Waste Education & Collection Drive
On February 3 and 10, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. in Rm 1, GSP and Lifelong Learning co-sponsored the film
"Digital Dump: Exporting Reuse and Abuse to Africa" as part of the Inquiry Sunday series.
On February 24, 2008, the Green Sanctuary sponsored an E-waste drive. Sanitary Service Company
(SSC) ran a pilot program through March for its Bellingham customers. The program collected
electronic waste which was then taken to Genesis Recycling located in Aldergrove, BC for reuse and
recycling. Members were encouraged to bring in all their unused electronic devices and components
for recycling.
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November 27, 2007 - "The Great Turning" Video Review and Discussion
The Great Turning makes the case that we humans are a choice making species that at this defining moment
faces both the opportunity and the imperative to choose our future as a conscious collective act. We can
no longer deny the need nor delay our response. A mounting perfect economic storm is fast approaching. A
convergence of climate change, peak oil, and the financial instability inherent in an unbalanced global
trading system will bring an unraveling of the corporate-led global economy and a dramatic restructuring
of every aspect of modern life. "The Great Turning" video was viewed and a discussion, facilitated by Rebecca
Cors, was held after the viewing.
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October 16, 2007 - New Building Breaking of the Bread
Several groups put together a "Breaking of the Bread" gathering with the design of the new building as
its focus. The prospective plans were drawn up and presented to attendees. The plans were generally very
well received. Modifications are yet to be made and will hopefully be finalized by the middle of January
2008.
To see more information on BUF's New Addition click here.
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YRUU Goes Green! - October 14, 2007
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On October 14, 2007, Katie Fleming of RE Sources came to the YRUU meeting with a one-hour presentation
on Media & Marketing entitled "Think Twice Before You Buy." Teens are buying more than ever before, and
the effects of increased levels of consumption are at the core of many of the environmental and social
challenges we face today. Through a multimedia presentation, discussions, and activities that promote
critical thinking skills, our teen group gained knowledge about the issue of over-consumption, the role
they play as consumers, and the sound decisions they can make regarding their own consumer habits –
learning to "think twice before they buy." We brainstormed ideas in applying our principles and values
to our spending, such as encouraging support of our local economy, focusing our spending dollars on used
or recycled products, alternative gift-giving, being educated consumers, and not letting the media get
the best of us. [18 teens attended]
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As a follow-up to the Media and Marketing presentation, we invited the Young Adult Group to our next
meeting, October 21st, to bring ideas and samples of alternative gift-giving, using recycled or reusable
items. We had about 8 Young Adults show up, well-armed with ideas and supplies. These included wood-
burning on driftwood, fun and fancy photo frames from assorted left-over bits of this and that, origami
boxes from calendar photos, knitting lessons, and rolled beeswax candles. YAG also compiled a
comprehensive list of hip local places to support, either because of their own dedication to sustainable
business practices, reuseable products, or the idea of giving "experiences" rather than material things.
[14 teens attended].
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June 30, 2007 - Imagine This! Home and Landscape Tour
Several members of BUF got together in the church's van and headed out on Sustainable Connections annual
tour. This annual tour showcases homes and businesses and their efforts to be come environmentally friendly.
Vendors and contractors are available throughout the many, many sites on the tour.
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May 19, 2007 - New To You" Sale
The Women's Alliance sponsored a sale of goods donated by members of the congregation. This activity
helped us to meet our GSP goals and encouraged everyone to reduce their consumption of new products and
increase reuse of existing products. Goods not purchased by the end of the sale were donated to an
organization in need.
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Earth Day to Autumn Equinox 2007 - BUF's Transportation Challenge
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, our choice of transportation mode is the most effective
choice individual citizens can make toward improving the environment. So we challenged our members to learn
to use alternative means of transportation such as walking, bicycling, riding the bus and carpooling. From
Earth Day to Autumn Equinox 2007, we challenged all members and friends to use alternative transportation
to and from Sunday service as a first step. Over 60 members recorded their Sunday trips on a poster
prominently featured in the church foyer. We also encouraged them to record all alternative transportation
trips on the local city website WhatcomSmartTrips.org. This was our first project, being kicked off during
our Earth Day 2007 Fair. Although we held this challenge only once, it has had lasting effects. The number
of people who use alternative transportation to Sunday services (and everyday) continues to rise. Many
people also carpool to BUF meetings and events in the evening when the city bus system reduces service.
Our bike racks are always full as well as most trees in the vicinity. Our building expansion plans include
huge new bike racks with 30 – 40 stalls.
To see more information on BUF's Transportation Challenge click here.
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