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 from March 25th – April 22nd, 2024. If you have questions about Earth Day 365 or want to help run an event this year, please contact the BU Sustainability team at sustainability@bu.edu.
We would like to thank our partners from BU Arts Initiative, BU Closet, BU Dining Services, BU FitRec, BU Food Studies Program, BUMC Climate Action Group, BUPD, BUSPH Queer Alliance, BU SPH Student Senate, BU Wellbeing, College of Communication, the Collge to Climate Summit, the Community Service Center, Gastronomy, Initiative on Cities, the Institute for Global Sustainability, Marsh Chapel, the Office of Religious Life, the Office of Research, the Professional Clothing Closet, the Project Management Club, Questrom Graduate Council, Questrom Serves, Questrom Social Impact and Non-Profit Club, Sargent College, the School of Law, Students of Color for Public Health, Warren Towers Residence Life, and West Campus Resident Sustainability Leaders for making Earth Day 365 possible!
More events are being added, so please check back here for updates!
Earth Day 365 Events
Campus-Wide Food Drive - March 25-April 5
Monday, March 25 through Friday, April 5
Hosted by the Community Service Center and BU Sustainability
From March 25th to April 5th, the Community Service Center is proud to be partnering with over 15 university partners and student organizations in a campus-wide Food Drive! Donations will be delivered to ABCD, a nonprofit in Roxbury & North Dorchester. Departments, organizations, and individuals will be collecting non-perishable donations throughout these two weeks, and can bring them to our office on the 4th floor of the GSU between 9am-5pm Monday through Friday.
Climate Change and Infectious Disease (Research on Tap) - March 27
Wednesday, March 27 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Kilachand Center Eichenbaum Colloquium Room
Hosted by The Office of Research
This is a 21+ Event
Climate change and associated aberrant weather patterns are responsible for a wide array of health issues, posing an urgent need for research to guide evidence-based public health policy. While interdisciplinary connections have been steadily evolving among the many researchers studying related topics across BU schools and colleges, the growing threat of emerging infectious diseases during the era of climate change continues to demand further scholarship and deeper collaboration. This Research on Tap will convene students, faculty, and research scientists from various disciplines within BU to share their ongoing projects, available resources, datasets, and ideas, and facilitate new collaborations within the University. Lightning talks from researchers will be followed by a panel discussion with faculty leading major efforts to facilitate new, convergent research around this important topic. RSVP HERE.
Happy Terrier Walk on the Esplanade - March 29
Friday, March 29 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm @ Marsh Plaza
Hosted by BU Wellbeing and FitRec
Led by a BU grad student, Happy Terrier Walk invites current students to meet on Marsh Plaza at appointed times to enjoy a leisurely walk on the Esplanade. Each walk is intended to help students meet new people, keep moving, appreciate the beautiful scenery adjacent to our campus and feel the stress-reducing effects of going on a walk with a friend. Please register for the Walk Roster so we can notify you of any changes or updates to Friday walks!
Thrift Trip - March 31
Sunday, March 31 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm @ GSU Starbucks
Hosted by the West Campus Resident Sustainability Leaders
Bring your friends and join the West Campus Resident Sustainability Leaders on a trip to some of the hottest thrifting spots across the river: Garment District, Boomerangs and Goodwill Cambridge. We’ll meet at the GSU Starbucks at 12:45 pm to take a bus over to together. We’ll be going rain or shine!
Sit & Sip at BUMC - April 2
Tuesday, April 2 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm @ Talbot Green
Hosted by BU Sustainability
Have you ever wanted to learn more about sustainability on the Med Campus or just love shooting the breeze about sustainability? Come chat with us over free coffee/tea, pastries and cookies at Talbot Green. See you there!
Rain Date: Tuesday, April 9th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
From Scraps to Scrumptious - April 2
Tuesday, April 2, from 1:00 – 2:00 pm @ 808 Commonwealth Ave. Room 124
Hosted by BU Dining and the BU Food Studies Program
BU Dining partners with the Food Studies Programs to offer quick lessons in how to turn food you might throw out into great meals. Chef Chris Bee, BU’s Campus Culinary Director, will demonstrate recipes and guests will get to sample them. Be inspired to help end the global crisis of food waste and enjoy delicious up-cycled food. Register here.
Smell of Money Film Screening - April 4
Thursday, April 4 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm @ Boston University School of Law, Room 103
Hosted by the School of Law
Join the BU community for a film screening of the award-winning film, The Smell of Money, which documents food injustices experienced by a rural minority community in North Carolina. Following the film screening, there will be a moderated discussion on environmental ethics, animal rights, public health, and corporate social responsibility moderated by Dr. Tyson-Lord Gray. The discussion will feature Aaron Gross, Ph.D., M.T.S; Emma Scott, J.D.; Simone Charles, Ph.D., M.S.; and the film’s director, Shawn Bannon. Get your tickets here.
