THEME - PLANET vs PLASTICS

Earth day 2024 will be celebrated on Monday April 22, 2024 around the world. At UC Riverside, the Earth Month events and activities will span through the month of April beginning April 2, 2024 to April 27, 2024. The events and activities are included below:

R'Garden Tours

Tuesday April 2, 2024: 10:00am- 12:00pm 
Location: R'Garden

The R'Garden is a student-run farm that grows fresh produce while providing an opportunity to learn about social, environmental, and economic sustainability through a food systems. The farm serves as a resource for students to be educated on the local food systems in Riverside, while actively engaging folks on the importance of having access to local & fresh produce and the importance of combatting food insecurity. It serves as a sustainability hub to promote service learning, and community-based research around food systems through student-led projects and collaborations with the campus and community. The 2024 Earth Month R’Garden Tour will showcase the garden operations in addition to providing attendees with free fresh produce. RSVP for the R'Garden Tours here and find more information about the R'Garden here.

ISC3 Culture & Climate Fair

Wednesday April 10, 2024: 11:00am - 3:00pm 
Location: UCR Alumni & Visitor Center

This event is designed to celebrate and explore the historical and ongoing contributions of local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities in the Inland Empire to the climate action movement. The Culture and Climate Action Fair will feature cultural performances, educational presentations, and food to engage and educate attendees. Our objective as ISC3 (Inland Southern California Climate Collaborative) is to provide a platform for local residents to educate others about the environmental challenges they face and to emphasize that these issues are not isolated and will impact everyone in the long run. By leveraging our diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise, we can come together collectively to forge a path toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all. This event is free and open to the public. Hope to see you there! Register for the event here and learn more about ISC3 (Inland Southern California Climate Collaborative) here

Climate Careers Panel

Thursday April 11, 2024: 10:00am- 11:35am
Location: Webinar 

Join us and talk to professionals about career paths and opportunities in the sustainability and climate action profession. As our world grapples with the urgent need for climate action, individuals across diverse fields are exploring how they can contribute meaningfully to addressing this global challenge while building fulfilling careers. This presentation and panel brings together professionals and experts from various sectors to delve into the multifaceted landscape of climate careers. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student looking to make a difference, this event offers valuable insights and inspiration. Our panelists will share their personal journeys, insights into emerging opportunities, and the impact individuals can make in the fight against climate change. Through interactive discussions, attendees will gain practical advice, discover resources, and network with like-minded individuals passionate about driving positive change. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives, connect with industry professionals, and chart your course towards a rewarding career with purpose. Register here to attend. For those who missed the webinar, access the Recorded Webinar Here Passcode: 2v1z+J$x.

Climate Action Simulation Workshop

Tuesday April 16, 2024: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Hybrid

EN-ROADS is a free online simulation model from Climate Interactive and MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative which is grounded in the best available science on climate impacts and solutions. The purpose of this workshop is to educate students, staff, faculty and others in various fields about the intricacies affecting climate change. This workshop will be hosted by Office of Sustainability and our guest speaker, Polly Estabrook who retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2022 to concentrate on meeting the climate challenge and reducing its negative impacts as much as possible. Register for the Climate Action Simulation Workshop here. and see Polly's LinkedIn profile here https://www.linkedin.com/in/polly-estabrook-b90787/ 

UCR Bike Count

Tuesday April 16, 2024: Morning Shift - 9:00am - 11:00am | Afternoon Shift 2:00pm-4:00pm 

Wednesday April 17, 2024: Morning Shift 9:00am-11:00am | Afternoon Shift 2:00pm- 4:00pm

Venue: Meet at Hinderaker Lawn

Volunteers Needed! Did you know that UCR is working on improving its Bicycle Friendly University rating? Join the upcoming Bike Count event that will be hosted by the UCR Office of Sustainability and the UCR College Corps during Earth Month to assist with counting bikes, e-bikes, bike rack types, scooters and e-scooters on campus. This is a great opportunity to participate and learn more about sustainable transportation on campus! Register here and select the date(s) and time(s) that work best for you. Note: Volunteers need to be present for the full 2-hour shift. Registration Deadline: Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Sustainability Showcase & Flea Market

