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From Campus to City: Celebrating Earth Day 2024
17 April 2024
Mark your calendar because Earth Day (22nd April) is fast approaching, and our Student Sustainability Ambassador, D’Arcy Carlson, has put together a range of activities for you to enjoy across campus and in London!
Author: D’Arcy Carlson, Student Sustainability Ambassador. Image: Photo by Puwadon Sang-ngern.
Whether you're passionate about sustainability or simply love nature, there's something for everyone to get involved!
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day takes place each year on the 22nd of April. It is a global event dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action for environmental protection and climate action. The holiday was created in 1970, and it continues to annually mobilise people around the world to participate in environmental activities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our planet’s natural resources, combating climate change, and fostering a healthy and sustainable future.
Why take part?
UCL's Sustainability Strategy: Change Possible actively encourages all students to embrace and participate in sustainability initiatives, fostering a community dedicated to driving change. Whether you're a student, a staff member, or a valued member of the broader community, from the moment you step onto the UCL campus, you can make change possible. Browse the Earth Day events below!
Your guide to Earth Day across campus:
Embrace nature: Earth Day Gaia event
UCL Cultural and Community Engagement, and Professor Mark Miodownik welcome you to an open house to contemplate Gaia at UCL East campus on Earth Day 2024.
(22nd April, 5:30pm-6:15pm) Sign-up.
Pedal into Spring: Bike Bonanza
Get your wheels in shape with free bike maintenance, security checks, and second-hand bike sales in UCL’s main quad. Book your slot on Eventbrite for the Dr Bike sessions and browse affordable bikes from Bikes for Good Causes. (25th April, 10-6pm) Sign-up.
Start swishing: Swap Shop
Are you aware that 26% of the clothing items in our wardrobes remain unworn? UCL is hosting clothes swap shops throughout the year to ensure pre-loved clothing doesn't go to waste, while offering something new for you to love. (26th April, 10-4pm) Sign-up.
Connect with the community: Food growing
Join the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity at Marshgate for a discussion about growing and food as community connector, with a focus on culturally appropriate food grown by migrant communities around the Olympic Park. (28th April, 2pm-5pm) Sign-up.
Discover timeless pieces: SU Vintage Fair
Is your wardrobe in need of a refresh this spring? If so, why not pop down to the South Cloisters and have a browse of the SU Vintage Fair? Whether you're looking for a closet staple, a unique garment, or are remaining open-minded - peruse the racks and see what has potential. You might take home some gems! (30th April, 10-5pm) Sign-up.
Your guide to Earth Day across London:
Festival fever: Earth Fest 2024
This free sustainability festival is being hosted at King’s Cross on the weekend before Earth Day. Earthfest will bring together a wonderful array of speakers, workshops, live music, art, sustainable fashion, and much more – all centered around climate-related topics. Better yet, most of the activities are free! Make sure you get your tickets (19th to 21st April) Sign-up.
Workshop: the London Climate Crisis
Spend your Earth Day at the Islington Climate Centre for a workshop dedicated to identifying top actions to remove barriers in addressing the climate crisis. This is an in-person event that features interactive activities and discussions. Make sure to get your ticket. The workshop is run by EcoCounts, a Climate Action Group in North London. (Monday 22nd April, 7pm) Sign-up.
Be inspired: Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Do you want to be immersed the planet’s habitats? The exhibit presents soundscapes, videos, and stunning photography, all of which may leave you inspired by the beauty and diversity of nature. Book your tickets for this exhibit at the Natural History Museum. Students get discounted tickets! (Exhibit is around until 30th June) Sign-up.
Connect with nature: London’s green space
Visit one of London’s many parks – many of which are currently in bloom! Parks and green spaces include Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park, Kew Gardens, and Greenwich Park. Maybe use Earth Day as an excuse to visit one you haven’t yet seen. There are also several small green spaces on campus too, so why not enjoy your lunch at Gordon Square or Cartwright Gardens?
Pitch in: Join a clean-up
Participate in a clean-up initiative, either with an organised group or with your friends. North Face has organised a clean-up hike on 20th April (Sign-up). There’s a paddleboarding clean up outside of London (Sign-up) and kayaking in Slipway (Sign-up). Thames21 has volunteering opportunities throughout the year.
Take a stroll: Somerset House bamboo garden
Visit the work of the latest creative to tackle the annual Somerset House Courtyard Commission Series, which champions innovative thinking across sustainability and ecology. Zheng Bo has transformed the courtyard into a calming bamboo garden. Entry is free. (Installation is around until 28th April) Sign-up.
Visit an exhibition: Burtynsky at the Saatchi Gallery
Visit this exhibit at the Saatchi Gallery, from the photographer, Edward Burtynsky, who has dedicated his practice to the impact of human industry on the planet. Students get discounted tickets! (Exhibit is around until 6th May) Sign-up.
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