Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend as many events as you can for your chance to win various prizes! First, second and third place winners will be determined by those who attend the most events throughout the week. There will be one set of student winners and another set of faculty/staff winners. More competition details may be viewed on the 

Huria Tahiry ‘26, environmental justice intern for ������Ƶ’s Office of Sustainability, has attended several Earth Week events over the past three years, and says that Earth Week is “a wonderful opportunity to learn, make new friends, have fun, and take a moment to appreciate the Earth.” Tahiry is particularly excited for this year’s Earth Week, since there will be more events than any previous year.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Saturday, April 18

SUSTAINABLE DAY OF SERVICE | VARIOUS TIMES & LOCATIONS (TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED)
9 – 12 p.m. | PARK REVITALIZATION WITH ALAMANCE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

Help restore one of the local Alamance parks that serves the whole community! The event will be at Swepsonville River Park (2472 Boywood Rd. Swepsonville N.C.) The activities will include repainting the entrance gate, and staining two Kiosks, and a couple of park benches.

Transportation will be provided from the ������Ƶ Express Bus Stop between Inman ������Ƶ and the Library

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | MORROWTOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN WORK DAY | MORROWTOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN

Spend time outdoors, connect with others, and support a space that provides fresh food and connection opportunities in Burlington! Come get your hands dirty, learn something new, and be part of growing something meaningful together. �ճ����Morrowtown Community Garden was founded and is managed by the Morrowtown Community Group, which was formed to inspire positive social and environmental change for a diverse community in Burlington that deserves to thrive. Participants should wear clothing and shoes they don’t mind getting dirty. Please bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen. Transportation to the event will be from the ������Ƶ Express spot outside of the library.

1:30 – 4:30 p.m. | KAYAK CLEAN UP | LAKE MACKINTOSH

Take care of local Lake Mackintosh while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaks, gloves and trash bags provided. New and experienced kayakers are welcome!  Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen. Transportation to the event will be from the ������Ƶ Express stop outside of the library.

Monday, April 20

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | CAREER CLOSET | UPSTAIRS LAKESIDE

Join us for the Career Closet “grand opening” for a special one-day pop-up shopping event!

The Career Closet empowers ������Ƶ students by increasing access to professional and formal attire while fostering leadership, service, and community impact. In partnership with the Student Professional Development Center, the Center for Leadership, the Office of Sustainability and Student Involvement, this on-campus resource encourages students to think ahead, support one another and give back to the ������Ƶ community.

This event is open to all members of the ������Ƶ community.

Have extra professional or formal wear? Donate gently used items from April 7th–April 17th in the Center for Leadership to give back, support fellow students and promote sustainability on campus.

Stop by, shop sustainably and find the perfect look for your next interview, internship, or formal event!

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | ORGANIC MOCKTAILS | CLOHAN DINING HALL

Come try a delicious mocktail featuring Certified Organic Tractor Beverage and learn about organic produce with ������Ƶ Dining’s Sustainability Manager Leslie Bosse!

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | SOOTHING SOUNDS OF SUCCULENTS | NUMEN LUMEN SACRED SPACE

Step into a space designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect. Soothing Sounds & Sprouts is a mental-health-centered gathering where calming music and hands-on planting come together to nurture you.

Enjoy a curated soundscape of gentle, restorative music; learn how different sounds can impact mood; and plant your own small herb to take home—a living reminder of growth, care and resilience. We will share simple grounding practices you can use anytime stress feels overwhelming and use our senses to be more present.

Whether you stay for five minutes or the full experience, this event invites you to pause, reset, and tend to yourself—because just like plants, we thrive when we receive light, care, and space to grow.

4 – 6 p.m.  | POP UP SWAP SHOP | DOWNSTAIRS MOSELEY
Looking to refresh your closet? Have any perfectly good clothing you no longer wear? Bring it to the Pop-Up Swap Shop to trade for new-to-you shirts, pants, dresses, and more! No clothing to swap? No problem! Commit to a sustainable habit OR donate any fabric scraps on hand to earn free clothing!

�ճ����Pop Up Swap Shop runs in downstairs Moseley every Monday (4 – 6 p.m.) and Friday (3:30-6 pm) during the Spring 2026 semester.

