UNM to Screen Environmental Documentary and Host Composting Workshops for Earth Month

UNM Leads by Example: Earth Month Events Highlight Commitment to Sustainability

Universities worldwide are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, recognizing their critical role in addressing environmental challenges and fostering a greener future. Institutions such as the University of Toronto, ETH Zurich, and the University of California, Berkeley, have been ranked among the most sustainable universities globally, thanks to their innovative programs and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. For instance, the University of Toronto has launched initiatives like Climate Positive Energy, while ETH Zurich focuses on cutting-edge research in renewable energy and sustainable development. Similarly, the University of Queensland in Australia has aligned its sustainability strategy with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, emphasising renewable energy and biodiversity conservation.

In alignment with this global movement, the University of New Mexico (UNM) has reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability through its UNM 2040 Goal 4. This initiative creates a sustainable campus environment that enhances the quality of life for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As part of this vision, UNM has organised a series of events throughout April to celebrate Earth Month, focusing on sustainability, community building, and campus beautification.

The Earth Month celebrations at UNM include a tree ceremony on April 1 to honor its Arbor Day Higher Education Tree Campus status. Workshops on composting and soil management will also be held to promote sustainable gardening. The month’s highlight is the Sustainability Expo on April 24, featuring a growers’ market, food trucks, educational displays, and interactive exhibits, offering the community a chance to learn about sustainable practices and engage with local partners. Moreover, UNM has organized Campus Cleanup Days on April 22 and April 25, inviting volunteers to participate in activities such as weeding, mulching, and planting trees and flowers. These efforts not only beautify the campus but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment.

Event Highlights:

• To commence the celebrations, a campus tree ceremony was scheduled on April 1 at 12:30 p.m., south of Scholes Hall, recognizing UNM's designation as an Arbor Day Higher Education Tree Campus.
• Additionally, the iconic "U" outside Hodgin Hall was to be illuminated green in honor of this achievement. 
• On April 2, the university planned to screen the documentary "Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai" at the Student Union Building to raise awareness about environmental sustainability. 
• Furthermore, compost and soil workshops were organized on April 1 and April 10, respectively, to educate attendees on starting their garden or home composting program.

The annual Sustainability Expo, led by Sustainability Studies students, returns on April 24 along Cornell Mall. The event will feature a growers’ market, food trucks, educational displays, and interactive exhibits, highlighting sustainable practices and community partnerships. Later that evening, Bloom: A Spring Garden Party will take place at Lobo Gardens, offering additional opportunities for community engagement.

Moreover, UNM has planned two Campus Cleanup Days to involve the community in enhancing campus aesthetics. Scheduled for April 22 on the north campus and April 25 on the central campus, these events invite volunteers to participate in cleaning, weeding, mulching, and planting flowers and trees. Pre-registration is required to ensure the success of these activities. This comprehensive celebration of Earth Month reflects UNM's dedication to sustainability and its efforts to inspire the community to adopt eco-friendly practices while strengthening bonds within the campus.

Editor’s Note:

As universities around the world increasingly recognise their role in shaping a greener future, the University of New Mexico (UNM) stands as a strong example of how higher education institutions can drive meaningful change. This Earth Month, UNM has rolled out an impressive series of events, from the tree ceremony honoring its Arbor Day Higher Education Tree Campus status to workshops on composting and sustainable gardening. The highlight of these celebrations, the Sustainability Expo on April 24, exemplifies the university’s commitment to raising awareness about eco-friendly practices while fostering collaboration with local partners. Events like the Campus Cleanup Days further demonstrate UNM’s dedication to beautifying the campus and building a sense of shared responsibility for the environment.

Skoobuzz believes that Earth Month is more than just a celebration; it serves as a reminder for all of us to work toward a greener, more sustainable future. In this regard, UNM’s efforts stand as a powerful example of how community engagement and collective action can drive meaningful change.