Join BU Sustainability and the entire Boston University community for a month-long series of events that promote the importance of protecting our planet. Earth Day 365 will be held during the entire month of April. If you have questions about Earth Day 365, please contact the BU Sustainability team at sustainability@bu.edu.
This year’s events center on three different themes: What We Grow, What We Eat, What We Toss, Reuse and Repair, and The Natural World Impacting Us. This year’s events are listed below by theme and date. More events are being added, so please check back here for updates!
What We Grow, What We Eat, What We Toss
Shred + Recycle Event - April 8 and 9
Tuesday, April 8 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Talbot Green)
Wednesday, April 9 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Agganis Arena Lot)
Hosted by BU IS&T and Sustainability
These events are open to all faculty, staff, and students to safely & securely dispose of documents – any and all paperwork, especially those papers with personal or sensitive information – and hard drives. You can also recycle batteries, lightbulbs, toner, cords, and electronics. Additional recycling opportunities for recycling textiles, books, and film plastics.
Sustainable Restaurant Nights - April 10, 17, and 22
Hosted by BU Dining
BU Dining will be holding a series of Restaurant Night events – restaurant-style, multi-course plated meals for a limited number of students – highlighting a diverse range of sustainable menus as a part of this year’s Earth Day 365 programming.
Each event is open to 50 attendees, and tickets will be given on a first come-first serve basis at the location beginning at 5:30pm the day of the event. The cost of admission is one meal swipe. For each event, the meal will begin promptly at 6pm and last up to two hours.
- Thursday, April 10 – Warren Towers Restaurant Night featuring a plant-forward menu crafted by Chef Danley Daniel
- Thursday, April 17 – West Campus Restaurant Night featuring a repurposed menu crafted by Chef Brian Benton
- Tuesday, April 22 – Marciano Commons Restaurant Night featuring a locally and sustainably sourced menu crafted by Chef Jari Pohjolainen
Don't Waste Perfectly Good Food - April 16
Wednesday, April 16 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm (808 Commonwealth Ave, Room 124)
Hosted by BU Gastronomy Program
Learn how to turn scraps into delicious dishes with chefs Irene and Mei LI, authors of Perfectly Good Food. Irene and Mei Li’s book teaches us how to make the most of what we have, creating sustainable practices in our own home kitchens. Food will be served at this event (of course!)
Bring in Spring Ride - April 19
Saturday, April 19 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Hosted by the BU Cycle Kitchen and the Boston Cyclists Union
The BUCK is thrilled to list a Bringing in Spring group ride in partnership with the Boston Cyclist Union. This group ride will start at the Grove in Lower Allston and end at the BU Cycle Kitchen. We’ll be doing a tour of local community gardens on the ride.
Reuse and Repair
Discover the Joy of Sewing and Upcycling - April 11
Friday, April 11 from 12:30 – 3:30 pm (Innovate@BU)
Hosted by Innovate@BU
Discover the joy of sewing and upcycling in this beginner-friendly workshop! Whether you’re brand new to sewing or looking to refresh your skills, this hands-on class will teach you the essentials of using a sewing machine while creating a stylish, functional, and one-of-a-kind upcycled denim crossbody bag. What You’ll Learn: – Basics of sewing machine operation and maintenance – Essential sewing techniques and tools – How to work with upcycled materials, including denim What’s Included: – All materials and tools provided, including upcycled denim and sewing supplies – Step-by-step guidance to help you complete your bag – Your very own handmade crossbody bag to take home – Designs: We offer multiple design options for you to choose from, ensuring your project is tailored to your style and preferences. The entire making process will be guided with personalized 1-on-1 instruction from the instructor, customized for your specific project. Participants are also welcome to bring their own sewing machines. This interactive workshop is the perfect way to dip your toes into sewing, explore creative upcycling, and leave with a one-of-a-kind handmade item. Spaces are limited, so grab your spot today and start your sewing journey with Rework Studio & Shop.
Register here – spots are limited.
Earth Day Textile Drop and Swap - April 16-21
Wednesday, April 16 thru Monday, April 21, 8am-10pm each day – (FitRec Lobby)
Hosted by Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance
Get an early jump on your spring cleaning and packing for the end of the semester! Bring your textiles by FitRec and we’ll keep them out of the trash and get them to the right place. They’ll be donated for reselling, thrifting, repurposing, and recycling – all going to a good cause. Acceptable donations include clean, dry, and odorless clothing in good condition, torn/worn clothing, bedding and towels, accessories, and shoes. Please bring items in closed plastic bags. Items that might be swapped will be hung on a rack; please take only one item.
Artisinal Shotgun: A Sustainable Fashion Show - April 19
Saturday, April 19 at 6:30 pm (BU Photonics Center)
Hosted by Fabrio Magazine
Artisanal shotgun is a Sustainable Fashion Show with outfits made entirely of recycled fabric and clothing. Artistically, the show is about art of rebellion through humanity — exploring sex and love, seeking and belief, and creativity. However, we are exploring high fashion through the lens of ethical clothing consumption and reproduction.
Earth Day Clothing Swap - April 25
Friday, April 25 from 12pm-5pm (Marsh Plaza)
Hosted by BU Closet and the LGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Community Network
Join BU Closet and the LGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Community Network for BU’s largest clothing swap of the year! Drop by anytime to enjoy free clothes, free food, and an Earth Day celebration for all! Want to donate? Follow @bostonucloset on Instagram to find out where our current clothing drives are happening — or bring your donations directly to the swap! No donation is required to attend or pick out clothes — the event is completely free and open to everyone.
