Past Projects

Earth Month 2023

Events

Specialty Recycling Collection Event at the SMC Campus Center and Lexington Building

Saturday, April 1 - Sunday, April 30

Recycle books, alkaline batteries, ink/toner cartridges, electronics, and plastic bags and film in designated bins in the lobbies of the SMC Campus Center and 620 W. Lexington St. building.

Alkaline Batteries: AAA, AA, C, D, 9-Volt

Electronics: computers, laptops, servers, monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, switches, routers, wire, cell phones, tablets, communication equipment

Books: hardcover and softcover

Toner/Ink Cartridges: laser and inkjet printer cartridges

Plastic Bags and Film: shopping bags, produce bags, Ziploc bags, bread bags, cereal bags, bubble wrap, plastic overwrap, air pillows

Partnerships with the Community Engagement Center

Throughout the Month

The Office of Sustainability is out in the community for Earth Month! We’ve partnered with the UMB Community Engagement Center (CEC) to highlight Earth Month at events throughout April, including community meals, art classes, family programming, and more.

Visit this link to learn more about all of the opportunities and programs offered by the CEC, or sign up for the CEC newsletter to view and register for all of our exciting Earth Month collaborations!

    • Community Meal: Join the CEC once a month for a free grab-and-go meal from a local restaurant. At April’s Community Meal, a free Earth Day craft will be provided for all youth attending the meal (while supplies last). 

    • Art Classes: Explore new artists and techniques in weekly classes through the CEC’s partnership with Art with a Heart. Spend April exploring the theme of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! 

    • Family Movie Night: Come and enjoy the family favorite film “FernGully: The Last Rainforest,” which illustrates the importance of conserving the Earth’s natural resources, and the role that trees play in the environment. 

Campus Cleanup

Wednesday, April 12, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Join the Staff Senate, USGA, Office of Sustainability, and Environmental Services for a trash cleanup of campus to #KeepUMBBeautiful! Drop by our basecamp at the main entrance of HSRF III at the beginning of your shift to check in and get supplies (including a button to wear!). You will be assigned to help clean a specific zone of campus during your shift(s). Swing back by basecamp at the end of your shift(s) to drop off your full trash bags and grab a snack and water. Basecamp will be located at the main entrance to HSRF III (670 W. Baltimore St.).

For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/campuscleanup23.

Bike Tune-Ups with Joe’s Bike Shop

Wednesday, April 19, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Come to the School of Nursing Courtyard for a free bike tune-up courtesy of Joe’s Bike Shop. Approximately 30 bikes will receive tune-ups; bikes will be accepted until 1:30 p.m. or when the limit is reached. This event is sponsored by GreenSON.

ECO Fest

Friday, April 21 from noon - 3 p.m.

This event in the School of Social Work atrium and courtyard will connect and engage students in environmental opportunities and sustainable actions. This event is hoping to generate greater visibility to the interconnections among the climate crisis, our personal lives, and our aspiring professions. The event will feature a plant/book/clothing swap, edible insects, a variety of booths and activities, raffles and prizes, catering from Land of Kush, and more.

Pre-register here by April 12 for a chance to win a B.Willow plant care gift bag! This event is hosted by ECO-Social Work in Action, a student group at the School of Social Work.

Nature600 Challenge

Monday, April 24 - Wednesday, May 24

The 30-Day Nature Challenge is back with an upgrade: Join Nature600! The purpose of this challenge is to put down your screens and spend time in nature. It is recommended for adults to spend at least 20 minutes a day outside. Over 30 days, try to reach 600 minutes or more of outdoor activity to reap health benefits and be entered into a raffle. Learn more and join today on the Launch Your Life website.

As part of the Nature600 Challenge, join us for a Landscape Ecology Tour of the campus led by UMB University Architect Anthony Consoli on Tuesday, May 2, from noon-1 p.m. Learn more and register here.

Urban Farming Panel

Monday, April 24 from noon - 1 p.m.

In honor of Earth Month and in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, the Intercultural Center invites you to examine the intersections of racism and environmental issues by learning from individuals involved in food justice and urban farming initiatives in Baltimore. This event will take place virtually. Register here.

Urban Garden Volunteering Opportunity in West Baltimore

Friday, May 5, from noon - 2 p.m. (rescheduled from April 28)

This volunteer event will take place at Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy (100 N. Calhoun St.) in Franklin Square. The first portion will include waste diversion and compost basics from guests from the Baltimore City Department of Transportation. After the presentation, volunteers will assist the Vivien T. Thomas Medical Arts Academy Garden Club in weeding and watering its garden beds as well as cleaning up the general premises of the green space’s surroundings. Register here.

Promotional Materials

Download Earth Week Promotional Materials Here

Alignment with Strategic Plan:

Education and Engagement: Create and maintain a constant communication flow with the entire campus community regarding sustainability. Communicate to the campus on a regular basis with initiatives and tips to keep sustainability a part of the UMB culture.