Dining Services Earth Day Scavenger Hunt - April 5-11
Friday, April 5 thru Thursday, April 11
Hosted by BU Dining Services
Grab your smartphone or mobile device and download the free Scavify app. This exciting event will take you on a journey across campus, where you’ll discover hidden gems and learn about sustainable practices along the way. The scavenger hunt is not only a chance to explore our campus in a unique way but also an opportunity to win some fantastic prizes.
- 100+ Points: Earn 100 or more points, and you’ll be entered to win a pair tickets to our Restaurant Night on April 18th
- 150+ Points: Score more than 150 points, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for one of five $25 Convenience Points prizes
- 200+ Points Grand Prize: Go above and beyond with 200+ points, and you’ll have a chance at winning the ultimate prize – a FREE BICYCLE
To learn more, visit www.bu.edu/dining once the scavenger hunt launches.
Happy Terrier Walk on the Esplanade - April 5
Friday, April 5 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm @ Marsh Plaza
Hosted by BU Wellbeing and FitRec
Led by a BU grad student, Happy Terrier Walk invites current students to meet on Marsh Plaza at appointed times to enjoy a leisurely walk on the Esplanade. Each walk is intended to help students meet new people, keep moving, appreciate the beautiful scenery adjacent to our campus and feel the stress-reducing effects of going on a walk with a friend. Please register for the Walk Roster so we can notify you of any changes or updates to Friday walks!
BU and Africa: Culture, Development, Health, Environment, and Governance (Research on Tap) - April 8
Monday, April 8 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm @ Boston University School of Law, Room 103
Hosted by The Office of Research
This is a 21+ Event
At BU, scholarship and research related to Africa is on the rise. With its roots in the BU African Studies Center, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary, BU has a wide comparative advantage in many aspects of research on Africa, from the Medical Campus and the School of Public Health to the Pardee School and the Department of Anthropology and in between. In this Research on Tap, we will convene extensive expertise across disciplines, schools, and colleges to help members of this broad community coalesce, expand our knowledge, and plant seeds for deeper collaboration. Register here.
The Taste of Water: Pepin Lecture Series - April 10
Wednesday, April 10 from 6:00-7:30 pm @ 808 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 124
Hosted by the Gastronomy
Have you ever wondered why your tap water tastes the way it does? Christy Spackman will be joining the BU Food Studies Programs as a guest in the spring 2024 Pepin Lecture Series to discuss her book, The Taste of Water: Sensory Perception and the Making of an Industrialized Beverage. The Taste of Water explores the increasing erasure of tastes from drinking water over the twentieth century. It asks how dramatic changes in municipal water treatment have altered consumers’ awareness of the environment their water comes from. Copies of Spackman’s book will be available to purchase on-site at the event. Sign up here.
Happy Terrier Walk on the Esplanade - April 12
Friday, April 12 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm @ Marsh Plaza
Hosted by BU Wellbeing and FitRec
Led by a BU grad student, Happy Terrier Walk invites current students to meet on Marsh Plaza at appointed times to enjoy a leisurely walk on the Esplanade. Each walk is intended to help students meet new people, keep moving, appreciate the beautiful scenery adjacent to our campus and feel the stress-reducing effects of going on a walk with a friend. Please register for the Walk Roster so we can notify you of any changes or updates to Friday walks!
College to Climate Symposium - April 13
Saturday, April 13, from 11: am – 4:00 pm at the Center for Computing & Data Sciences
Hosted by College to Climate with Support from BU Sustainability
Join us for a day of networking with 100 students from universities in Greater Boston, participate in a career development workshop led by the College to Climate team, hear from high-profile speakers in the Boston climate/sustainability space, and meet employers hiring for summer internships and full-time roles! Email collegetoclimate@gmail.com with any questions! The event will include a day of workshops, employers, climate speakers, climate organizations from across New England, and plenty of networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a summer internship, fall co-op, full time position, or just want to get more involved in sustainability, this symposium is the perfect chance to kick start your career in climate! Register here.
Shred and Recycle Event at BUMC - April 16
Tuesday, April 16 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Talbot Green
Hosted by IS&T and BU Sustainability
The Shred+Recycle 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. There is no limit to the amount you can shred and recycle. For more information on what you can bring, click here.
Earth Day Textile Drop and Swap - April 17-22
Wednesday, April 17 through Monday, April 22, 8:00am – 10:00pm @ 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 drop off in closed plastic bags. Items that might be swapped will be hung on a rack; please take only one item.