4:15 – 5:30 p.m. | BOOK DISCUSSION – SAVING US: A CLIMATE SCIENTIST’S CASE FOR HOPE AND HEALING IN A DIVIDED WORLD | LOY FARM

In preparation for Katharine Hayhoe’s keynote address on Wednesday, April 22, join Faculty Fellow for Sustainability Scott Morrison for a discussion about Hayhoe’s most recent book. Light snacks will be provided for those who register.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | HONORING INDIGENOUS VOICES | CREDE

Join us for a conversation with Corey Roberts, assistant professor of Native American and Indigenous studies, exploring indigenous history, culture and perspectives connected to this region. This event aims to create space for learning, reflection and dialogue within the ������Ƶ community. Traditional food will be shared as part of the gathering.

Tuesday, April 21

9:40-10:20 a.m. | COLLEGE COFFEE 

Stop by the Office of Sustainability’s table at College Coffee to learn about sustainability efforts on campus. Don’t forget your reusable mug to enter to win $100 Phoenix Cash!

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | COASTAL CRAFTS: SHELL JEWELRY DISHES | YOUNG COMMONS

Create or take home oyster and wampum shell jewelry dishes while learning about their ecological significance and Indigenous cultural importance in the Northeastern United States.

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | GARDEN PARTY | MCEWEN DINING HALL

McEwen Dining Hall will feature garden party themed foods, including small plates and plant-forward options. Come join us for this super fun and sustainable lunch!

4 – 5 p.m. | STARS CELEBRATION | LAKESIDE MEETING ROOMS

Celebrate ������Ƶ’s most recent Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Report with food, interactive activities and exciting prizes! Learn about ������Ƶ’s sustainability efforts, connect with others and discover opportunities to support sustainability at ������Ƶ. This event is open to all students, faculty and staff.

Wednesday, April 22

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | PICKLE POP UP | LAKESIDE DINING HALL
Join ������Ƶ Dining to taste how delicious and sustainable pickling can be!

12 – 2  p.m. | TOTE-ALLY SUSTAINABLE | MEDALLION PLAZA
Join us to paint your own reusable tote bag while learning about how to reduce waste!

5 – 6:30 p.m. | BELTANE CELEBRATION | ELON COMMUNITY GARDEN
Beltane is a time of renewal, protection and community where people can come together to share stories, offerings for deities, and have fun by dancing and making crafts. Beltane is historically a practical agricultural and seasonal holiday signifying the start of the growing seasons and time of abundance. Come celebrate together by making flower crowns, mini maypoles, and enjoying good food!

7 – 8 p.m. | EARTH WEEK KEYNOTE: KATHARINE HAYHOE, “SOLVING CLIMATE CHANGE STARTS WITH US (BUT NOT THE WAY YOU THINK!)” | MCKINNON HALL, MOSELEY CENTER

“What can I do?” is most people’s top climate question. The truth is, while our personal choices matter, the most important action any of us can take isn’t changing a lightbulb, eating a plant-based burger or buying an electric vehicle (EV). Drawing on lessons from science, history, and social movements, Katherine Hayhoe shows how using our voices to call for systemic change is the first step towards catalyzing the tipping points that will help us build a better future. Solving climate change does start with us—but in ways far more powerful than we might imagine.

Katharine Hayhoe is the chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a Horn Distinguished Professor and endowed professor of public policy and public law at Texas Tech University. She has served as a lead author for the second, third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. She is the author of the best-selling book “Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World.” Hayhoe has been named to lists including the TIME 100 Most Influential People and Fortune’s 50 World’s Greatest Leaders.

Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Department, Facilities Management, the School of Communications, the Sustainable Enterprises program and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.

9 – 10 p.m. | S’MORES WITH OUTDOORS | BECK POOL PATIO

Join ������Ƶ Outdoors and the Eco-Reps for a special Earth Week S’mores with Outdoors! Make your own sustainable bug spray so that you can enjoy more time outdoors.

Thursday, April 23

9:50 – 10:30 a.m. | NUMEN LUMEN | NUMEN LUMEN PAVILION 110

The challenges we face expand our perspectives. The moments that leave us speechless have the power to change lives. The stories we tell help us to make sense of these challenges, moments, and everything in between.

