Your World, Your Impact: Celebrate Earth Day
Written by Serigne Thiam, Gradauate Assistant for the Graduate College
April is here—but while the semester’s winding down and projects and exams begin to creep up, planet Earth is calling you to step up and celebrate Earth Day! April 22nd is Earth Day, a time to reflect and reconnect with our community and the world around us. Fittingly, April is also Earth Month, and the festivities are just around the corner. From community coalition events and climate-conscious conversations, Cincinnati is buzzing to the brim with opportunities to get in on the fun, celebrate sustainability, and showcase your appreciation for the world we all call home. Before deadlines and projects monopolize your time, we invite you to celebrate Earth Day/Month across the Greater Cincinnati area.
Earth Day Trivia
Earth Day began in 1970 after U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson grew concerned over the deteriorating environment in the US. Things came to a boiling point when he witnessed a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. Enough was enough, and the senator sought to recruit activists to unite students and communities in defense of the environment. Over 20 million Americans participated in the first Earth Day, which helped spark the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A Global Impact: Earth Day is now observed in over 190 countries by more than a billion people annually. What started on a few campuses has become the largest secular observance in the world.
UC’s Eco Credentials: The University of Cincinnati has 15 LEED-certified buildings, including the Carl H. Lindner College of Business and Marian Spencer Hall. UC Office of Sustainability manages several programs that empower a culture of sustainability. UC is nationally recognized for its efforts in green design and sustainability education, and earned a STARS Gold Rating—for its efforts in building a stronger campus sustainability community.
How YOU can get Involved
Here’s how you can take part in Earth Day and Month—without overwhelming your schedule:
SHAMELESS PLUG: Plan Ahead for 2025’s CoLabEx Competition
CoLabEx is a transdisciplinary symposium where student teams pitch ideas to facilitate profound impact in their communities. This year’s winning team, Team KA, presented a community solution to raise awareness and community input with residents near Mill Creek by snapping photos of their creek location to help reduce pollution. Team KA won $1,000 to bring their idea to life! Could you be a part of the 2025’s winning team? If you’re a returning student this Fall 2025 semester, be on the lookout for CoLabEx promotions this Fall!
Volunteer at a Cleanup: Help restore a park or riverbank. It’s hands-on and highly fulfilling!
Attend a Green Event: From expert panels to museum exhibits, there's plenty to learn. The Graduate College’s friends at the Green Umbrella regional climate collaborative offers a wide range of sustainability-related events.
Join a eco-friendly group: Connect with others and be on the lookout for several events from groups like the Office of Sustainability and the UC Center for Public Engagement with Science.
Take the Earth Day Pledge: Join the global movement by signing a pledge at the official Earth Day organization page.
Earthly Events Around Town
Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival
Where: Summit Park, Blue Ash
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Earth Day at the Cincinnati Museum Center
Where: Union Terminal
When: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 – 5 p.m.
Winton Woods Stuff the Trunk and Earth Day Celebration
Where: Winton Woods Harbor
When: Tuesday, April 20, 2025 , from 11 a.m - 3 p.m.
Your World, Your Impact
Whether you’re deep into thesis writing or finishing up seemingly never-ending projects, Earth Day/Month is a chance to take a breath, connect with your community, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. UC graduate students bring curiosity, creativity, and impact to every space they enter—including sustainability.
So, take a break from the books, grab a reusable coffee cup, and step into the green scene in Cincinnati. Your voice—and your choices—can help shape a more sustainable future. Let’s make this Earth Month and Earth Observances ones to remember.