The recent new views of planet Earth from the Artemis II mission have highlighted what astronauts call the “overview effect”–the awareness of our planet as a unified and fragile oasis. The Earth is a lifeboat, crewmember Christine Koch said, and "planet Earth: you are a crew!” That view of Earth’s ultimate specialness and vulnerability has driven Earth Week celebrations every year since the first Earth Day, in 1970. On the UVM campus, the UVM Office of Sustainability and other groups have prepared a range of events to explore, inform, and engage the community and propel action to protect our big blue lifeboat.
Central to the week’s activities will be the Earth Week Keynote, featuring critically acclaimed environmentalist and drag queen, Pattie Gonia, who will be doing a drag performance and lead an exploration of the unique opportunities all community members have to take action and drive change for a more inclusive and sustainable future. She will be presenting the keynote Friday, April 24, 1p.m. to 3p.m., at Ira Allen Chapel. The second hour of the event will be photo-op and meet-and-greet.
The days leading up to and beyond the keynote will be filled with an exciting and varied lineup of Earth Week offerings, including:
Earth Week Farm Tour • April 20, 1 p.m.
Join your fellow community members for a tour of the UVM Paul Miller Research Complex to learn about the dairy industry, farming, and meet UVM's amazing dairy herd! Meet up outside the entrance to the Patrick Gymnasium at 12:45, then walk to the farm for a tour at 1:00 p.m.
Bike to Breakfast • April 21, 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Show off your eco-friendly choices this Earth Week by biking to the Davis Center for a breakfast treat and a bike-powered smoothie. The UVM Eco Reps will have all the info you need to support your two-wheeled adventures! Bonus: bring your bike helmet in to get entered in a raffle for a $20 Henderson's Gift Card!
What Goes Where: Waste 101 with CSWD • April 21, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Join “Recycle Rhonda” from the Chittenden Solid Waste District at the Davis Center Amphitheater to help celebrate Earth Week by becoming a campus waste-sorting champion! In this interactive, hands-on workshop, participants learn how to properly sort materials into recycling, compost, trash, and more—skills that make a real difference in reducing campus waste.
EarthFest • April 22, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join fellow members if the UVM community to celebrate Earth Day with UVM's Sustainability Learning Community & Office of Sustainability! Hangout on Wednesday the 22nd on the Athletic Complex's Green and learn about each of the United Nation's Sustainable Development goals with fun games, crafts, and other activities.
Earth Week Trivia • April 22, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Come together on Earth Day in Brennan's Pub to celebrate eco-awareness! The Student Government Association's Committee on the Environment has created an environmental and sustainability themed trivia night with the UPB Pubquiz. All attendees have a chance to win an eco-prize at the end!
View the UVM Earth Week calendar for the full schedule of events!