Grounding ourselves in this moment is how we show up in an unexpected and ever-changing world.

This week’s speaker is Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of the  Gender and LGBTQIA Center at ������Ƶ where her work focuses on gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, survivor support and violence prevention. For the last 15 years, Becca’s life and work has been dedicated to facilitating healing, justice, sustainability, and connection within communities in professional and personal roles. Becca has served on leadership and organizing teams across Alamance County, currently leading initiatives within the Alamance Racial Equity Alliance and Transcend Alamance. Bischipric Patterson lives in ������Ƶ with her spouse, toddlers, and (many) pets, and loves spending time with friends envisioning a world where all life can thrive.

5 – 7 p.m. PM | PARTY FOR THE PLANET | MOSELEY WEST LAWN

Celebrate sustainability with fun activities and live entertainment! This event will also feature a swap shop where students can trade their gently used clothes for new (gently used) clothes.

5 – 7:30 PM | EARTH FEST | LAKE MARY NELL

Try over a dozen dishes featuring local foods and meet the local partners themselves at ������Ƶ Dining’s Earth Fest! You’ll even get to meet our most famous local partner, Pearl the dairy cow, from Ran-Lew Dairy.

Friday, April 24

PIZZA & PRAYERS FOR THE PLANET | VARIOUS TIMES | MCBRIDE GATHERING SPACE (NUMEN LUMEN)

Join the Truitt Center’s Rabbi Maor Greene, Father Peter Tremblay and Imam Shane Atkinson for Earth Week themed sermons and guided discussion on being caretakers of the natural world. All are welcome to attend one or all of the following sessions:

12:15 -12:45 p.m.  – Catholic Mass
12:45 – 1:15 p.m.  – Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Maor
1:15 – 1:30 p.m. – Jumuah Prayer

3:30-6 p.m. | POP UP SWAP SHOP | DOWNSTAIRS MOSELEY

Looking to refresh your closet? Have any perfectly good clothing you no longer wear? Bring it to the Pop-Up Swap Shop to trade for new-to-you shirts, pants, dresses, and more! No clothing to swap?  No problem! Commit to a sustainable habit OR donate any fabric scraps on hand to earn free clothing!

�ճ����Pop Up Swap Shop runs in downstairs Moseley every Monday (4-6 pm) and Friday (3:30-6 pm) during the Spring 2026 semester.

8:00-9:00 p.m. | SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW | GREAT HALL, SATO COMMONS

Join us for a student-led sustainable fashion show celebrating the creativity and potential of upcycled fashion! Featuring three main themes of comfy, casual, and classy, student designers and models are showcasing the endless possibilities of sustainable styles! Come early to enjoy sustainable sweets and a scrap fruit mocktail prior to the show!

Sunday, April 26

1 – 3 p.m. | ZERO WASTE BASEBALL GAME | LATHAM PARK

Join us at Latham Park for a Zero Waste Baseball Game—where cheering for ������Ƶ also means cheering for the planet! Enjoy the game while helping us reduce landfill waste through composting and recycling. Come learn how small actions can make a big difference and help us show that game day can be both fun and sustainable.

Community Well-Being: How has sustainability helped you feel more connected to a community—either on campus or beyond?

Finn Hughes ’28:  On campus, it’s helped me connect with people who share the same values and passions, whether that’s for the environment, animals or sustainability in general. It’s helped me build friendships, but it’s also shaped my moral compass and pushed me to get more involved beyond campus. I’ve had opportunities I didn’t even know were possible, like trips where we can go to the beach, do cleanups and take part in volunteer work.

Sophie Frank ’29: On campus, Eco Reps and the Office of Sustainability host a lot of events, and since many of my friends are involved in organizing them, I’m able to show up and participate. It feels like we’re all contributing to sustainability on campus as a community, and that’s something that really brings us together. There’s always something going on.

Grace Smith ’27: I’ve been really involved with the Sustainability LLC, especially last year as an RA. I got to see the community we built with the first-year students on my floor. It gave us a way to connect around something bigger than ourselves while still making a real impact in small ways. That shared commitment really shaped a strong sense of community on campus.

