Waste Manager Wins EPA Award

Harvard’s Recycling and Waste Manager won an annual Environmental Merit Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s New England divison today at its Earth Day celebrations in Boston.

At the event, presenters highlighted Robert M. Gogan, Jr.’s commitment to recycling at Harvard, a cause he has championed for over a decade and a half.

The program specifically cited Gogan’s efforts to distribute reusable office supplies and furniture to non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. It also mentioned Harvard’s annual Valentine’s Day cosmetics drive for a Cambridge woman’s shelter, and the “Stuff Sale,” during which students donate unwanted furniture to be resold at the beginning of each school year.

The award comes at a time when Harvard is elevating the profile of its green programs, committing to greenhouse gas reductions this summer and staging a Sustainability Week in the fall, which featured an address from former Vice President Al Gore ’69 and banners declaring “Green Is The New Crimson.”

Spring Greeney ’09 and Zach Arnold ’10 of the Environmental Action Committee said they nominated Gogan for the award because of his enthusiasm for environmental issues and his willingness to work closely with undergraduates.

“He is legitimately a hero to the entire campus environmental community,” Arnold said.

A sense of optimism pervaded this year’s awards ceremony, as attendees and speakers repeatedly mentioned the recent elections that have ushered in an administration that prioritizes environmental issues. The ceremony began with a tribute to Lisa P. Jackson, the new administrator of the EPA. The Obama administration was also feted with a video of First Lady Michelle Obama’s recent address to the EPA, in which she said, “The EPA is at the center of President Obama’s highest priorities.”

Another award winner with Harvard ties was Michael W. Shannon, a pediatric toxicologist and the first African-American full professor of pediatrics at the Harvard Medical School. Shannon, who passed away last month, was honored for his work on lead poisoning and clinical pharmacology, as well as his devotion to the environment and children’s health.

This year’s Environmental Merit Awards included 12 lifetime achievement awards, nine individual awards, and over 20 awards to organizations, agencies, and student groups. The awards also marked the 39th annual celebration of Earth Day.