UNC Charlotte Celebrates Campus Sustainability Month 

October is Campus Sustainability Month, and UNC Charlotte is celebrating with a variety of events that bring students, faculty and staff together to connect with each other and the environment and make more sustainable choices. From campus cleanups and transportation activities, to clothing swaps and sustainability presentations, Niner Nation will have multiple opportunities to get involved throughout the month. 

Campus Sustainability Month is a celebration of sustainability within higher education. The Office of Sustainability is bringing together campus partners and organizations within our community to host these events which focus on environmental awareness, waste reduction and sustainable living. 

upcoming events

We kick it off with Run, Toby, Run! on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will meet at Hauser Alumni Pavillion before heading out for a 1.5-2 mile run along the Toby Creek Greenway. Along the way, runners will take a short break to learn about the benefits of creeks and environmental wellenss. This event gives everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors, get active and connect with campus life. 

One of the first opportunities to be a part of is the Climate Quilt Workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Area 49 Makerspace in Atkins Library. Participants can create a quilt square representing their personal experiences or feelings about climate change. No sewing or experience is needed to join this workshop and any completed squares will become a part of a Climate Change Quilt.

Students can also explore our transportation options during the yearly Transportation Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Cable Quad. Hosted by Parking and Transportation Services and the Office of Sustainability, the fair will involve campus groups and organizations showcasing transportation services and alternate ways to travel around campus and the Charlotte area. 

The Student Sustainability Summit will take place Saturday, Oct 17, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in Cone 210. Hosted by the Student Government Association, Charlotte Green Initiative (CGI) and Office of Sustainability, this semester the summit will focus on sustainable careers. Attendees can connect with campus and community leaders, learn about career opportunities and have the chance to get advice and guidance from the UNC Charlotte Career Center.

Students or employees who may be looking to make a direct impact for our campus can participate in Campus Beautification Day on Thursday, Oct 22, From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place near the CRI Deck Silver Line Bus Stop. Volunteers will work the office of Sustainability and Grounds staff to clean up litter and plant trees. Equipment will be provided and registration is required.

We will also host events to give students a chance to help reduce waste through our reuse rodeo. The clothing swap will take place Oct. 20 and 21, followed by the book swap Oct. 27 and 28. Both events will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Belk Plaza. Participants can bring gently used items they no longer need and exchange them for something new at no cost. Books can also be dropped off in advance at designated campus locations in exchange for tickets to use during the swap. 

We are excited to offer Niners a chance to learn more about sustainability while also finding ways to make a difference in our campus community. You can check out the full list of events as well as registration information on our webpage.