Lulu Welch ’28: Between my classes, especially the more environmentally focused ones, and this trip, it’s nice to be around people who care about the environment as much as I do. It can be hard to find people who also care about sustainability, even though it is such an important issue right now.

Emotional Well-Being: In what ways does practicing sustainability support your emotional well-being or sense of purpose?

Hughes:  It definitely hurts my emotional well-being to see the things that are happening to our planet. But practicing sustainability also helps me with my emotional and social well-being. Practicing activities, like cleanups and seeing the positive impact that I can have on the planet, helps me to feel rejuvenated.

Frank: The Earth is very valuable, and honestly, it feels good to be able to take care of it and do what I’m supposed to do. When you make sustainable choices, you influence and engage others. It is rewarding.

Smith: It makes me feel like I’m part of something larger than myself. We all have to be a part of promoting sustainability, educating ourselves and others and living a sustainable lifestyle. All those little things add up, especially when a large group of people is doing them. It feels good to support the well-being of others and the world around me.

Welch: Sustainability is important because it’s how we preserve our environment. It’s something I practice every day. If I didn’t, I’d feel like I wasn’t practicing what I preach and I would be a hypocrite.

Seeing people not care about the environment can be upsetting, because this is our Earth and we need to take care of it. But at the same time, seeing people who do care gives me hope for the future. It makes me emotional because it reminds me that there are people who are paying attention and trying to make a difference.

Physical: Well-Being: What are some sustainable choices you make in your daily routine that also support your physical health?

Hughes: I try to use less plastic, which is good, because it limits the microplastics in your body. I’m also vegan and eat homegrown and fresh produce. I also try to avoid processed foods.

I also try to limit my emissions by walking or biking instead of driving whenever I can.

Frank: I am big on spending time outdoors, walking outside and not using single-use plastic. I am also a vegetarian, which is something that affects my day-to-day lifestyle and overall helps the environment.

Smith: I’ve really been into spending more time outdoors and supporting my national and state parks. When I am outside, I try to pick up any trash and keep the environment clean.

Welch: I always pick up trash when I see it on the ground, and I try to avoid unnecessary plastics by using reusable items. I also try to shop for organic food.

I do a lot of gardening, mostly flowers. I grew up helping take care of my yard, and my mom loves growing flowers, so that’s something I’ve always enjoyed. I’ve tried growing vegetables too, but being from Massachusetts, that didn’t always go very well. I also avoid using pesticides or anything that could be harmful to the environment.

Social Well-Being: How have conversations or shared experiences around sustainability influenced your relationships with others?

Hughes: I’m able to relate to others, whether through protests or shared involvement in sustainability, which helps me feel like I’m not alone. It can be overwhelming at times. It’s easy to feel like one person can’t make a difference. But when you’re surrounded by others who care, it reminds you that your actions matter and together you can get more done, take action and create more opportunities to make an impact.

Frank: Through my major, I’ve been able to connect with a lot of people and build close relationships. I’ve also done volunteer work in western North Carolina, where I met new people. Experiences like this trip and the work we’re doing right now, are already helping me to build new connections.

Smith: Even with this trip, I’ve built a lot of friendships. Coming together in support of a common cause, like sustainability, has helped me build relationships with others who are working toward that same goal.

I came into this trip not knowing anyone, and I’m leaving with friends, all because we shared the same purpose: promoting sustainability.

Welch: I think a lot of people don’t fully understand the importance of sustainability, and that’s the first step. It includes having conversations and educating others so they can better understand the impact of sustainability.

There are plenty of people who don’t really believe in sustainability, which I find funny, because there’s so much science and research that shows why it matters. It’s how we keep our environment clean, healthy and moving forward.

Financial Well-Being: How has sustainability shaped the way you think about spending, saving or using resources?

Hughes:  Even when I go to the store, I’ll pick something up and then stop and think, ‘Wait, is this good for the environment?’ It’s made me more aware of where things come from and what happens after I use them. I think documentaries and experiences like seeing trash on the beach really put that into perspective. It makes you realize how your everyday choices add up and what they actually mean.

Frank: I try not to use single-use plastic. That’s one of the things I try to do the most. When I go to the store, I try to avoid plastic bags and water bottles as much as I can. If I do use them, I make sure to recycle whenever possible.

