The University of Washington will celebrate Earth Day with a large celebration at the HUB on April 22, but there are events across the UW celebrating our planet and the environment during the entire Earth Week and beyond. Here is a sampling of the events happening around UW as part of the Earth Day celebration:
April 11
2019 Sustaining Our World Lecture
Kane Hall 220, 7 p.m.
Dorceta Taylor, the James E. Crowfoot Collegiate Chair and the Director of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the University of Michigan‘s School for the Environment and Sustainability, will present "Diversity in Environmental Organizations: Lack of Transparency and Inequities in Compensation." The lecture is free to attend, but seating is limited.
April 12
UW Tower sustainability film series: "The Story of Stuff"
UW Tower Auditorium, 12 p.m.
This short thought-provoking movie highlights the ways we make, use and throw away the stuff in our lives. Executive Director Heather Trim of Zero Waste Washington will provide a short presentation and lively discussion after the film.
Enviro Film Friday: Anote's Ark
Allen Library Auditorium, 1 p.m.
The UW Libraries present this film screening of Anote's Ark. The Pacific Island nation of Kiribati is one of the first countries that must confront the main existential dilemma of our time: imminent annihilation from sea-level rise. While Kiribati’s President, Anote Tong, races to find a way to protect his nation’s people and maintain their dignity, many Kiribati are already seeking safe harbor overseas.
April 13
Alsarah & The Nubatones
Meany Hall, 8 p.m.
Called "the new princess of Nubian pop" by The Guardian, Sudanese singer, songwriter and ethnomusicologist Alsarah is passionate about the intersection of culture, music and migration. Tickets are $10 for UW Students with Promo Code NUBATONE10.Regular tickets from $37.
April 15
Intersectionality Project: UW Diversity & Earth Day
Ethnic Cultural Center Unity Suite, 1 p.m.
Join the College of the Environment Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for a video screening of some UW staff of color sharing their ideas on UW diversity, the environment and Earth Day from race & equity perspective. Come here their insightful views about what’s working/not working with UW diversity and how to get more people of color involved in the environmental movement. The remainder of the workshop will be devoted to small group discussions on how to make UW Earth 2020 more inclusive. RSVP at nmd3@uw.edu or 206.221.6634.
April 16
Trash Talk & Shop
UW Surplus Store, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Week with UW Recycling and the UW Surplus Store! As partners in sustainability, these two teams within UW Facilities work together to reuse, repurpose and recycle on campus. Join in on a unique event to learn exactly what to put in each bin and why. Then stick around and explore UW Surplus’ eclectic inventory — ranging from computer equipment to furniture to instruments. You never know what you’ll find! (Public shopping hours are every Tuesday, from noon – 6 p.m.)
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory Public Talk
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory, 8 - 10 p.m.
Observatory public talks take place twice a month throughout the summer on a variety of topics. This special Earth Day-themed evening will focus on topics such as light pollution and the effect of atmosphere on observational astronomy. To reserve a spot and attend, email tjores@uw.edu.
UW Bothell Living Poems Talk
UW Bothell Discovery Hall 061, 6 p.m.
In this performance lecture Cecilia Vicuña speaks, chants and tells stories of her experience coming across the destruction of poetry in the land.
April 17
Environmental Justice Workshop
Johnson Hall 117, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Do you know what environmental justice is, or what environmental hazards are in your community? Join the College of the Environment for this workshop to examine environmental and health concerns across Washington. Discuss environmental justice and learn what you can do about it.
April 18
EcoReps Clothing Drive
Local Point, 3:30-6:30 p.m. | Center Table, 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Zeta Tau Alpha, 4‑6 p.m.
The UW EcoReps are hosting a clothing drive as part of the Earth Day clothing swap. Drop off clean articles of clothing at any drive location, and you can get free items at the clothing swap on the HUB Lawn during Earth Day. Visit one of the clothing drive tables for more information.
April 19
Environmental Justice Conference
Maple Hall Great Room, 1 - 5 p.m.
