The University of Houston observed Earth Week from April 21-25, led by the Office of Sustainability to promote a greener and cleaner campus.
Events for Earth Week included a Plant Forward Teaching Kitchen, volunteer campus clean-up, sustainability lunch and learn, plastic art competition, e-waste drive, sustainability maker’s market, volunteer tree planting, and plant swap among others.
The Office of Sustainability collaborated with UH Dining Services, UH Energy, student organizations like the Metropolitan Volunteer Program, NextGen America, the American Conservative Coalition, and city organizations such as the Buffalo Bayou Kayak Company and Zero Waste Houston.
“It’s been productive collaborating with these groups and building on last year's efforts,” said Beatrix Madersbacher, Sustainability Coordinator. “It's important to integrate sustainability into all campus activities.”
While most events occurred during Earth Week, sustainability efforts extended throughout April, including cleanups such as trash pickups at Buffalo Bayou where students collected trash while kayaking.
“Earth Week was our main focus, but I aimed to provide students with opportunities throughout the month,” Madersbacher stated.
Civil Engineering freshman Tiffany Colston appreciated that Earth Week related activities were available all month and hopes for more events next year.
A tree planting event returned to Earth Week this year, with 10 trees planted between Cougar Village 1 and 2, supported by many students and staff.
Regina Francis, Student Housing & Residential Life Coordinator, attended the tree planting at Cougar Village and noted the strong student participation.
“It starts with education,” said Francis regarding the Earth Week initiatives. “It’s about providing amenities and resources while teaching the community how they can make small changes in their lives to support sustainability.”
Giselle Hill, a Global Hospitality Leadership freshman and member of the Metropolitan Volunteer Program, participated in the tree planting and expressed enthusiasm for the sustainability events, suggesting future events include flower planting.
College of Engineering Academic Advisor Franklin Guevara, an alumnus who graduated in 2022, attended his first tree planting event and commented on the increase in sustainability events since becoming a UH employee.
"It is encouraging to hear that people recognize the effort put into sustainability at UH,” said Madersbacher. "Our aim is to establish sustainable programs that engage both students and staff in sustainability efforts."