Smith: I’ve really tried to buy less plastic and throw away less. I avoid things like individually wrapped snacks, like Goldfish. It’s the little things that add up.

That’s really how it has impacted me. I think more about what I’m using and what happens to it after. Where is the garbage I produce going? Is it being recycled properly? Is it actually being turned into something else?

I refuse to use single-use plastics, like one-use water bottles. I’m not a fan. I’ve also been trying to bring my own bags every time I grocery shop. All of those small choices are ways I’m trying to stop contributing to overconsumption and the mass production of plastic, and really downsize my impact.

Welch: I only use reusable products and try to avoid food that is overly processed or full of hormones by shopping for organic foods.  Overall, I try to live my life as sustainably as possible.

Purpose Well-Being: How has your understanding of sustainability influenced your sense of purpose or the impact you want to make after ������Ƶ?

Hughes: Sustainability has shaped a lot of my purpose because I’m really passionate about it. It’s changed me to focus more on action rather than being passive, telling people what needs to be done. Getting hands-on has made me more confident and more passionate about getting involved, whether that’s through school boards, larger organizations or even speaking opportunities.

It’s also helped me realize that I have a purpose that’s bigger than myself. I am able to talk about sustainability in ways that feel more accessible. Sometimes it can seem distant or overwhelming, but bringing it back to everyday actions makes it feel more real and something people can actually connect to.

Frank: With my major, I want to go into corporate sustainability, more on the business side. My goal is to work with larger companies to find ways for them to become more sustainable, while also helping engage businesses and the public in making choices that better support our environment.

Smith: I want to live a sustainable life. As a nursing major. I see there’s so much single-use plastic, things being thrown away in the healthcare industry. I would love to someday make an impact in the healthcare system and make it more sustainable. I want my own life to be sustainable, but there’s more work to be done toward a bigger cause here. Many of our industries aren’t promoting sustainability, and I want to make an impact there.

Welch: For me, sustainability has given me a great sense of purpose. I grew up in a town that was big on recycling. You could even get fined if you didn’t do it. Because of that, my dad has always been a big recycler and it became something that was important to me, too.

I’ve also always been interested in science and biology, so over time those interests started to align with my goals. Now, I want to go into research focused on sustainability or ecological conservation.

Through this shared experience, students reflected on how sustainability isn’t just a single action. It’s a mindset shaped by everyday choices that support the environment and strengthen their own well-being across the six dimensions of well-being.

Hayhoe is the chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a Horn Distinguished Professor and endowed professor of public policy and public law at Texas Tech University. She has served as a lead author for the second, third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. She is the author of the best-selling book “Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World.” Hayhoe has been named to lists including the TIME 100 Most Influential People and Fortune’s 50 World’s Greatest Leaders.

Hayhoe’s talk will focus on the importance of calling for systemic change to tackle the climate crisis. Many people are eager to learn what they can do as individuals to help address climate change. While personal actions are important, Hayhoe emphasizes that solving climate change is dependent on people using their voices to help build a better future.

Hayhoe is also the creator of “Talking Climate”, an online newsletter that shares helpful climate science and solutions through weekly climate updates, positive climate stories and more. 

To view the full schedule of Earth Week events and read more about the upcoming keynote, visit the Office of Sustainability’s website.  

�ճ����������Ƶ Farmer’s Market runs every Thursday at the ������Ƶ Community Church parking lot from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (271 N. Williamson Ave., ������Ƶ). Typical items sold at the market include fruits and vegetables, seasonal fresh-cut flowers, homemade bread, eggs and more.

Other occasional and guest vendors sell items including pottery, jewelry, crafts, clothing and apothecary products. Additionally, Alamance County Public Libraries attends the Farmer’s Market every other week to encourage residents to take advantage of the books and library resources available in Alamance County.

“We love when ������Ƶ students and faculty not only shop but also participate in the market,” said Sarah Bass, the manager of the farmer’s market. “We have had many students participate as guest vendors and musicians. We also have a professor selling her artwork at the market this season”.

������Ƶ’s Office of Sustainability will be tabling during opening day of the Farmer’s market about “ugly” produce and shopping sustainably. For more information on the Farmer’s Market, visit the  For additional information on sustainability-related events at ������Ƶ, visit the Office of Sustainability’s website.

