OXFORD – This year’s Green Week at the University of Mississippi will emphasize learning by doing and, following the theme of Chancellor Dan Jones’ inauguration, by serving others.

A highlight of the April 19-23 event will be the “Take One Step Forward” campaign.

“Our focus this year is both an educational outreach and a challenge,” said Jim Morrison, director of the university’s Office of Campus Sustainability and Office of Strategic Planning. “We want to show members of the university community specific ways in which they can make a difference in terms of a sustainable lifestyle.”

Monday’s focus will be recycling and waste minimization. Participants will learn how to recycle on campus or how to sign up for Oxford’s curbside recycling. They can also sign up to volunteer in local recycling or Adopt-A-Highway programs.

Transportation is the theme for Tuesday. Members of the Oxford-Lafayette-University community will be challenged to use an alternative means of transportation at least one day per week.

“We have an ideal university and town to have a very robust alternative transportation system – biking, walking, bus, car-pooling,” Morrison said.

Wednesday’s focus will be energy conservation. Habitat for Humanity and partner organizations will offer home energy audits for low-income residents. Campus buildings will compete in the “Save a Watt” challenge to reduce their energy consumption with simple strategies. The day’s capstone will be the presentation of the Sustainability Leadership Awards.

Thursday’s theme will be awareness of Ole Miss’ Green Initiative. Representatives of such organizations and initiatives as Ole Miss Outdoors, Oxford Pathways Commission, and Roots and Shoots will offer information on sustainable campus living, and businesses also will engage the university community on key sustainability products and topics.

On Friday, area residents will be encouraged to walk, ride their bikes or take the OUT bus to the Square to learn about the Food Pantry, local farmers and farmers’ markets, and related groups. Promoters also will unveil the Green Alliance, a group focusing on sustainability issues for businesses.

Mayor George “Pat” Patterson said Oxford is already ahead of the curve as an eco-aware community, noting that Oxford-University Transit, for instance, has the potential not only for reducing fuel use and emissions generated by commuters, but also can cut traffic congestion for motorists.

“That’s good for everybody,” he said.

Oxford Electric Department is actively promoting the development of solar energy and energy efficiency, and the town also has an active Tree Board to steward its forest canopy.

“Recycling has also been a huge hit,” Patterson said. “Other towns are trying to copy our recycling program now.”