Check out these ways to get involved this Earth Month!
Dating back to 1970, the month of April has become a time when we focus our energies on our environment and the things that we can do to make it better. Here at UT, we take Earth Day seriously—filling the days and weeks with events, programs, and service opportunities that promote the work we do year-round to Make Orange Green. This year we are celebrating Earth Week from April 17th – 22nd!
March 31st: Big Green Friday
April 3rd: Environmental Leadership Awards
April 19th: Sustainability Symposium
Earth Week Events
Take a look at the events you can take part in here on campus and in the greater Knoxville community. These events are run through our office or in partnership with some of our many on-campus partners. See below for more information regarding specific events!
Monday, April 17: Micro Mobility Monday, Chalk the Rock
Monday, April 17: Green Thumb to Green Cash!
Tuesday, April 18: Sustainability in Business Panel
Wednesday, April 19: Earth Day Festival
Wednesday, April 19: Sustainability Symposium
Thursday, April 20: Free Store Slow Fashion Show
Friday, April 21: One Health Initiative Panel: Sustainable Development Goals
Saturday, April 22: 3rd Creek Clean Up
Service Opportunities
Get outside and get involved in your local community during the month of April! Service is such an important part of our efforts to Make Orange Green. Check out our regular service opportunities on the Volunteer With Us page.
Monday, April 17: Micro Mobility Monday, Chalk the Rock
The Office of Sustainability will be hosting an Earth Week “kickoff” event Monday April 17th, from 11-2pm at The Rock. We will have a rock painting mural competition, opportunities to participate in painting the rock, and music to enjoy. Arrive on campus using alternative transportation (biking, scootering, walking) to receive “food for fuel” (bagels catered from Einsteins). UTOP, TRECS, UT Parking and Transit, and more bike-related organizations will be there!
Monday, April 17: Green Thumb to Green Cash!
Come grow with us! Join the Office of Sustainability’s Grow Lab on Monday, April 17 from 2 – 3:30 pm on the HSS Plaza to learn about starting your own herb garden! Soil, pots and plants will be provided. The Center for Financial Wellness and Office of Sustainability will send you home with tools to maintain your fresh herbs. See you on the Plaza!
Tuesday, April 18: Sustainability in Business Panel
Hosted by the Net Impact Chapter within the Haslam College of Business, come here about the intersection of Business and Sustainability at UT. The panel will host professors and students from both the College of Business and sustainability department. The event will take place Tuesday, April 18th at 3pm in the Student Union Room 377A.
Wednesday, April 19: Earth Day Festival
Join campus organizations in celebrating Earth Day at UTK’s annual Earth Day Festival! The event will take place from 11-3pm at the Student Union Plaza. Come meet campus and community organizations, grab some fresh produce, check out the food truck, and more!
Thursday, April 20: Free Store Slow Fashion Show
On Thursday, April 20th, from 6-8pm, the Office of Sustainability’s Free Store will be hosting a Sustainable “Slow” Fashion Show on HSS plaza. All clothing will be secondhand, thrifted, handmade, etc. Come enjoy some live music and see a great show!
Friday, April 21: One Health Initiative Panel: Sustainable Development Goals
Hosted by UTK’s One Health Initiative in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, come listen to a panel discussion about the Global Sustainable Development Goals and how the University can apply these goals on campus. The event will take place Friday, April 21st in the Baker Center Toyota Auditorium from 11-12pm.
Saturday, April 22: 3rd Creek Clean Up
As part of the Tennessee Adopt-A-Stream program, the Office of Sustainability will be hosting a volunteer clean up event at 3rd Creek from 10am-1pm on Saturday, April 22nd. Come throw on some waders, hop in a kayak, and celebrate Earth Day by giving back to Mother Earth! Register through the Jones Center for Leadership and Service volunteer site, search “Office of Sustainability”.