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- Registration is open for students, faculty, and staff to attend the Northeast Student Food and Farm Conference. Learn more and register on the conference website.
March 28, 2025
Celebrating Earth Month
By Grace Sanborn ’25
Earth Month is right around the corner, with events scheduled across campus to celebrate sustainability. Centered around Earth Day, April 22, which was first celebrated in 1970 to raise awareness about environmental protection, Earth Month allows groups across campus to get involved in learning about sustainability issues and practicing sustainable behaviors.
While the Office of Sustainability is co-sponsoring several events, 27 different departments and organizations will be showcasing additional sustainability themes and activities throughout the month.
“Sustainability is not just about the environment, it’s also about society and economy, and how these three pillars interplay with each other,” says Samantha Comas, sustainability outreach and engagement manager. “These topics impact each and every one of us and are key to building a resilient campus and community, ready to take on the challenges of the modern world: climate change, food security, environmental justice, the list goes on. Throughout the month of April, clubs and organizations come together to recognize these issues and how we can innovate to create solutions.”
For the first time at Lafayette, the Lafayette Food and Farm Cooperative student club, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability and LaFarm, will be hosting the Northeast Student Food and Farm Conference April 5, which will bring students from across the northeast together for presentations, tours of campus, and LaFarm and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
Alicia Kennedy
Food and culture writer Alicia Kennedy will be visiting campus April 15 for the Office of Sustainability’s keynote speaker event, which will be held at 4:15 p.m. in Kirby Hall of Civil Rights. Structured as a fireside chat with Benjamin Cohen, associate professor of engineering studies and environmental studies, Kennedy will be discussing her writing, food justice, and challenges to local, national, and global food systems. Skillman Library will also be giving away 30 copies of Kennedy’s 2023 book, No Meat Required, April 2 at 10 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.
Claribella Perez ’26 is assisting in organizing the keynote speaker event for the Office of Sustainability, working to get different departments, students, and professors involved.
“Earth Month holds a special significance for me because it is a dedicated time to raise awareness about the pressing environmental issues we face today. It reminds us of the need to take action to protect and preserve our planet for future generations,” Perez says. “This month encourages reflection on our individual practices and motivates us to make more sustainable choices in our daily lives. People should celebrate Earth Month not only by raising awareness but also by committing to tangible changes that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle and world.”
The annual EarthFest celebration will take place April 24, bringing together student organizations, departments, and local vendors focused on sustainability.
“There are so many ways to get involved in sustainability, whether it is joining an environmental club or choosing to participate in sustainable actions through the Sustainable Living Certificate. EarthFest helps bring in the broader community to showcase all of these opportunities, big and small,” Comas says. “It’s almost like a mini involvement fair, specifically for sustainability.”
The Office of Sustainability will also be rolling out a green event certification in April, which will allow clubs and offices to incorporate sustainability into their event planning process and get certified on a tier-based system. Based on a checklist of different actions, including things like paperless advertising, Comas says clubs will be able to incorporate “high impact” sustainability actions into their events.
“The goal would be that clubs and offices are certifying for each event they plan so that they’re improving and incorporating new sustainability choices for each event,” Comas says.
Students will also have the opportunity to get involved with events in the local community, including the opening of a seed library at the Nurture Nature Center April 3 and Nature’s Way’s 50th Anniversary Celebration April 26.
“Almost every day throughout the month of April there is another opportunity to participate. Whether you’re a sustainability leader on campus or these are new ideas to you, this month is for you and open to all. Sustainability is a journey, and we can only accomplish our goals if we’re all along for the ride. No matter how big or small the impact is, we’re glad you’re a part of it. Lafayette has ambitious climate and waste goals, and to reach them, it’ll take community involvement at all levels,” Comas says.