Wednesday April 17, 2024: 11:00am- 1:00pm
Location: Rivera Library Lawn

Get ready to immerse yourself in a celebration of sustainability at our Sustainability Showcase and Flea Market! Join us for a day filled with eco-friendly products, inspiring initiatives, and community engagement as we come together to promote a greener, more sustainable future. At our Sustainability Showcase, you'll have the opportunity to explore a diverse array of innovative products, services, and projects that prioritize environmental responsibility. From locally sourced artisanal goods to zero-waste lifestyle essentials, discover sustainable solutions that align with your values and aspirations. Our Flea Market adds an exciting twist to the event, offering a treasure trove of pre-loved items seeking new homes. Browse through a curated selection of gently used clothing, accessories, and household items, all contributing to the circular economy and reducing waste. Throughout the event, engage with passionate vendors, artisans, and sustainability advocates who are driving positive change in our community and beyond. Save the date and learn about sustainable practices and gain practical tips for incorporating eco-conscious choices into your daily life. This event is open and No Registration is required. 

Earth Month Vegan Food Fair

Wednesday April 17, 2024: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Pentland Bear Cave (B107 / C101)

Join us in celebrating sustainable living and the delicious world of plant-based cuisine. Embark on a culinary journey like no other, as our fair showcases an abundance of mouthwatering UCR Dining vegan delights crafted by talented chefs. From savory snacks to decadent desserts, explore a vibrant array of dishes that prove plant-based eating is not only good for the planet but also incredibly flavorful. In collaboration with the Green Campus Action Plan (GCAP), our Vegan Food Fair is more than just a feast for the senses – it's an opportunity to learn, connect, and inspire change. Engage with vendors who share their stories and expertise on plant-based nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and ethical food production. Register for the Vegan Food Fair here and see you there!

Seed Bombing Event

Thursday April 18, 2024: 3:00pm - 5:00pm 
Location: Student Success Center Lawn

Get ready to dive into an afternoon of eco-excitement at the Seed Bombing event hosted by SEEDS at UCR and the Seed Office at ASUCR. Join us for an unforgettable experience packed with hands-on learning, networking opportunities, and delicious refreshments. Attendees will interact with like-minded individuals from clubs like R’ Garden and the Sustainability Club in addition to external organizations like the Rivers and Lands Conservancy. Other activities will include learning about the art of seed bombing with demonstrations on crafting successful seed bombs using native wildflower seeds and the role played by native species in our ecosystem. With flexible attendance options, drop in at your convenience and sow the seeds of change that make a positive impact on our environment! Register for the Seed Bombing event here.

Academic Sustainability Retreat

April 23, 2024: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm 
Location: HUB 302 North

Join us for the annual conversations on the current state of the UCR campus sustainability operations, curriculum and research efforts! In 2024 attendees will listen in on a panel on what sustainability means to academic leadership and interdisciplinary research centers share outs. Also, there will be discussions on AASHE STARS- academic review that includes sustainability curriculum and research and what the UCR 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement designation means to UCR Sustainability. Register for the event here to be a part of the academic sustainability conversation. 

Environmental Sciences Lab Tours 

Thursday April 25, 2024: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 
Location: Geology and Science Labs Courtyard

Are you an undergraduate student interested in Environmental Sciences research? Join us for an exciting opportunity to tour laboratories in the Environmental Sciences department and learn about the different types of research being conducted by Graduate Students and Principal Investigators. After the tours, there will be a mixer where graduate students will share more about their research implications on the future of environmental sustainability, as well as an opportunity to network with faculty. Register here to attend

R'Garden Harvest Helpers Event

Saturday April 27, 2024: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Location: R'Garden, next to Lot 30

Join us for a day of getting your hands dirty and making a difference at R'Garden, our college campus community farm! We'll be harvesting, weeding, and pruning, all while enjoying the company of fellow garden enthusiasts. It's a great way to connect with nature, learn new skills, and meet like-minded individuals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to garden while hanging out with friends old and new! Register here to attend!