Shred and Recycle Event at West Campus - April 17
Wednesday, April 17 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Agganis Arena Parking Lot (behind the arena via Buick Street or Agganis Way)
Hosted by IS&T and BU Sustainability
The Shred+Recycle 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. There is no limit to the amount you can shred and recycle. For more information on what you can bring, click here.
'Inundation District' Film Screening - April 17
Wednesday, April 17 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm @ the Questrom School of Business, Room 105
Hosted by The Institute for Global Sustainability, College of Communication, Initiative on Cities, and BU Sustainability
The BU community is invited to a free screening of Inundation District, the award-winning new film about the potential for devastating climate impacts in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood that has debuted to sold-out audiences across Boston.
Directed by David Abel, Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and BU College of Communication Professor of the Practice in Journalism, Inundation District explores the implications of one city’s decision to ignore the threats posed by climate change and spend billions of dollars building a new waterfront district — on landfill, at sea level, and in the bullseye of rising seas.
Immediately after the screening, join us for an audience Q&A with Abel moderated by Dr. Arunima Krishna from the College of Communication.
Shred and Recycle Event at East Campus - April 18
Thursday, April 18 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm at Kenmore Lot (549 Commonwealth Ave.)
Hosted by IS&T and BU Sustainability
The Shred+Recycle 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. There is no limit to the amount you can shred and recycle. For more information on what you can bring, click here.
Earth Day Clothing Swap - April 18
Thursday, April 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm @ Kilachand Hall 1st Floor
Hosted by BU Closet and Epsilon Eta
BU Closet is back, and we’re partnering with Epsilon Eta for our final swap of the semester! BU Closet clothing swaps are free to all, promoting second-hand and circular consumption. There will be music, friends, and tons of pre-loved clothing for you to pick out for free!
If you’re interested in donating your clothing, feel free to bring it directly to the swap or drop it off during BU Sustainability’s tabling times on Mondays from 11am to 1pm (GSU), Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 4:30pm (CCDS), and Fridays from 11:30am to 2pm (CCDS) before April 18th. Acceptable donations include clothing in good condition; baby clothes, undergarments, socks, shoes, or accessories will not be accepted.
Restaurant Night - April 18
Thursday, April 18 6:00 pm @ West Campus Dining Hall
Hosted by BU Dining Services
In celebration of Earth Day 365, join us for a sustainable dinner exclusively for meal plan holders! Our chef crafted menu will include plant-based courses. Cost: 1 meal swipe and 15 dining points per student. Students on a meal plan will be charged 1 meal swipe and 15 dining points upon making a reservation. No refunds will be issued. Reservations required. Spaces limited. The registration link will be provided to students via email once signups open.
Professional Clothing Closet Spring Open House - April 19
Friday, April 19 from 10:00 am – 3:30 pm @ 100 Bay State Road, Room 103
Hosted by the Professional Clothing Closet — a program of the Center for Career Development and the Newbury Center
Don’t miss the BU’s Professional Clothing Closet’s end of year Open House! Drop by the PCC on Friday, April 19, to get your wardrobe refresh just in time for summer jobs and internships! Even if you have already had a PCC appointment this academic year, during the Open House, you will be eligible to select up to four new or gently used items of professional clothing. No appointment required, and the items are yours to keep, absolutely free!
Happy Terrier Walk on the Esplanade - April 19
Friday, April 19 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm @ Marsh Plaza
Hosted by BU Wellbeing and FitRec
Led by a BU grad student, Happy Terrier Walk invites current students to meet on Marsh Plaza at appointed times to enjoy a leisurely walk on the Esplanade. Each walk is intended to help students meet new people, keep moving, appreciate the beautiful scenery adjacent to our campus and feel the stress-reducing effects of going on a walk with a friend. Please register for the Walk Roster so we can notify you of any changes or updates to Friday walks!
25th Annual Charles River Clean Up - April 20
Saturday, April 20 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm. Meeting near Warren Towers and Questrom
Hosted by Warren Towers Residence Life, BU Wellbeing, BUPD, Questrom Social Impact and Non-Profit Club, Questrom Graduate Council, and Questrom Serves.
In observance of #EarthDay365, join us for the 25th Annual Charles River Cleanup on Saturday, April 20, from 10 am to 12 pm!
Boston University students, faculty, and staff 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!
Click here to register. You will be notified via email of the 10 am meeting spot.