The 2019 Environmental Justice Conference, organized by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the UW College of the Environment, will focus on issues of equity and inclusive collaboration to confront climate disruption. The theme is "In-Reach before Outreach." The main goal of this conference is to reflect on our outreach strategies and look into community-based solutions. Participants will be able to engage with scholars from different disciplines as well as with local community leaders in a half-day program, including a panel workshop in community engagement through participatory action research and a panel with experts in environmental coalition building.
Trash-In on Red Square
Red Square, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Join UW Recycling for the 2019 Trash-In! During this time, volunteers (a healthy mix of students, staff, and faculty) can sign up for shifts lasting one hour to sort waste collected from buildings on campus. The idea behind the event is to figure out how much compostable and recyclable material we throw away each day which could be diverted from going into a landfill. At the end of the shift, volunteers will have a better grasp on what materials are recyclable and compostable and have an eye opening glimpse on the amount of material, especially food, that is wasted daily.
Enviro Film Friday: Arid Lands
Allen Library Auditorium, 1 p.m.
The UW Libraries present this film screening of Arid Lands, a documentary feature about the land and people of the Columbia River Basin in southeastern Washington. Sixty years ago, the Hanford nuclear site produced plutonium for the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, and today the area is the focus of the largest environmental cleanups in history. Arid Lands tells the story of how people changed the landscape over time and how the landscape affected their lives.
Ethnoforestry Planting Work Party
Behind Paccar/ Dempsey Halls, 1 - 3 p.m.
Join the Society for Ecological Restoration to help work on this site. This new bed will be dedicated to Washington's four coastal tribes and we'll be installing plants that are culturally significant to them. No experience is necessary and folks should just bring a water bottle and clothes they can get dirty.
Native Plant Nursery Work Party
Douglas Research Conservatory, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Come learn about native plant propagation and production at the SER-UW Nursery! Every Friday we will be hosting a work party where you can participate in a variety of nursery tasks including sowing seeds, transferring plants, fertilizing, weeding, and more! Everyone is welcome and no experience is needed. Please wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get a little dirty.
Earth Day challenge: Take the stairs!
In honor of Earth Day, the Whole U is hosting a challenge for UW staff to skip the elevator and take the stairs! This is not only a healthy choice for you, but also for the environment. On any given day, there may be over 10,000 elevator calls on campus. Reducing the number of elevator calls reduces our energy use. Join your co-workers to reach our goal of 500,000 stairs climbed on April 19. Pre-register and count the stairs you take that day for bragging rights and a trophy.
April 20
Africa Now Conference
Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Africa Now aims to supplement movements in Africa geared towards sustainability by mobilizing passionate young professionals in Washington and equipping them with the necessary resources and information to start taking action. This student-organized conference provides insight from young leaders within Africa, workshops, insight from panelists, a resource fair and networking opportunities.
Earth Day Service at the Arboretum
Washington Park Arboretum, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is organizing this restoration event. Volunteers will restore the Washington Park Arboretum through planting, mulching, removing invasive species, and maintaining trails throughout the Arboretum.
FIUTS Service Event
meet at George Washington Statue, 9 a.m.
FIUTS will be joining King Conservation District and Duwamish Alive Coalition to celebrate Earth Day with Duwamish Alive! We will be working at a buffer habitat restoration site on Longfellow Creek in West Seattle. Come through to improve and maintain the health of our natural areas, and in doing so also improve the air and water quality throughout our watershed. Sign up in the FIUTS office, HUB 206.
April 22
UW Earth Day 2019: Engage for the Earth
HUB Lawn + Lyceum, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Exhibitors from across the UW will be on the HUB Lawn to talk about sustainability, along with performances, art, food and more. Inside, a career fair and speakers will be happening in the HUB Lyceum. This year's Earth Day event includes a focus on action, equity, diversity and environmental justice.
