Skip to main content

Earth Month

Northwestern celebrates Earth Day throughout April with events designed to engage the University community in issues of environmental sustainability. 

Earth Month 2022

sustainNU invites you to connect with the Northwestern community through a celebration of Earth Month. This month, you can reduce your impact, connect to our planet, and be a part of a collective effort to celebrate the Earth.

To make sure you don’t miss any of these opportunities and to receive Earth Month announcements, invitations and news articles, subscribe to the sustainNU newsletter here. 

Repair and Reuse Fair

When:  Thursday, April 20, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Wildcat Rooms in Norris

Join sustainNU for a Repair and Reuse Fair on April 20. From repairing your bike to stitching up clothes to prioritizing reuse, this event will feature Northwestern and community organizations focused on buying less and making the things you have last longer. There will be giveaways, a raffle, and snacks.  

Please join us to learn how you can reuse, maintain, and repair your way to reducing your environmental footprint. Students, faculty, and staff welcome!  

The raffle winner gets their choice of:

Generations of Environmental Justice

When:  Friday, April 22, 5:00 pm – Saturday, April 23rd, 7:00 am
Where:  Alice Millar Chapel, Parkes Hall

Hosted by the Environmental Policy & Culture department, organized by students, Generations of Environmental Justice is an all-night Earth Day “teach-out” hosting a variety of presentations and workshops from individuals and organizations at the heart of the current environmental justice movement. This event will serve as a catalyst for action on the climate crisis, with a specific focus on community-based projects. 

Earth Fest with Northwestern Dining

When: Friday,  April 22, 11 am
Where:  Norris Ground Floor

Earth Fest will highlight sustainability initiatives in campus dining.

  • Sample Earth Friendly Foods & Beverages
  • Play Fun Games Win Fabulous Prizes
  • Veggie Tattoos
  • Local Farmers Market

Soundwalk

When: Tuesday, April 26, 4:00 pm

Teaching artists Veronica Salinas and Sara Zalek will lead participants in an exploration of the Evanston campus soundscape. Our soundscape, an essential but often ignored aspect of our environment, influences our wellbeing and the ecosystems we live in. Join us for a guided soundwalk to explore the relationship between humans, our environment, the sounds we make, and the sounds we consume.

Registration is closed for this event. 

Arbor Day Evanston Campus Tree Planting

When: Friday, April 29, 10am – 2pm 
Where: Meet at the Rock, Evanston Campus

Leave your mark on campus by helping to plant a tree! Join us for one of 2 tree planting shifts: 10am-12pm or 12pm-2pm. Participants for both sessions should plan to meet at the Rock in front of University Hall. Lunch will be provided. Attendance will be limited, so reserve your spot now. 

Registration is closed for this event. 

Tree Planting in the City of Evanston's Centennial Park

When: Thursday, May 5, 10am - 1pm
Where: Centennial Park

In celebration of Earth Month and Arbor Day, sustainNU is partnering with the City of Evanston and Gateway Green to plant 10 trees by the Clark Street Bird Sanctuary. Branch out and spend some time outdoors with us on May 5th during one of our tree planting shifts: 10-11:30am or 11:30am-1pm. Attendance will be limited, so reserve your spot today!

REGISTER HERE

Other Community Earth Month Events

ELPC THINKS WEBINAR: Discussion with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth

Environmental Law and Policy Center
When: Wednesday, April 6,12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Where: Online 
Please ELPC for a conversation with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth. As an advocate for public health, Senator Duckworth works to protect clean air, clean water and the environment. She serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works where she Chairs the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife. She also serves on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation, the Senate Democrats’ Special Committee on Climate Crisis and is a founding co-chair of the Environmental Justice Caucus.

Join us to hear about her vision and environmental priorities in the Senate. The discussion will include a Q&A session, moderated by ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner.

REGISTER HERE

Movie Screening: "Don't Look Up" 

One Book One Northwestern
When: Friday, April 8, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Harris Hall 107, 1881 Sheridan Road

This film will be shown in association with the current One Book selection "The Story of More" by author and professor Hope Jahren. After the film, we will have a talkback with Professor Kyle Henry, an accomplished director and editor whose films have been shown at Sundance, Cannes, and South by Southwest (SXSW).

REGISTER HERE

Composting 101

Norris Mini Course
When: Thursday, April 14, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Where:  Zoom

Did you know composting at home reduces greenhouse gas emissions? Composting is a natural decomposition process that you can take advantage of to reduce waste in and around your home with a small amount of space. During this University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist/Gardener presentation, you will learn how to set up a composting system at home, and some practical tips how and what you can and cannot compost.

REGISTER HERE

Sustainable Vegetable Gardening

Norris Mini Courses
When: Thursday, April 21, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm 
Where:  Zoom

Growing Great Vegetables will offer participants the opportunity to learn from and engage with Illinois Extension Master Gardeners/Naturalists, and receive helpful research-based hints and tips for a successful vegetable and ornamental growing season.

REGISTER HERE

To keep up-to-date with other Earth Month events, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media!