The University of Michigan’s Central Campus Diag will be immersed in sustainability to celebrate the planet once again at EarthFest.
The annual zero-waste event will feature free local food, chef demonstrations, giveaways and activities from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 21.
This year’s theme, “Sustain the Planet, Sustain Yourself,” will focus on personal wellness while promoting initiatives and opportunities to get involved with sustainability on campus and beyond.
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“This annual event shows the breadth of activity around sustainability at U-M in a fun and interactive way,” says Barbara Hagan, sustainability representative in the Office of Campus Sustainability. “EarthFest is all about engagement and education and we hope faculty and staff find ways to get involved in areas they are interested in.”
The event is designed to highlight efforts across campus in the areas of research, education and operations at booths staffed by student organizations, departments and local non-profits. It is organized around the university’s 2025 sustainability goals: climate action, waste prevention, healthy environments and community awareness.
Attendees are encouraged to visit tables in each of the goal areas to obtain tokens or stamps that can be turned in for a chance to win one a goal-themed gift baskets.
A photo booth will allow attendees to take photos and share a pledge on Planet Blue’s social media pages for additional opportunities to win prizes.
Other highlights include:
• Wellness activities, including create-your-own Zen garden, relaxation and meditation exercises.
• An appearance by Rufus, the recycling mascot.
• Free, local snacks such as apples from Lesser Farms in Dexter and donuts from Washtenaw Dairy.
• Composting and recycling bins to encourage zero waste.
EarthFest strives to be a zero-waste event, an aspirational goal of diverting 90 percent of waste generated from the landfill through recycling and composting.
It supports the university’s broader commitment to sustainability known as Planet Blue and coincides with the launch of a campuswide awareness campaign, “Planet Blue Begins With You.”
U-M has been celebrating the planet for more than 20 years. EarthFest is organized by students and staff led by the Office of Campus Sustainability.
Christine Jones
More patients are being diagnosed with sleep apnea. Yet I have seen no guidelines being posted for recycling plastic supply waste associated with this condition. Is this on Planet Blue’s agenda?