AASHE’s STARS program boasts over 1,200 participants representing 58 countries, making it the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability efforts. Participants report information across five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

Senior Director of Sustainability Elaine Durr spearheads the compilation of the STARS report. “The STARS report is a comprehensive assessment of university-wide sustainability efforts and requires involvement from many individuals across campus,” Durr said. “I appreciate their contributions and collective effort.”

The STARS report illustrates that progress on ������Ƶ’s sustainability goals requires campus-wide collaboration. By breaking down categories into subcategories and credits, each with its own score, the report also serves as a practical tool for pinpointing areas of improvement and guiding future sustainability endeavors.

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “������Ƶ has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Silver rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

To learn about the programs and practices that contributed to ������Ƶ’s STARS Silver rating, .

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. This is ������Ƶ’s first report using the updated . For more information, visit the .

One of those teams, purchasing & technology, shows how sustainability can fit naturally into the work people already do by working towards 1) reducing the campus printing footprint by digitizing self-service options and encouraging electronic resources, 2) sourcing technology that uses environmentally conscious best practices and manage its lifecycle responsibly, and 3) educating and engaging the campus community about sustainable technology practices.

Those strategies might sound complex, but the team says most of the work builds on existing processes and collaborations. Adding sustainability often means asking one more question or making one small adjustment.

“We regularly partner with purchasing on contract management and business agreements,” said Pat Donohue, one of the team leads and the university’s deputy chief information officer. “Adding a request for sustainability transparency from our vendors is a natural improvement of existing processes to align with university strategic objectives.  This is an example of how bold strategy can often be a minor adjustment in organizational behavior.”

Patrick Schwartz is the assistant director of procure to pay at ������Ƶ and one of the team leads for the purchasing & technology implementation team. He added, “Just by being part of this team, the collaboration between our two departments was already strong, and it strengthens every day.”

When IT evaluates vendors, the team already asks about data security, storage and compliance. Now, they also ask vendors to disclose their carbon footprint and energy consumption. It is a simple step that helps ������Ƶ make informed decisions about the products and services it uses.

In addition, Schwartz said the purchasing team can see the purchasing trends on the backend and, leveraging their strong relationship with IT, work together to assure that vendors are providing products to campus that are environmentally and fiscally sustainable and responsible.

Collaboration creates momentum

Collaboration has been key to success. Conversations about sustainability often uncover other opportunities to improve processes, strengthen partnerships and share resources.

Edith Smith shared one of those ideas. She serves as a purchasing agent at ������Ƶ and is a member of the purchasing & technology implementation team. She worked with Amazon to ensure that the first products displayed when employees search for a product are those that have sustainable qualities. In addition to this, Smith and others are looking into ways to encourage the university to increase its partnership with local vendors to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy.

“It can be difficult to put a list of vendors together for a campus with decentralized purchasing, but for me, it’s important to ask how we can encourage our colleagues on campus to use local vendors more regularly and to work with vendors that will cut emissions,” said Smith.

“The focus on sustainability gave us a framework to accelerate improvements we were already pursuing,” said Donohue. “It has been a clear example of how bringing together diverse mindsets with a shared purpose can improve service delivery, streamline business processes and create long-term value for the university.

Schwartz agrees with this sentiment and adds that the team is educating people to consider which sustainable products are offered by vendors.

“None of us can do this work on our own,” he added.

Fiscal responsibility meets sustainability

One of the most significant changes was extending the lifecycle of university-owned laptops and desktops to five years.

“We ensure an extended lifecycle by applying updates and doing necessary maintenance on the equipment throughout its usable lifecycle,” said Rebecca Black, director of campus technology support and member of the purchasing & technology implementation team.

When the lifecycle of the technology ends for us, it goes through a chain of disposal through an agreement with ethically responsible vendors, who repurpose the equipment or its components.

“The equipment we recover doesn’t just go into a waste facility. It has another, purposeful life afterward,” she added.

Donohue added that the proceeds from selling depreciated equipment is reinvested to subsidize advanced support of ������Ƶ computers.