UW Tacoma Swap Meet
West Coast Grocery Atrium, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Members of the UW Tacoma community can bring and drop off unwanted items such as clothes, books, toys, furniture or household appliances, while taking home what they can use. Give your items a new life while also taking part in raffles and giveaways throughout the day. Email Professor Evy Shankus ezent@uw.edu with questions.
UW Bothell Garbage Sort
UWB Promenade Lawn, 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Take part in a Garbage Sort at UW Bothell to learn about proper recycling, composting and disposal. Followed by a Zero Waste Living Talk at 1:30 p.m. in UW1 room 020.
April 23
Conversations with Sally Jewell: Nonprofits and Community Action for Environmental Sustainability
Allen Library Petersen Room, 4 p.m.
Sally Jewell served as U.S. Secretary of the Interior under President Barack Obama. Before serving as Interior Secretary, Jewell was President and CEO of REI. She is currently a Distinguished Fellow at the University of Washington College of the Environment. This is the last in a series of conversations hosted by EarthLab and the Center for Environmental Politics.
UW Bothell Farm Planting
UWB Campus Farm, 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
The UWB Campus Farm is located between the sports fields and the north parking garage. The farm provides an outdoor learning space designed to engage our campus community in experiential learning and best practices surrounding sustainable land use and food production.
April 24
Global Leadership Summit
Global Business Center, 5:15 - 8 p.m.
Come participate in discussions and workshops designed to help students find the perfect avenue to enact responsible and sustainable change in your career. This summit allows you to follow your own interests in making the world a better place, and to listen to and engage with professionals making a positive change in our world. Join us to explore avenues for making a change in your future career from representatives from Microsoft, PATH, Starbucks, Clif Bar & Company, Global Washington, MiiR, Union Bank of Switzerland, Earth Economics, and more. This event is free and open to the public.
Black Student Union Environmental Justice Discussion
Ethnic Cultural Center Black Room, 6 p.m.
Join the Black Student Union and special guest Melissa Banales (Youth Organizer at Front and Center) in a discussion on the disproportionate impact of climate change on black and low-income communities.
Plant-based Menu Demonstration
Local Point, 5 p.m.
Chef Matthew Lasof of Local Point will be demonstrating how to make easy plant-based dishes. Local Point will also be featuring a special menu created with the UW Farm in honor of Earth Week.
UW Bothell Sustainability Festival
UWB Promenade/Plaza, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
The annual festival features dozens of UWB community partners discussing their sustainability efforts. The festival will be followed by a Grow Your Own Food event in the UWB Food Forest 2:30-4 p.m.
April 25
Green New Deal panel
HUB 250, 6 p.m.
Join the conversation around a panel discussion on what it would mean to have a "Green New Deal". We will discuss potential policies that could be implemented at the national, state and city level for transitioning to a clean energy economy, that provides living wage jobs and protects the most vulnerable communities in our fight against climate change. Panelists include: Lylianna Allala, Legislative Aid for U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal; Debolina Banerjee, Climate Justice Policy Analyst at Puget Sound Sage; Mike O'Brien, Seattle City Council Member; and Dr. Nives Dolsak, UW Center for Environmental Politics. Moderator: Ahmed Gaya, National Field Director for the Sunrise Movement. This UW Earth Week event is being co-organized by GreenEvans, UW Students of the Seattle Chapter of the Sunrise Movement and the Climate Justice Workgroup of the graduate student Union UAW 4121.
Idea Lab 2019: Gambling on Good Business
Anthony's Forum, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss Foster Net Impact’s annual end-of-the-year Idea Lab with a live panel of leaders from Caesars Entertainment, Microsoft, and PwC as they share their approaches and frameworks for responsible businesses, and how to build practices and policies from these approaches. Featuring Caroline Fox (Head of the UN’s Sustainable Development Solutions Network - USA), Gwen Migita (Global Lead, Social Impact, Equity, & Sustainability at Caesars Entertainment), Steve Lippman (ESG Engagement Director at Microsoft), and Laura Plant (Sustainability and Climate Change Consultant at PwC).
