By Ashley Peng and Arianna McCleod
Correspondents
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the College’s Environmental Sustainability Council is coordinating a full week of events aimed at engaging students and staff in environmental awareness and action.
From interactive presentations to hands-on sustainability experiences, Earth Week 2025 promises to be both educational and inspiring.
All Earth Week events are co-sponsored by Environmental Studies, Campus as a Living Lab, the Environmental Sustainability Council and the Bonner Institute. More information about the events throughout the week can be found here.
Earth Week kicks off on Monday, April 21, with a behind-the-scenes look at the College’s energy systems during guided Powerhouse tours. Professor Diane Bates, who is the director of the environmental studies program, encourages students to attend to learn more about the College’s commitment to sustainable energy.
“You get to understand basically how TCNJ creates and consumes energy,” said Bates.
For those looking to make a hands-on difference, the Environmental Sustainability Council is co-sponsoring a campus clean-up around the lake which provides a direct way to help protect the environment right here on campus.
Inside the Brower Student Center, the College’s Environmental Club will be hosting interactive tabling sessions throughout the week, where students can learn about simple and effective ways to live more sustainably. There will also be self-guided tours of all the areas on campus that are focused on sustainability.
On Earth Day, the celebration continues with additional Powerhouse tours and a variety of eco-friendly activities in the BSC. Students can get their hands dirty by making dirt cups and planting cup kits. At 1 p.m. in BSC 100, Tri Beta, the College’s Biology Honor Society, will host Rizzo’s Wildlife Presentation, where attendees can meet live baby animals and explore topics like sustainable living practices and waste management.
Wednesday, April 23 will be packed with events focused on campus engagement and sustainability. The day kicks off with an invasive plant removal session and work in the Pollinator Garden. Later, students can attend informative presentations on Stormwater Pollution and Environmental Economics. The highlight of the day is Greenstock — a garden party held at the Campus Garden. To round it out, the new GeoGreens Lab, located in Armstrong Hall 103, will host an open house so visitors can explore hydroponics and indoor farming.
On Thursday, April 24, Earth Week events will be combined with Take Your Child To Work Day. Those who bring their children to campus will be able to participate in a kid-friendly scavenger hunt on Sundial Lawn, along with other activities for kids to enjoy. The School of Education will be hosting a “Dress for Success” event where students can get free work attire appropriate for jobs and interviews.
There will be a presentation on land stewardship presented by student interns and the Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space on Friday, April 25. The presentation will feature information about how to make The College a more sustainable and biodiverse place. There will also be a screening of the movie “WALL-E” in the Education Building at 7 p.m.
The College’s Dining Services is also joining the celebration with a line-up of events, including a plant-based scavenger hunt and an Earth Week-themed lunch. Their initiatives aim to promote sustainable eating habits and highlight the impact of food choices on the environment. Find out more information here.
“I think the nice thing about Earth Day and Earth Week is that it doesn’t have to always be so negative,” Bates said. “We don’t have to work under a dark cloud. We can celebrate as well.”
