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THE BIG GREEN BUS HITS MAIN STREET U.S.A
As seen on Good Morning America The Big Green Bus has begun its 2007 tour

HANOVER, N.H. – Award-winning journalist Thomas Friedman claims ‘green’ has hit main street U.S.A. This summer, a group of Dartmouth College students are proving that is more than a metaphor. Thirteen students, a fry-grease powered bus, and one monumental goal makes for the summer’s most wicked road trip. On a mission to empower Americans to take charge of their environmental impact, the Bus will hit over 45 cities between June and August, campaigning at America’s biggest concerts, conventions, and rallies in its 10,000+ mile odyssey.




As a rolling eco-lab of interactive exhibits and presentations, the Big Green Bus demonstrates both the cutting edge, as well as the tried and true techniques of alternative energy systems. These include simple cost-effective methods that every American can use to reduce their environmental impact. There is no need for more debate on whether our fossil fuel dependency is hurting America and the world: Instead, it is time to get America rolling in a new direction.

In its third incarnation, this year’s Big Green Bus aims higher and reaches farther than ever before in its goal to put “green” on the mind of every citizen. The Bus itself is a retired school bus retrofitted to run on waste vegetable oil collected from fast-food diners and Chinese take-outs. This summer, the bus houses 11 college students, their gear, and room for visitors. These innovative and inspiring students are out to change the world, but are not asking you to give up all of your creature comforts. Rather, through American ingenuity, they are challenging all to consider better ways to make our world work. The bus features a NASA quality solar panel that provides electricity for their flat screen plasma tv and laptops, along with a telescoping wind turbine. Slap on a sustainably-harvested hardwood floor, a few cans of green paint and presto, you have The Big Green Bus.

The Big Green Bus is in its third year on the road. It started as a group of frisbee players who were looking for an environmentally friendly and cost effective way to get to tournaments. As the summer progressed the students realized the true value of the bus was in the message, not just the means of transportation.

Last year’s crew toured the country again with a renewed dedication to educate the country about renewable energy. Through appearances on Good Morning America, MTV, and CNN, the Big Green Bus brought the possibilities of alternative energy to the attention of individuals across the country. The bus made appearances at music festivals like Bonnaroo, met with local political figures like the Mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newsom, and stopped at local greasy spoons where owners were happy to rid themselves of their fry grease. The success of the summer tour led to The Big Green Bus’s feature as a top 10 Google search site.

This year’s focus goes one step further by not only addressing energy consumption, but also encouraging a sustainable lifestyle. The message of the bus is already being heard in Washington, as members of the bus have discussed sustainable governance with senators and presidential candidates before the bus has even left New Hampshire!

With the help of grants, including the Environmental Stewardship Grant from Energy Corporation, corporate sponsors, including Waste Management and Newman’s Own, Dartmouth College, and the Thayer School of Engineering, The Big Green Bus has begun its summer tour. With programs tailored to children and adults, senators and CEOs, the Bus provides a unique platform to demonstrate how you can reduce your carbon footprint and be a more responsible steward of your environment.

The Big Green Bus is a group of Dartmouth students out to change the world – one veggie powered bus at a time. For a full schedule of dates and appearances visit the website at www.thebiggreenbus.org.

The Bus is coming, are you on board?

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Contact: Frances Vernon 319.480.2409