Thursday, April 22, is Earth Day. Since 1970, Earth Day has provided a long-overdue voice for an environmental movement uniting both individuals and groups into a call for action. The first Earth Day in 1970 led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of other groundbreaking environmental laws including the National Environmental Education Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Clean Air Act.
In the midst of the pandemic, this year’s theme, “Restore Our Earth,” couldn’t be more relevant. The Office of Sustainability asks that each of you finds a way to become involved in one of many Earth Day activities this year.
Sustainability Cup Residence Hall Competition
Students across campus are gearing up for the Office of Sustainability’s first-ever Sustainability Cup competition. For additional information, visit green.nd.edu. This competition is for all students currently living in residence halls.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Now until 5 p.m. Saturday, April 24. The Michiana area is full of hidden gems when it comes to outdoor spaces. This scavenger hunt leads you to the resources you need to explore these spaces on and off-campus. Visit green.nd.edu for more information and to register. This event is for all Notre Dame students.
Take 10 for the Planet
In honor of this year’s Earth Day, the Minor in Sustainability and the Office of Sustainability created a resource called Take 10 for the Planet. This includes a variety of videos, texts, and images that faculty and staff can use to start the conversation about Earth Day during a class or staff meeting. Click here to access the many resources available for you to share.
Snite Museum Virtual Gallery Tour: “Three on a Theme”
12:30-1 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Make time during your busy schedule to attend a 30-minute virtual tour and explore three works of art that will connect you with our planet. For more information, visit the Snite Museum of Art website.
Panel: “How University Campuses Can Help Fight Climate Change”
9-10:15 a.m. Thursday, April 22. The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, the University of Notre Dame, the Climate Reality Project India and the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education invite you to an exclusive panel discussion. Panelists will share best practices for reducing emissions on campuses by increasing public transportation, utilizing clean energy, and increasing student and faculty awareness on sustainability practices. For additional information and to register, visit green.nd.edu.
“Care for our Common Planet: A Catholic-Muslim Earth Day Conversation”
Noon-1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22. In honor of Earth Day, join the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion for a timely conversation, and hear from leaders, scholars, and faith practitioners from the Muslim and Catholic traditions. Learn how multifaith engagement can lay the foundation for mutual understanding between traditions and communities, creating common ground and inspiring joint action as we work together for peace and human flourishing on the planet we share. For more information and to register, visit green.nd.edu.
Nature Walk and Talk with Rev. Terry Ehrman and Greg Koehler
2-3 p.m. Friday, April 23. Join Rev. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C., and Greg Koehler for a 60-minute walk-and-talk around St. Joseph’s Lake and St. Mary’s Lake, where you will listen, observe and share your own outdoor experiences. Father Ehrman and Koehler will guide you along the way, sharing information on the types of wildlife, wildflowers, and invasive species and the historical relationship between humans and nature. For more information, visit green.nd.edu.
SustainabilityFest
4-6 p.m. Friday, April 23. Sponsored by GreeND, the annual SustainabilityFest will be held on the South Quad.
Garlic Mustard Pull
10 a.m.-noon Saturday, April 24. Help us fight one of Indiana’s most common and invasive weeds during this year’s Earth Day weekend. Gardening/work gloves will be provided. For more information and to register, visit green.nd.edu.
Originally published by at green.nd.edu on April 19, 2021.