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FROM STAFF REPORTS

MONTEVALLO – The University of Montevallo is celebrating Earth Week 2024 with a wide variety of events hosted by the Environmental Club and Sustainability@UM.

“Every year the students work hard to bring the community together around celebrating our planet,” said Dr. Susan Caplow, associate professor and program coordinator of environmental studies. “We look forward to engaging with folks in a variety of ways, and we hope that our schedule offers something for everyone.”

The festivities kick off with the EcoSwap on Monday, April 15, from 4-6 p.m. in Anna Irvin Dining Hall. This bi-annual event began as a clothing swap to help cut down on waste but has expanded in recent years to include other items. Participants can bring any unwanted items like clothes, accessories, room decor, unused school supplies and more and grab anything they would like free of charge. A donation isn’t required to take something home. After the event, all leftover items will be donated to local organizations in need.

The EcoSwap, hosted in partnership with Spectrum and Family and Consumer Sciences students, will also include a mending clinic with demonstrations on hand sewing and using a sewing machine. Participants can select a T-shirt from the swap and have it upcycled into a tote bag—a craft project that will hopefully encourage students to reuse and repurpose their belongings.

On Tuesday, April 16, from 4-6 p.m. at University Lake, Montevallo students are invited to join E-Club and the Outdoor Adventure Club for a hike around the lake as they pick up litter along the way. This is a great way to enjoy and maintain Montevallo’s beautiful landscape, and it can count toward community service hours.

A natural collage workshop will be hosted on Wednesday, April 17, from 2-4 p.m. at the Tower. Canvases, glue, paint and various natural materials will be provided for visitors to design a collage, an art piece or a décor item for themselves or someone else. Most of the materials will come from Tuesday’s hike and clean up. This craft serves to encourage using natural materials in inventive and creative ways.

The annual Earth Fest is set for Thursday, April 18, from 3-6 p.m. on Main Quad. There will be live music, food trucks, representatives from environmental organizations from all over the state and Earth-friendly craft activities. This event is open to the entire community and is a great opportunity to celebrate nature.

The Earth Week festivities will round out on Friday, April 19 with a garden work day from 3-5 p.m. at UM’s Organic Community Garden located beside Kermit A. Johnson Field at Bob Riesener Stadium. Participants will help complete garden projects while giving back to the community. Those interested are encourages to come dressed to work. Snack and drinks will be provided.

Those interesting in learning more about UM’s Environmental Studies Program and sustainability efforts may visit Montevallo.edu/environmental-studies.