Earth Week 2025

Elon University’s Earth Week, held April 21-27, invites students, faculty, and staff to reflect on their habits and explore their impact on the environment. With a variety of events and activities, Earth Week fosters awareness, dialogue, and action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

EARTH WEEK COMPETITION

Attend as many events as you can for your chance to win! First, second and third place winners will be determined by those who attend the most events throughout the week. There will be one set of student winners and another set of faculty/staff winners.

PRIZES

First Place: $25 Phoenix Cash, hammock, sustainability prize pack (beeswax wrap, t-shirt, water bottle, utensil kit, straw, reusable bag)
Second Place: hammock, sustainability prize pack
Third Place: hammock

Monday, April 21

 

Tuesday, April 22

 

Wednesday, April 23

7-8 PM | EARTH WEEK KEYNOTE: BILL MCKIBBEN, “THE RACE FOR A WORKING CLIMATE: WHAT NOW?” | ALUMNI GYM, KOURY ATHLETIC CENTER

We’re at a hinge moment in human history. On the one hand, we face an environmental cataclysm like none before. On the other, the rapid fall in the price of clean energy gives us the chance for truly rapid progress. In this urgent, heartfelt and hopeful talk, New York Times bestselling author Bill McKibben reveals the part each of us must plan in where we need to go and provides realistic approaches to saving our planet, as individuals, and as thoughtful members of a mobilized community.

McKibben was awarded the Right Livelihood Award in 2014, sometimes called the “alternative Nobel” and received the Ghandi Peace Award in 2013. His book “The End of Nature” is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change and has been translated into 24 languages. TIME Magazine called McKibben “perhaps the planet’s best green journalist,” and he has lectured and organized on every continent, including Antarctica. He helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, and has recently helped found Third Act, to build a progressive organizing movement for people over age 60. McKibben, the author of fifteen books, is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Department, Facilities Management, Food Studies, the Global Neighborhood, the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Life@Elon, and Peace and Conflict Studies

9-10 PM | S’MORES WITH OUTDOORS | BECK POOL PATIO

Join Elon Outdoors and the Eco-Reps for a special Earth Week S’mores with Outdoors!

Thursday, April 24

5-7 PM | PARTY FOR THE PLANET | MOSELEY WEST LAWN

Celebrate sustainability with fun activities and live entertainment! This event will also feature a thrift shop where students can trade their gently used clothes for new (gently used) clothes.

Friday, April 25

3-5 PM | BIKE TO BURLINGTON (MEET AT KOURY CENTER)

Meet in front of the Koury Athletic Center and join Elon Outdoors and the Office of Sustainability for a bike ride to Burlington, where we’ll enjoy some ice cream while learning about local businesses and why they’re an important part of sustainability. Bikes will be provided, or you can bring your own.

Saturday, April 26

SUSTAINABLE DAY OF SERVICE (VARIOUS TIMES AND LOCATIONS)

Sustainable Day of Service Opportunities include:

9 AM – 11 PM | Lake Mackintosh Kayak Clean Up | Registration Required
Take care of local Lake Mackintosh while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaks, gloves, and trash bags provided. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.

1-3 PM | Lake Mackintosh Kayak Clean Up | Registration Required
Take care of local Lake Mackintosh while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaks, gloves, and trash bags provided. Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen.

Sunday, April 27

11 AM – 4 PM | CAROLINA FARM STEWARDSHIP ASSOCIATION FARM TOUR  |  MEET IN FRONT OF CENTER FOR THE ARTS | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Visit three local farms to learn about food production in Alamance County and try some local foods along the way!  Transportation Provided.