The Natural World Impacting Us
New Growths Pt. II: A Conversation on Indigenous Sovereignty & Sustainability - April 4
Friday, April 4 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm (Innovate@BU and Virtual)
Hosted by BU Sustainability, BU Law School, School of Theology Faith and Ecological Justice Program, and the University of Southern Maine
Please join us on Friday, April 4 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm for a panel discussion, followed by a panel-audience dialogue about land, integrity, and ecologies, held at Boston University. The panel will feature local Indigenous leaders and scholars.
This event is the second part of a cross-institutional conversation between Boston University (BU) and University of Southern Maine exploring the nexus between Indigenous sovereignty and sustainability with local indigenous leaders and scholars.
Paradise Falls: A Conversation with Bestselling Author Keith O'Brien - April 10
Tuesday, April 10 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm (The Institute for Global Sustainability, 111 Cummington Mall Suite 149)
Hosted by The Institute for Global Sustainability, College of Communication, and Initiative on Cities
Keith O’Brien is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist. His book Paradise Falls tells the forgotten story of the mothers who led a two-year fight to escape their own homes amid one of the worst environmental crises of the 20th century. In the process, they helped create the modern environmental movement.
On Thursday April 10, O’Brien will come to Boston University to discuss the powerful story of the mothers at Love Canal, lessons for today, the writing and reporting process behind his book, and more. He will be joined in conversation by moderator Stephanie Ettinger de Cuba, BU School of Public Health Research Associate Professor, Executive Director of Children’s HealthWatch at Boston Medical Center, and Associate Director of Health with BU Initiative on Cities. Boston Globe journalist and Professor of the Practice in Journalism David Abel will deliver opening remarks.
After the event, join us for a networking reception with light refreshments. Paradise Falls will be available for purchase, and attendees will have the opportunity to get their copy personally signed by O’Brien.
The Boston Globe Sustainability Summit - April 15
Tuesday, April 15 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences)
Hosted by The Boston Globe and Boston University
This annual event run by the Boston Globe features high level speakers, elected officials, changemakers, and advocates. As host for this event, Boston University has a select number of free tickets available to students, faculty, and staff. If you would like to attend this event for free, please fill out the interest form below. During this year’s summit, keynote remarks will be provided by Gina McCarthy, the 13th EPA Administrator and former Climate Advisor for the Biden White House.
BU Free Ticket Interest Form. This form is for free tickets from BU. Registration is required for this event. Given the expected high level of interest in this event, we may not be able to grant a free ticket to all who submit interest. If you would like to pay for a ticket, click here.
CDS Sustainability App Challenge - April 15 thru 21
Hosted by the Faculty for Computing & Data Sciences and Earth House
End Date/Time: Monday, April 21 at 11:59 PM
Learn How to Be an Advocate - April 23
Wednesday, April 23 from 6:30-7:30 pm (BU Cycle Kitchen)
Hosted by BU Urbanists and the BUCK
This workshop teaches students the resources they need to share their opinions and engage with public officials such as City of Boston employees and city councilors. With this knowledge, students will be better suited to advocate for improvements to the public realm, allowing them to show support for better, safer, and more sustainable streets.
Project Management Club Earth Day Competitions - April 24
Thursday, April 24 from 2:00-4:00 pm (1010 Comm Ave, Room 420)
Hosted by the Project Management Club
The event will feature a competition for sustainability project ideas developed by students in several of our project management courses, who have often chosen sustainability-oriented projects or programs throughout the Spring semester. Students will present posters representing their projects, many of which are connected to web-based applications they have created or proposed and mocked-up, and which students can try in real time. Refreshments will be served and top performers will receive (small) prizes.
Sustaining the Urban Future - April 25
Friday, April 25 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Innovate@BU)
Hosted by BU Sustainability and Innovate@BU
What sustainable urban future do you envision? How can all communities experience environmental protections in cities equally? Join us to learn how sustainable urbanism can promote a resilient, lasting, and livable city. After learning about climate challenges that cities face, you will brainstorm how you – individually and collectively, can be part of a resilient and just urban future. Wondering how this can lead to a real impact? You will walk away with resources to kickstart your sustainable actions with local community organizations!
Charles River Esplanade Clean Up - April 26
Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Meet Up location to be shared at later date)
Hosted by Development & Alumni Relations, Warren Towers Residence Life, Student Wellbeing, Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), Questrom Graduate Students of the African Diaspora (GSAD), Questrom Social Impact and Nonprofit Club, Idori, and Questrom Energy and Sustainability Club
In observance of #EarthDay365 and Global Days of Service, join us for the 26th Annual Charles River Cleanup on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am to 12 pm! Boston University students, faculty, staff and alumni will gather along the Charles River Esplanade near Warren Towers and the Questrom School of Business to remove trash and debris, preserving this iconic historical landmark. This event isn’t just about making a positive impact on our local community; it’s also an opportunity to connect with fellow Terriers who share a passion for volunteerism, sustainability, and service. It sounds simple, but you’ll have a great time chatting with others, enjoying nature and taking in some amazing views. The Esplanade Association will provide gloves and all the tools we need to remove trash and debris from the section of the Esplanade adjacent to our campus. So bring yourself, a water bottle and all the Earth Day vibes!
Earth Sunday Worship Service - April 27
Sunday, April 27 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Marsh Chapel)
Hosted by Marsh Chapel
Join members of the Boston University community at Marsh Chapel’s annual Earth Sunday worship service at 11:00 AM in the Marsh Chapel Sanctuary. Come explore our relationships with God and the Earth through scripture, sacrament, music, and meditations. Marsh Chapel’s Sunday worship is an interdenominational Christian community where all are welcome.