April 26
Plant a Pollinator Habitat with UW Farm
Center for Urban Horticulture, 1 - 5 p.m.
Help the UW Farm grow plants for pollinators and beneficial insects! We will be adding compost to beds, removing weeds and transplanting flowers and some vegetables plus planting seeds to feed bees, butterflies and other insects that we need for a healthy farm agro-ecosystem. We provide the gloves and tools.
Enviro Film Friday: How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change
Allen Library Auditorium, 1 p.m.
The UW Libraries present this film screening of How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change. Traveling to 12 countries on six continents, the film acknowledges that it may be too late to stop some of the worst consequences and asks, what is it that climate change can’t destroy? What is so deep within us that no calamity can take it away?
Vocal Theatre Works: Philip Glass's Hydrogen Jukebox
Meany Studio Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Led by faculty artist-in-residence Cyndia Sieden and visiting artist Deanne Meek, the UW Vocal Theatre Workshop presents the Northwest premiere of Hydrogen Jukebox, composed by Philip Glass, with a libretto by Beat poet Allen Ginsberg. A modern classic, this work of music-theatre challenges artists and audiences alike to examine both the potential and failings of the American Experience and to explore ever-relevant themes of war and peace, social equity, and environmental and economic sustainability.
UW Tacoma Giving Garden Celebration
UWT Giving Garden, Fawcett St. & 21st St., 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Come plant seeds that will feed the UW Tacoma campus community and watch your contribution grow all year. For more information about the UW Tacoma Giving Garden, see the Facebook group.
April 27
Plant a Pollinator Habitat with UW Farm
Mercer Court, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Help the UW Farm grow plants for pollinators and beneficial insects! We will be adding compost to beds, removing weeds and transplanting flowers and some vegetables plus planting seeds to feed bees, butterflies and other insects that we need for a healthy farm agro-ecosystem. We provide the gloves and tools.
Vocal Theatre Works: Philip Glass's Hydrogen Jukebox
Meany Studio Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Led by faculty artist-in-residence Cyndia Sieden and visiting artist Deanne Meek, the UW Vocal Theatre Workshop presents the Northwest premiere of Hydrogen Jukebox, composed by Philip Glass, with a libretto by Beat poet Allen Ginsberg. A modern classic, this work of music-theatre challenges artists and audiences alike to examine both the potential and failings of the American Experience and to explore ever-relevant themes of war and peace, social equity, and environmental and economic sustainability.
Program on Climate Change Spring Symposium
Ocean Sciences 425, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This exciting event features interdisciplinary presentations on climate-related research, outreach, and education by students and postdoctoral researchers. A light breakfast, catered lunch, and afternoon refreshments will be provided. This will be a great opportunity for networking and conversation with researchers across UW who are interested in climate. Register at this link by Friday, April 19th.
April 29
Bike Everywhere Month kickoff
Lower Rainier Vista, 4-6 p.m.
Kick of Bike Everywhere Month in May with UW Transportation at their first Trailside Afternoon. Pick up snacks and cool swag at Lower Rainier Vista, just off the Burke Gilman Trail on your ride home from work or class. Transportation Services will be out there from 4-6 p.m. on April 29 and every Monday in May.
April 2 - April 26
Wild Washington exhibit: Earth Day at UW Libraries
Allen Library lobby
In this exhibit honoring Earth Day, the UW Libraries explores Washington state's wild places, including national parks and the activism that brought about their creation. Curated by the Libraries' sciences liaison team, the social sciences team, and graduate and undergraduate students from the UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences.
May 3
UW Climate Change Film Festival
Impact Hub Seattle, 220 2nd Ave S, 6-8 p.m.
We asked students in Washington state to create a 2-minute short film that answers our prompt: Together we can tackle climate change. What would it take to turn the tide? On this night, we’ll screen the top finalist's short films, and a panel of local expert filmmakers and scientists will announce the winners and award prizes. The people get to choose their favorite, too.