91̽»¨

Each year, in honor of Earth Month, the campus comes together to amplify—through events and actions—issues around climate change, sustainability and the environment. The university began recognizing the entire month of April as Earth Month nine years ago to ensure it draws together as much of the campus community as possible around topics of sustainable development, environmental justice and climate solutions.

This year, the university will also celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. The disproportionate effect of environmental change on the poor is strongly highlighted in almost every page of the encyclical and the Pope provides many examples of the effects of climate change, whose worst impact is often mostly strongly felt by those in developing countries.

Central to Laudato Si’ is caring for one another, our communities, the world and the planet—particularly in light of the climate crisis, an urgency that the Pope emphasizes in the encyclical.

In addition to specific events related to the Laudato Si’ anniversary the university is presenting several Earth Month events and activities leading up and through Earth Day on April 22, which is when 91̽»¨ hosts its annual “Earth Talks” event. Presented by the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability, “Earth Talks” is noon–1:30 p.m. in the LeRoux Room (Student Center 160).

“91̽»¨’s annual Earth Talks showcases how students, faculty and staff from across campus live out the university’s call and commitment to ‘Care for our Common Home,’” says Yolanda Cieters, interim director of the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability. “From Farm-to-School advocacy to sustainable art sculptures on campus, from a librarian’s tips on storm-proofing to demystifying the role of AI in caring for our common home, we expect attendees will learn new information, enjoy some great food and leave inspired!”

In partnership with various 91̽»¨ departments and student groups, additional events to celebrate Earth Month continue throughout April, encouraging action and participation in initiatives that focus on the urgent need for environmental justice, sustainable development and climate solutions. Here’s a sampling:

Mend and Make: Zero Waste Crafting
When: Thursday, April 17, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
Where: Student Center, 1st floor 
What: Join Residence Hall Association (RHA) for the “Mend and Make” event for upcycling, junk journaling and other sustainability focused crafts. 
More Info: Check out the RHA Make and Mend Flyer for more information.

Day of Service to Celebrate Earth Day 
When: Friday, April 18, 10 a.m.–noon
Where: Frink Park (398 Lake Washington Blvd S, Seattle, WA 98144)
What: FirstGen has coordinated with the Environmental Law Society (ELS) a Day of Service to celebrate Earth Day 2025. Volunteers will be assisting a forest restoration project in Frink Park by removing invasive species such as ivy, holly and laurel to support a planting event next winter. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery—and make a difference—at of one of Seattle's great parks.  

"Earth Talks" on Earth Day
When: Earth Day, April 22, noon–1:30 p.m.
Where: Student Center Le Roux Room (STCN 160)  
What: Join us for the 6^th edition of “Earth Talks,” 91̽»¨’s annual Earth Day celebration showcasing inspirational five-minute talks on “Care for our Common Home” by students, faculty and staff from across different schools and programs. Participants will include the College of Education Creating The Beloved Community and Associate Professor Onur Bakiner, who is director of the 91̽»¨ Technology Ethics Initiative, speaking on artificial intelligence.

A range of presentations will cover advocacy, artwork, research and service projects related to environmental justice and sustainability. This event is a Laudato Si’ Action Platform initiative sponsored by the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability (CEJS), Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC), Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE) and the Roundglass India Center.
More info: Get all the details on the event program.

Twilight Garden Meditation Walk
When: Wednesday, April 23, 6 p.m.
Where: The walk will start at the Campion Tea Garden 
What: Join the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement (CEIE) and 91̽»¨’s gardeners for a walk through our gardens accompanied by simple sensory meditations. The walk celebrates Earth Day and the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’ with simple tools for deepening your connection with the Earth. After the walk, there will be time to gather for food and conversation. Cosponsored by CEIE, Facilities and Grounds and the Psychology Department.  
More info: RSVP . 

Dr. Robert D. Bullard, “Father of Environmental Justice” 
When: Saturday, April 26, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
Where: Pigott Auditorium 
What: Join Dr. Robert Bullard, the father of environmental justice, for a transformative lecture titled, “Quest for Environmental Justice: The Challenge and Promise.” With decades of pioneering work as a sociologist and author, Dr. Bullard will explore the roots of the environmental justice movement, its connection to faith, civil rights and the policies that have shaped systemic inequities.
More info: for this free event.

Planetary Health: Solutions for Health Care
When: Wednesday, April 30,4–6 p.m.
Where: Pigott Auditorium 
What: 91̽»¨â€¯College of Nursing and the Center for Environmental Justice and Sustainability welcome Elizabeth Schenk, PhD, RN, FAAN, Chief Environmental Stewardship Officer at Providence, part of the Drs. Luth M. and Narciso P. Tenorio Endowed Scholar and Lectureship. Join us for a discussion on the environmental challenges health care professionals and organizations face using a planetary health lens, while sharing effective solutions tested in one of the nation’s largest health systems. Health care has a long history of creative solutions, innovation and commitment and, using these skills, the industry has opportunities to be less polluting, less wasteful and less consumptive while building resilience, committed to its principles of justice and service.  
More info: about this event.

KX91̽»¨ Earth Month E-Waste Drive 
When: Through April 30 
Where: Drop-off box in Sinegal Center, outside Room 230 
What: Do you have any old headphones, chargers, cables or other sorts of electronics laying around the house that you don’t use anymore? Then stop by the KX91̽»¨ studio during the month of April in honor of Earth Month for our E-Waste drive! Only 17 percent of e-waste is properly recycled so do your part and donate to keep electronic waste out of our landfills.
More info: Check out the KX91̽»¨ Earth Month E-Waste Flyer for all the details.

Learn more about these and other Earth Month events.