Sustainability Fest Returns to UH


When people hear the word “sustainability,” they often think about environmental conservation and energy. However, the principles of sustainability encompass the entire human experience, from health and wellness to agriculture and urban living.

University of Houston students, faculty, staff and the general public can learn about this and more at this year’s Sustainability Fest, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 7, at Butler Plaza. Presented by the UH Office of Sustainability, the festival will feature educational activities and displays from 40 exhibitors from UH and the Houston community.

Attendees can secure their passport to five different zones that encompass five major aspects of sustainability: The Natural Environment; Sustainable Transportation; The Built Environment and Economy; Community; and Health and Wellness. The first 50 attendees will receive a special Sustainability Fest T-shirt, and the first 500 will receive a $10 gift certificate courtesy of Whole Earth Provision Co. Swipe your Cougar Card at the designated check-in tents for festival entry.

Those who complete their passport by visiting at least two exhibitors at all five zones can turn them in at designated drop boxes to enter a drawing for several great prizes, including VIP prize packs, tickets to local Houston events, gift cards and memberships.

The event will feature the winning entries in the Creative Expressions Contest. UH students, faculty and staff were encouraged to present original visual and written works of art that address an aspect of sustainability. The works of the top three winners of each category (visual and written) will be on display at the festival.

Festival sponsors include UH Administration and Finance Marketing, Catering on Cullen at the University of Houston, the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Special Events, Budget Dumpster, Whole Earth Provision Co., Houston B-cycle, the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, Eco Modern Concierge, Roost Restaurant, NRG, BB’s Café and Pinots Palette.

Sustainability Fest is a zero-waste event, which aims to compost, recycle or reuse materials generated by the event. The goal is to divert at least 90 percent of materials rather than sending them to a landfill. Special signage will be displayed throughout the festival grounds to help guests properly dispose of their waste.

For more information about our sustainability fest, visit Sustainability Fest. To learn about other sustainability initiatives and events, visit the Office of Sustainability website.