CMC’s online ‘Sustainability Conference 2022: Be the Change’ set for Earth Day, April 22

Colorado Mountain College’s sustainability studies program will host its sixth sustainability conference from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Earth Day, April 22. “Be the Change,” will be accessible via Zoom throughout CMC’s nine-county district and beyond. The conference is free and the public is welcome and encouraged to register and attend.

Matt Hamilton will provide the keynote address, discussing his perspectives on leading sustainability efforts within the business sector. Hamilton spent nearly 14 years with the Aspen Skiing Company first as sustainability coordinator, then sustainability manager, and finally, as director of sustainability.

Hamilton is now the director of corporate sustainability at VF Corporation, one of the largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies in the world focusing on socially and environmentally based operations and products.

The 123-year-old corporation has 12 brands including The North Face, Vans, Smartwool and Timberland. Hamilton said that VF Corporation produces 400 million units of apparel, footwear and accessories every year, and “As practitioners, we’re able to influence and help reduce environmental and social impacts by producing sustainable products,” he said.

The conference will also feature CMC President Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, who will describe the college’s educational and operational visions regarding sustainability.

Additionally, graduating sustainability studies students will give brief research presentations in five breakout rooms. Virtual attendees may select which breakout room to visit: 1) biodiversity as goal and solution; 2) social justice and education; 3) infrastructure for transformation; 4) food and the future; and 5) rivers, fire and climate action.

Spots for the virtual conference are filling fast. And following the conference, three CMC campuses – at Vail Valley at Edwards, Steamboat Springs and Spring Valley – will host Earth Day celebrations that will be free and open to the public.

The Steamboat campus's activities will run from 12:30-3 p.m. outdoors in Bear Park at the Growing Dome and will feature live music, speakers, free food and hands-on fun.  The Edwards's campus will feature "Food for Thought" from 2-3 p.m. with a panel discussion moderated by Professor Kim Langmaid, student capstone research posters, induction cooktop cooking demonstrations and sustainable snacks. The Spring Valley campus's event will run from  2-4 p.m. and will include physical poster presentations, coffee and snacks, and live music from Carbondale musician Olivia Pevec.

For more information about all the on-campus activities and to register for the virtual conference, visit CMC 2022 Sustainability Conference: Be the Change.