The Big Green Bus: Changing the World, One Mile at a Time

The Big Green Bus is on a mission to change the world, one mile at a time. Big Green, along with 15 extraordinary passengers, is on a very special cross-country journey across America from June to August. The passengers, who are Dartmouth College students, are on a mission to spread the word about alternative energy and sustainable living.

Covering 40 states and thousands of miles, this very special road trip departed from Dartmouth College on June 16, 2009. For the fifth year in a row, the Big Green Bus travels the land, making educational pit-stops along the way, stopping at summer camps, museums, food festivals and churches – wherever the road takes them.

Gone is the old school bus from years past. The Big Green Bus of 2009 is a modified 1989 MCI vehicle, equipped with a kitchen, living and sleeping areas. The coach bus is tricked out with LCD TVs, WiFi and surround sound too.  True to its name, the Big Green Bus truly is a green machine!  The interior is made out of sustainable products including bamboo flooring, recycled counter-tops and formaldehyde-free paint.   The roof-mounted solar panels power the air conditioning system, refrigerator, WiFi, computers and cell phones. And the modified engine runs on both diesel and vegetable oil! The waste veggie oil (WVO) actually comes from leftover oil from restaurants and other food establishments.

Big Green is a “rolling science fair”, equipped with re-designed educational exhibits which spotlight green living. Besides one-on-one conversations with the crew, informative displays and resources are set up both outside and inside the bus.  An interactive map, schedule, photographs and blog are available on the Big Green Bus website. The Dartmouth College students, aboard the eco-friendly Big Green Bus, are spreading awareness about environmental responsibility and energy conservation, one mile at a time.