Marsh Chapel's 'Earth Care' Worship Service - April 21
Sunday, April 21. Service from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm in Marsh Chapel. Lunch from 12:15 – 1:00 pm in Marsh Room (lower level of 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 reflect on the relationship between faith, sustainability, and environmental justice with music and meditations. A free lunch will be provided following the service. Marsh Chapel’s Sunday worship is an interdenominational Christian community where all are welcome.
Crash Cummington - April 21
Sunday, April 21 from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm on Cummington Mall.
Hosted by BU Crash and BU Sustainability
Crash Cummington will be an event focused on bringing the BU community together for a day of fun and games. The goal of this event will be to show students the importance of active pedestrian spaces, and will also seek to promote micro-mobility on BU campus. We will have lawn-games, street games, food, student-club organizations will be tabling, and will have live music at the event.
Plant Bar Workshop with Micro Plant Studios - April 21
Sunday, April 21 from 7:15 – 9:00 pm at BU Arts Initiative (2nd Floor of GSU)
Hosted by BU Arts Initiative and BU Sustainability
Start your Earth Day celebrations early by creating your own potted plant with Boston-based, Latinx-owned company, Micro Plant Studios! As part of Earth Day 365, the BU Arts Initiative is teaming up with BU Sustainability to host a Plant Bar Workshop on campus. Led by Julio César Román of Micro Plant Studios, this plant bar is the perfect hands-on activity to learn about plant care and take home your very own potted plant. The bar includes an assortment of 2″ plants, soil, pebbles, and colorful, 3D-printed pots. Students will also engage in a few interactives to learn how plant-care can emulate self-care in their lives. This unique opportunity is completely free for you – and open to all BU students.
Plankton Painting at Sargent College - April 22
Monday, April 22 All Day at Sargent College
Hosted by Sargent College
Sargent College is celebrating Earth Day on campus with one of our researchers’ artwork. Jess Holz (jessholz.com) is an electron microscopist and research fellow at Sargent College and her art will appear on the large screen in the 1st floor lobby of Sargent College. Come take a peek into the dynamic world of microscopic pond life. She will be taking over the monitor with videos and timelapse images of plankton swimming on a microscope slide throughout the campus-wide celebration of Earth. See pictures of critters at Halls Pond in Brookline taken with chronophotography (timelapse). The ‘squiggles’ and lines are the paths/trails of these tiny creatures in time. Plankton are the second most abundant life form on earth and form the basis of the food chain but are so small they are often overlooked. By visualizing these small creatures and celebrating their vitality Jess hopes to raise awareness of the impact humans are having on these unseen beings.
This particular ‘plankton painting’ artwork is offered as a workshop, where people can take their own timelapse pictures of pond water through the microscope. If you were ever interested in a pop up art event in the future, or drawing in the dark, check out Jess’s webpage: https://jessholz.com/plankton-painting/.
Medical Campus Clothing Swap - April 22 (ROOM CHANGE)
Monday, April 22 from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
ROOM CHANGE: INS 107
Hosted by BU Closet, BUSPH Queer Alliance, BUMC Climate Action Group, BUSPH Student Senate, and the Students of Color for Public Health
BU Closet is back, and we’re partnering with student groups on the medical campus for a clothing swap! BU Closet clothing swaps are free to all, promoting second-hand and circular consumption. There will be music, friends, and tons of pre-loved clothing for you to pick out for free!
If you’re interested in donating your clothing, feel free to bring it directly to the swap or drop it off during BU Sustainability’s tabling times on Mondays from 11am to 1pm (GSU), Wednesdays from 2:30pm to 4:30pm (CCDS), and Fridays from 11:30am to 2pm (CCDS) before April 18th. Acceptable donations include clothing in good condition; baby clothes, undergarments, socks, shoes, or accessories will not be accepted.
Project Management Club Earth Day Celebration - April 22
Monday, April 22 from 4:00-6:00 pm at 1010 Commonwealth Ave.
Hosted by the Project Management Club
Learn about what various project teams have been up to for the past semester with presentations on sustainability-oriented group work that masters project and program management students have worked on this past semester. The event will feature a competition for sustainability project ideas that have been developed by students throughout the Spring semester.
Marsh Chapel's Earth Day Community Dinner - April 22
Monday, April 22 from 5:00-6:00 pm at Marsh Chapel (Marsh Room, lower level)
Hosted by Marsh Chapel, the Office of Religious Life, and BU Sustainability
Join Marsh Chapel & Office of Religious Life along with BU Sustainability for Marsh Chapel’s FREE community dinner on Earth Day. Community dinners are a great way to meet people from different majors and degree programs across BU’s campus. No registration necessary!! Come hungry, bring friends and we encourage you to BYOTC (Bring Your Own Take-Out Container) as well!