“This benefits our community through faster repairs and maintenance while allowing campus technology support specialists to focus on high-value service delivery than hardware break/fix efforts. It’s a win-win,” he said.

The same principle applies to reducing the number of printers on campus. Fewer devices mean less energy consumption and less paper use, but the change also reflects a cultural shift. Convenience often competes with sustainability, and the team acknowledges that change takes time.

“There’s a fine line between doing what’s easy and convenient and making an extra, impactful effort towards sustainability,” Beck said. “We’re in the moment where this is a necessary priority.”

Schwartz added, “This is one of the best examples of how our work aligns together. We evaluated paper processes on campus and moved purchase card request forms and Adobe signatures to digital processes.”

In addition to the paper and cost-savings, Schwartz and Smith say that these processes also simplify and better organize employee workflows.

“When we thoughtfully scale technology resources in ways such as consolidating printers and encouraging digitization, we also reduce costs and free-up resources that can be reinvested into new innovations that benefit the university,” Beck said. “These efforts will also help us operate more efficiently and enhance the quality of services for our ������Ƶ campuses.”

About the Sustainability Master Plan

The Boldly ������Ƶ Strategic Plan calls on ������Ƶ to “Engage the campus in sustainable practices to become carbon neutral by 2037 – invest in renewable energy, reduce campus energy consumption 20 percent, purchase offsets to make the global study program carbon neutral and continue to build LEED certified buildings – and prepare students to lead lives that build a sustainable future.” The 10-year Sustainability Master Plan 2025 is a roadmap for that bold commitment.

The Haw River stretches 110 miles, and tributaries of the Haw River extend through several counties (including Alamance County), providing drinking water and recreational opportunities to residents.

“As a current intern and past Eco-Rep for the Office of Sustainability at ������Ƶ, I have been able to learn how sustainability is applicable to many different fields and areas of study. Now as an intern for the Haw River Assembly, I have an even greater understanding of how sustainability is important in addressing both human and environmental health,” Campbell said.

Campbell’s role as an intern for the Haw River Assembly is to conduct surveys of several streams and tributaries in the Haw River watershed with the goal of contributing to research on the overall health of the watershed. Data collection includes biological and chemical parameters, as well as macroinvertebrate sampling. Macroinvertebrates are organisms that can be seen without a microscope. Stream macroinvertebrates are good indicators of water quality since different types have varying tolerances to pollution. Pollution-sensitive macroinvertebrates, such as stoneflies and caddisflies, for example, can only be found in good quality water.

The Haw River Assembly has several opportunities for community members to get involved in helping to protect the river, including educational events and .

Anyone interested in learning more about the Haw River Assembly may  on events and information or view the .

“I work to ensure that when conversations are happening about programming or policy, we as student representatives are also considering the impacts on people, the planet, and prosperity,” Costa-Helmsteadt said

In addition to meeting regularly with other members of Student Government, Costa-Helmsteadt also works with the Environmental Advisory Council at ������Ƶ. The council is comprised of faculty, staff and students and serves to raise awareness of environmental issues and sustainable practices.

Through her work as both an Eco-Rep and SGA senator, Marielle has gained a broader understanding of sustainability and emphasized how it can relate to many different aspects of everyday life.

“Through these roles, I’ve learned a lot about the policy side of sustainable work,” Costa-Helmsteadt said. “I’ve also realized that people often think of sustainability as more complicated than it really is. In reality, it can be embedded into everyday choices and systems with intentionality and collective action.”

Finally, Costa-Helmsteadt hopes that through her work she can help show other students at ������Ƶ how they can incorporate sustainability into their own lives easily.

“I love being in these positions because they’ve shown me that sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” she said. “Through my work, I hope to keep demonstrating to ������Ƶ’s community that sustainability can be as simple as choosing reusable options at events, being mindful about where funding is directed, or just pausing to consider how a decision impacts people, the planet, and long-term prosperity!”

Visit the SGA website to view the full list of representatives from each academic and undergraduate college. For more information on sustainability initiatives and events at ������Ƶ, visit the Office of Sustainability’s website.

Lauren Hill ‘24 graduated from ������Ƶ with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. During her time at ������Ƶ, she worked as an Intern for the Office of Sustainability, where she regularly attended the Sustainable Alumni Speaker Series. Lauren also participated in the Sustainable Alumni Speaker Series as an ������Ƶ graduate in September 2025.

