Elon to celebrate Earth Day every day

Earth Day Every Day encourages students, faculty and staff to examine their habits and live sustainably every day.

Elon University celebrates Earth Week the week on April 22, which is nationally recognized as Earth Day.

But the Office of Sustainability would like to encourage the campus community to make every day Earth Day. Several events, listed below, are planned to help celebrate our environment and learn about sustainability. Registration is required for many events.

Elon Farmer’s Market

Thursday, Aug. 24 from 3-6 p.m. at Elon Community Church

Support local farmers, bakers, crafters and the local economy. Stop by the Office of Sustainability table taste test some “ugly” produce and pick up a free reusable bag.

Planting for the Planet

Friday, Aug. 25 from 4-6 p.m. at Elon Community Garden

Join the Office of Sustainability Volunteer Program, Student Sierra Coalition, Garden Club, Loy Farm, and Net Impact at the Elon Community Garden to learn about how to get involved in sustainability. We’ll provide plants, soil and pots for you to create your own houseplant to take back to your room. Registration encouraged. Drop-ins welcome.

Fruit Scrap Smoothies (EU Dining Event)

Thursday, Aug. 31 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Find the EU Dining tricycle around campus to try out a sustainable smoothie made using fresh fruit, including the scraps!

Loy Farm Workday

Sunday, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Loy Farm

One in five people in Alamance County are food insecure.  The Kernodle Center for Civic Life’s Campus Kitchen program partners with Allied Churches of Alamance County to provide healthy, local foods to food insecure Alamance County residents. Students who attend this Loy Farm Workday will help harvest food which will be utilized through these programs. Registration required.

Sample the Local (EU Dining Event)

Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Chandler Fountain (outside Clohan Dining Hall)

Join EU Dining to meet some of Elon’s local partners that are featured all over campus! Sample delicious local beverages, try some tasty treats, and meet the partners that bring fresh, local products to our dining halls.

Kayak Clean-Up

Saturday, Sept. 9 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Lake Mackintosh

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. Registration required.

More than Milk (EU Dining Event)

Thursday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Lakeside Dining Hall

Join EU Dining’s Health and Wellness Manager and Sustainability Coordinator to milk alternatives and learn about their dietary and environmental impacts!

Mental Health Hike

Friday, Sept. 15 from 3-5 p.m. at Shallow Ford Natural Center

Nature is filled with infinite opportunities to improve your life! Hiking allows us to tap into multiple areas of wellbeing and engage our senses. Join the Office of Sustainability and Counseling Services for an inclusive hike to experience and explore the ways being in Nature can support your holistic wellness.  Transportation provided.  Registration required.

Bike to Burlington

Friday, Sept. 22 from 3-5 p.m. at Koury Athletic Center

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. Registration required.

Kayaking in Saxapahaw

Sunday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join Elon Outdoors for a trip to explore Saxapahaw. We’ll paddle on Saxapahaw Lake, and have a chance to explore the scenery while practicing your paddling skills! Participants are required to pay for this event.  Price includes transportation, equipment, and snacks.  Visit the Elon Outdoors website for more information and to register for this event.

Loy Farm Open House

Friday, Sept. 29 from 6-7 p.m. at Loy Farm

Loy Farm features a solar farm and the Elon Environmental Center, which includes the responsible design studio, forest classroom, and agricultural farm. Students, faculty and staff will be available to talk about the sustainability initiatives taking place at Loy Farm. Located at 2635 W. Front St. in Burlington, the farm is a short walk, bike ride or drive from main campus along the greenway path.