This past week, the campus gathered for a variety of Earth Week themed events and activities that championed sustainability, shed light on the climate crisis and educated community members on how they could better take care of the planet. From free yoga classes, to several panels and even a free Yerbamate pop-up truck, the week was jam packed.
One of the highlights of the week was the Sustainability fair on Wednesday, April 23. This fair featured several small-group projects led by the Student Sustainability Committee, including a group looking to increase awareness of public transportation by creating their own pamphlet complete with popular student destinations, and another that was distributing sustainable laundry detergent, which was a huge hit amongst students and faculty.
“I had a really good time at the Sustainability Fair,” sophomore Sophia Marks said. “A lot of them had really interesting stuff that was applicable to what I want to do in my life, and also just generally fun things for anyone who wanted to stop by.”
For students volunteering, the different efforts at the fair constituted a variety of different causes important to the Sustainability Committee.
“I worked at the Sustainability Fair to promote the Waste and Recycling Department’s efforts to prevent waste from entering the landfill from move-out,” senior Lily Herron said. “That’s one of our biggest generators of overall waste on campus and one of our biggest projects of the year.”
While some booths were educational, many were distributing more sustainable options of common items, including bamboo toothbrush heads and cosmetic products. These booths attracted faculty and students walking by who were interested in picking up free sustainable products.
“It was also interesting to see the different things people did to help the environment,” Marks said. “There were so many different ideas.”
The fair also allowed students to present their semester-long research projects focused on environmental science, sustainability and social justice.
“I had the privilege of wearing multiple hats [at the Sustainability Fair],” junior Gabi Frank said. “I was able to observe the final posters my TA kiddos have been working on all semester, and then got to table with SSC to tell the community what we’re all about, all while capturing it all on my camera and even getting some free goodies.”
Another interesting activity that day was a map created by Sustainability Committee president Emma Spangler, during which students could report where their clothes, technology or other various items came from around the world. The tables were complete with a paint-a-pot and flower seeds station, as well as a free Yerbamate drink from the company’s truck, which drew out long lines of students. Many boasted of the Wildcat Thrift.
For some, like Herron, in the midst of their final year, this marked their final Earth Week as Villanova students.
As they prepare to graduate, they hope that even after their final day as a part of the Villanova community, the work they helped aid over their four years continues to grow and build, even years after their departure.
Marks also highlighted the Earth Week keynote speaker, Rebecca Rutstein. The speech featured Rutstein’s work entitled “Art and Advocacy,” where she spoke about her artwork and its connection to the natural world.
“I liked the discussion.” Marks said. “I thought that it was cool how she used abstract materials in her art because it goes to show the Earth is ever-changing, and that nothing is permanent.”
Marks also noted the uniqueness of the location of the art, citing how it could be found in cities and various university campuses, all to bring attention to the natural world through art.
“I feel like the week went well overall,” Herron said. “And I think it’s important for the University to show its commitment to sustainability, not just for a week but year-round and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
The Villanova community will continue to promote sustainable initiatives and activities in future opportunities to come.
