Seattle U Celebrates Earth Month

April is Earth Month and Seattle University is showcasing its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through events across campus, from the residence halls to classrooms, gardens to dining spaces.

Each year, in the weeks leading up to Earth Day—which is April 22—the Center for Environmental Justice (CEJS), in partnership with various Seattle University departments and student groups, encourages action and participation in initiatives that focus on the urgent need for environmental justice, sustainable development and climate solutions.

“Earth Month serves as a conscious reminder of how critical learning and action on these issues is,” says Yolanda Cieters, sustainability manager with CEJS. “As we approach Earth Day, the increased attention from around the world provides an opportunity to re-energize and re-engage individuals and organizations to deepen their commitment and work toward change in the months beyond April.”

Throughout the month, events across campus will include panel discussions, garden work parties, special Earth Month-focused dining options and the month-long EcoChallenge, which encourages students and employees to take individual sustainable actions for a better shared future. 

Here’s a look at some of the Earth Month happenings:

Earth Month at Residence Halls: DO MORE TO SAVE MORE!

This monthlong initiative, taking place across the halls of Campion, Xavier, Bellarmine and Chardin, will promote and showcase ways students are committed to “doing more to save more.” A display with the residence hall's performance for water and energy use will be traveling from hall to hall to inform residents and spur action. The education and outreach opportunity will culminate in a week-long competition between residence halls to conserve water and reduce energy. Sponsored by Residence and Housing Life, CEJS and SU Facilities.

Garden Work Parties & Edible Garden Teaching Kitchen

Seattle University is nestled on award-winning, pesticide-free grounds that evoke the feeling of an urban oasis. During Earth Month, you’ll have a chance to put your mark on campus by participating in one of the Garden Work Parties, noon–2 p.m. April 20 and 10 a.m.–noon April 21 at the Upper Mall. Join SU Grounds and Washington Native Plant Society in gardening, planting, weeding and mulching in some of SU’s beautiful gardens. (Contact Shannon Britton, grounds and landscaping manager, at brittons@seattleu.edu to learn more.)

Fun fact: Amid the beautiful flowers and majestic trees and foliage are edible offerings. On April 12, join Chef Mark Fortino and sous chefs from the Student Government of Seattle U at a Teaching Kitchen showcasing the edible gardens around campus and how to prepare a plant-based meal. (This event is virtual; learn more at @RedhawkDining on Instagram).

Climate Anxiety Panel & Discussion

Join members of the campus community in a discussion to better understand climate anxiety, how to process it through action and implement these actions into your own life. The student-led event, 12:30–1:20 p.m. April 14 in Pigott 101 (with a virtual option), is co-sponsored by CEJS and Environmental Studies. RSVP here as space is limited.

Earth Day Farmers Market

Enjoy a taste of a farmers market without leaving campus. Stop by Cherry Street on Earth Day, April 22, and pickup produce, fruits and more straight from area farmers.

Earth Talks 2022

The 3rd edition of Earth Talks will feature a virtual showcase of short, five-minute presentations by SU students, faculty, staff and community partners around the theme of “Just Sustainability: Care for our Common Home.” The event, spanning two sessions, will cover an array of topics including research, service, community projects and artwork, as well as a Q&A session with keynote speakers, State Sen. Rebecca Saldaña and David Mendoza. The event is April 22, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

Indigenous Plant and Food Traditions

Learn about Indigenous and non-Indigenous plants from experts offering introductions to Indigenous relationships with plants, storytelling, plant walks and hands-on learning experiences. This event, 1–4 p.m. April 26, is open to both the SU community and the public.

For more on these and other Earth Month events, visit www.seattleu.edu/earthmonth (check the site regularly for up-to-date event details).

Watch this space for a series highlighting these and more happenings for Earth Month.