Hill currently works for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality as a permit engineer within the Division of Waste Management. Her responsibilities include reviewing permit applications for large composting facilities, which helps support public health and the environment.

�ճ����Sustainable Alumni Speaker Series helped to show Hill, as an ������Ƶ student, that the path to finding a job in a sustainable career is rarely linear.

“Up until you graduate, you’re always in a really set path,” Hill observed.

Additionally, hearing from several different alumni working in sustainability helped her to gain a broader perspective of how different the job path can be for everyone.

“My biggest takeaway from the speaker series that I attended and something I really felt when I was looking for a job is just how different that journey is for everyone,” she said.

Students may view upcoming Sustainable Alumni Speaker Series on the Office of Sustainability’s events webpage. Students may  to virtual meetings.  For more information on upcoming sustainability-related events across campus, please visit the .

Community Conversations & Civic Engagement

Deliberative Dialogue – America’s 250: What’s Next America?

Monday, Feb. 23, 4:30 p.m., Lakeside 212

As America marks its 250th year, this dialogue invites reflection on our shared past and the opportunity for diverse voices to share space and ideas to develop a collective vision for the next 250. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Political Engagement Work Group

Better Together: Breaking Bread, Building Bridges

Feb. 24 – May 5, every other Tuesday, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Join us at Better Together this spring for connection and conversation. This time together invites us to live fully in the present and reflect on what makes this moment meaningful. Share stories, explore diverse perspectives, and build community. .

Dr. Habiba Sarabi: Education Rights of Afghan Women

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join a conversation with Dr. Habiba Sarabi on the global impact of Afghanistan’s ban on women’s education and the fight for educational rights and gender equality. Dr. Sarabi, an Afghan politician, women’s rights activist, and medical doctor made history as the first woman to be appointed a provincial governor in Afghanistan, leading Bamyan Province. She previously served as Minister of Women’s Affairs and Minister of Culture and Education, where she focused on expanding education, protecting the environment and advancing the rights of women.

State of the Union Address Watch Party

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 8-10:30 p.m., Moseley 105

Join us for pizza and a live viewing of President Trump’s first State of the Union address of his second term. Come watch, discuss and stay informed. Sponsored by ������Ƶ Votes!

Love Your Body, Berry Much

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Lakeside Entrance

Stop by for coconut-lime strawberries and a strawberry mocktail, courtesy of ������Ƶ Dining, while also learning tips for mindful eating. Swing through, grab a treat and discover ways to build healthier habits. Visit the for more information.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss – “Man Up: Understanding Misogyny to Prevent Extremism

Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture

Thursday, Feb. 26, 4:30 p.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion, McBride Gathering Space

Extremism expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss examines how misogyny – online and off – fuels the rise in far-right and mass violence, and offers strategies for interruption and prevention rooted in everyday life. The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture honors Lauren, who was set to join ������Ƶ’s Class of 2015 before her murder by a former boyfriend in July 2011. Established in her memory, the fund educates the ������Ƶ community on healthy relationships and building a culture free from violence. Visit the Spring Cultural Calendar for more information about upcoming events this semester.

Adventure Time with ������Ƶ Outdoors!

Adventures in Leadership Summer Staff Positions Available

Applications are now open for summer Adventures in Leadership staff positions, where you’ll guide incoming first-year students through exciting outdoor experiences. Earn potential internship credit and build leadership skills. Apply today on the ������Ƶ Job Network!

������Ƶ Challenge

The ������Ƶ Challenge is a great way to help classes, teams, organizations, corporations or cohorts grow through building authentic relationships, learning how to manage resources, developing creative thinking, and applying knowledge in new ways. Visit the ������Ƶ Challenge website to review the options, gather your group, and complete the interest form to schedule a customized, no-cost experience.

Last Chance to Become an Orientation Leader

Application Deadline is Friday, Feb. 27

The Orientation Leader application is still live. As an OL, you are an integral part of the orientation process. You will play a pivotal role in the transition of all the new students to ������Ƶ, serving as a guide and mentor to new students throughout their transition. by this Friday, Feb. 27.