Most environmentally minded college students are aware of what’s anticipated to be one of the biggest Earth Day events in history: Saturday’s March for Science on Washington, D.C., and more than 425 satellite marches around the world.
Maybe you’ve already arranged to take part in one or more of these April 22 demonstrations. But what plans have you made for Earth Week, the important lead-up to Earth Day?
Read on to learn about some of the best Earth Week events for students at colleges across the U.S.:
Colorado State University
Earth Week at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a giant affair, not just a week—but nine full days. From small free educational events like “Carpool and Coffee” where you can get free coffee and learn how to get involved in carpooling to campus to its all-day “Earth Day Festival,” Colorado State University’s Earth Week is filled with opportunities to learn, network and have some fun. And don’t forget to drop by and say “hi” to our organizers and volunteers who will be tabling at the Festival!
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University’s Earth Week spans April 17 to April 21. Those five days are packed with free sustainability focused giveaways, lectures, films and more. A special highlight are “Waste Sorting 101” workshops, where in just 30 to 60 minutes you can learn how the university manages its waste, what you can do to reduce your waste and the correct ways to sort your waste on campus in its trash, recycling and compost bins.
SUNY ESF
At SUNY ESF, Earth Week is a big deal, and for good reason: The university’s official name is State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Still, it’s pretty cool that its keynote lecture will be delivered by author, environmentalist and 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben. Besides the opportunity to meet McKibben, you’ll have the opportunity to attend cultural events, create sustainable crafts, attend free lectures, sample and purchase healthy food, make some tie-dye, and more. It runs April 17 to April 23, culminating in “Earth Fest,” a big event with music, speakers, vendors, tables and activities.
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University’s Earthstock is the name of this college’s version of Earth Week. It includes lectures given by environmental experts from diverse backgrounds (including the author of this article), as well as workshops and art events, culminating in its daylong Earthstock Festival on April 21. Featured this year is a musical event and discussion about Standing Rock and other environmental justice issues called the “Roadshow of Resistance,” held April 20.
University of California Berkeley
University of California Berkeley’s Earth Week officially runs April 17 to April 24, after a few pre-Earth Week events. During Earth Week, students can attend lectures, activism events, professional workshops and other opportunities to bring more sustainability and science into their lives. With up to eight events per day, it’s easy to find something to get involved with that fits your busy student schedule.
What if there’s no Earth Week at my college?
If your college doesn’t have a big Earth Week celebration, you can always join in on one of these or other universities’ events. Bike or take public transportation to a college Earth Week celebration near you, and bring your friends. That way you’ll have people to help you lobby to bring an Earth Week to your own college next year.
