Newman announces Earth Week events April 17-22

Newman University is excited to host its second annual Earth Week as part of its seven-year Laudato Si’ commitment.

In November 2021, Newman University joined the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) cohort in support of a Laudato Si’ action platform to be developed and implemented on campus. The platform committee was formed in response to Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home,” which outlines the challenges that Earth and all its inhabitants face, and how sustainability plays an integral part in our future.

Earth Week at Newman includes service projects, an outdoor Mass, scavenger hunt and more and culminates with International Earth Day on April 22.

Read on to find the full schedule of Earth Week events.

All Week – Let’s make plarn!

Help make plarn (plastic yarn) out of plastic bags to be used in crocheted mats for those without shelter.

This come-and-go event will take place 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. all week (Monday, April 17- Friday, April 21) in the Bishop Gerber Science Center lobby.

Prizes will be awarded to teams who make the most progress. Send photos of progress to Ashleigh Pamatmat at [email protected] to enter into prize pool! Prizes will be awarded Monday, April 24.

Monday, April 17 – Declutter Day

2023 Declutter Day poster (1000 × 600 px)

Students, staff and faculty are invited to declutter office areas or residence hall rooms. From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., cleared-out items can be dropped off at convenient outdoor sites; look for lawn signs on campus.

Declutter items such as paint cans, paintbrushes, writing utensils, packing materials, printer cartridges, cleaning agents, electronics, batteries and more.

Have something heavy? Email [email protected] to schedule a pickup for a later date.

Tuesday, April 18 – Campus beautification

Help us celebrate Earth Week with a Campus Clean-Up Day from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, April 18. We have several opportunities for you to get involved both inside and outside.

See the signup link for project descriptions and starting locations.

Sign up here

Wednesday, April 19 – Student scavenger hunt begins

The campus-wide student scavenger hunt starts at 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 19.

Click here to view clues, find instructions and more.

Thursday, April 20 – Campus stroll

From 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. April 20, be surprised and inspired by the nature that surrounds us on a campus walk led by Education Program Coordinator Amanda Wills.

Those who wish to partake in the campus stroll can meet outside the Mabee Dining Center at 12:15 p.m.