Ways to celebrate Mother Earth this month at the University of Chicago
With the arrival of Spring flowers, greenery, and growth comes the annual reminder of ways to protect our planet, culminating with the worldwide Earth Day celebration on April 22. As the University of Chicago continues with its goal to cut emissions in half by 2030 as outlined in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan and led by the Office of Sustainability, learn how academics and staff can get involved in Earth-forward initiatives and events at the University of Chicago this month with our list below.
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April 15
Learn about Midwest Dairy’s strategies for sustainability in UChicago Dining roundtable: Midwest Dairy will discuss its initiatives related to reducing its carbon footprint, water conservation, animal welfare, and waste reduction in this event held at Baker Dining Commons.
April 16
Attend a Mansueto Institute lecture on bicycling use, access, and barriers in India, Bangladesh, and Ghana: Postdoctoral scholar Smruthi Bala Kannan will discuss these issues and how they relate to human health and environmental sustainability. Registered in-person attendees will receive lunch; Zoom option available.
April 20
Volunteer with UCSC in various South Side Chicago neighborhoods for an Earth Day of Service: Participants will check in at the South Lounge of Reynolds Club (5706 S. University Ave.) before departing to various eco-focused project sites. RSVPs are required by April 15.
April 20
Learn about sustainability and the ancient world at the ISAC Museum: Join the Institute of the Study of Ancient Cultures for a family-friendly event featuring gallery talks, herb planting, and a themed scavenger hunt.
April 22
Join the Committee on Environment, Geography and Urbanization (CEGU) to reconnect with UChicago alumni and explore the impact of the CEGU program. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Urban Lounge, attendees will discuss the pivotal undergraduate experiences that shaped their careers, learn more about the skills crucial for success in their current paths, and discover how to cultivate Chicago-based connections. Dinner will be provided.
April 25
Hear about current and future research from students, faculty, and staff of the Environmental Frontiers Campus program: Participants in EF Campus will share what they’ve learned about UChicago’s laboratory energy use and carbon emissions related to air travel. A vegan lunch will be provided to in-person attendees at the Mansueto Institute, Zoom option available.
April 27
Attend a farmer’s market on the Main Quad: All are welcome to attend the market organized the Phoenix Sustainability Initiative RSO from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the South Lounge of the Reynolds Club from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.'
April 30
Listen to a discussion on reliability and the energy transition: Join the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago for a panel and reception at the Keller Center featuring Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission Doug Scott, CEO of MISO John Bear, and Harris School of Public Policy lecturer Travis Kavulla, who also serves as the vice president of regulatory affairs at NRG Energy.
May 2
Attend a symposium on housing and climate change: UChicago’s Kreisman Initiative for Housing Law and Policy will bring together several speakers from around the country to the Rubenstein Forum to discuss the connections between climate change and the lack of affordable housing, and how to solve both.