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:
- a sewing machine;
- a bike repair kit and bag;
- a gift card to Eco and the Flamingo, Wheel and Sprocket, or ThredUp;
- or a portable solar charger
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.
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!
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.
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).
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.
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.
To keep up-to-date with other Earth Month events, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media!