w88 Earth Day

April 18, 2025

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

As Earth Day approaches, it’s important for each of us to reflect on the wonders of the natural world and renew our commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.

Through our mission of teaching, research and outreach, the w88 has established itself as a climate and environmental leader. University students, faculty and staff are sustainability champions and environmental innovators and we remain steadfast in our dedication to continuing this vital work.

As an academic community, we are driving new knowledge and increasing the understanding of our climate and its impact around the globe. I am especially proud of our latest initiative — the creation of a Sustainability Certificate offered at the Lake Tahoe campus. This unique program allows students to study sustainability and environmental stewardship in a setting that naturally inspires such learning. Rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the certificate reflects a worldwide shared commitment to improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth, all while tackling climate change and working to preserve oceans and forests.

w88 events held through the month of April emphasize, celebrate and explore sustainability efforts throughout our campus and community. It’s clear that we are making “Silver and Blue the New Green,” a core tenant of the w88’s strategic plan that’s working to establish the Reno-Tahoe region as an epicenter of sustainability, research and education.

Earth Day events include:

• Stop Food Waste Competition:Now until April 30 at Pack Place. The ongoing event celebrates the Stop Food Waste competition with a menu that reduces carbon footprint.
• Environmental Justice Townhall:April 21 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Auditorium, Mathewson IGT Knowledge Center. Panel members include: Melissa Jarrell, professor and chair of criminal justice; Kate Berry, professor of geography; and Paul Verburg, associate professor of soil science. The panel will discuss environmentalism, politics, volunteerism, philanthropy and community engagement. The event will include a post-discussion social providing food and games.
• E-waste drop off zones: Beginning April 21, students and faculty can now donate limited personal e-waste items at the @One in the Mathewson IGT Knowledge Center and the Makerspace at DeLaMare Library. E-waste can be dropped off at the service desks and is limited to old cell phones, tablets, cables, headphones, mice and keyboards. Please do not donate any University owned equipment or NevadaFIT tablets. Sustainable w88 is able to raise some funding through these donated items. All money raised from campus donations will go toward sustainable initiatives on campus.
• Living Green: Earth Day with the Residents Hall Association:April 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Nye Canada Plaza. Art activities, succulent and plant potting, crystals, food, outdoor games, DIY sun catchers, tie-dye and more.
• Earth Day, Our Power our Planet:April 22 from noon to 3 p.m. at Gateway Plaza. Celebrate Earth Day and learn from w88 and community groups about ways to help the environment. The event will include free popsicles, crafts, a farmer’s market and eco-friendly raffle prizes.
• Paws in the Dirt: Planting Day:April 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the roundabout by Gateway Plaza. Join the Graduate Student Association and UNR Grounds Crew for a paws-itively impactful Earth Day event! We’re coming together as a Pack to plant greenery in the roundabout—making campus greener, one pawprint at a time. Light snacks and refreshments provided.
• Protecting our Pack; Preserving our Planet: April 22, noon to 3 p.m. at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center Breezeway. Join the Environmental Health & Safety team and Police Services to help protect our pack. Download the SafePack App, spin the prize wheel, learn how to use a fire extinguisher and grab some Earth Day swag.
• NevadaTeach STEM Club Earth Day event: April 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fourth floor of Raggio building, outside of 4010. Join in celebrating the beauty of the planet. Paint your own pot or canvas and enjoy a fresh plant. Materials will be supplied.
• Earth Day Thrift Swap: April 24 from noon to 3 p.m. at Gateway Plaza. Refresh your wardrobe and give back to the planet. Bring in clean gently used clothing. For every item you bring, you get to take one home for free. Leftover items will be donated.
• Trees for Degrees: April 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Manzanita Bowl. Join the ASUN Department of Sustainability and the w88 Arboretum board in celebrating a graduation tree planting initiative. The 2025 graduates will have a tree dedicated to representing their past and future growth. Homemade biodegradable paper will be provided and everyone is encouraged to write a letter to toss into the ground before the tree is planted.
• w88, Reno at Lake Tahoe Earth Day Festival:April 25 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Patterson Hall Patio on the Lake Tahoe Campus, 999 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village. Educational tables and activities surrounding sustainability and recycling. The event will include information from local agencies, lithium battery recycling, student service project presentations, and art department ceramics for sale. Participants can purchase refreshments from a food truck and listen to live music from Full Blast.
• Tahoe Weekend Getaway:April 25-26 at the w88, Reno at Lake Tahoe. Enjoy live music, food trucks, local artisans, a mindfulness session, and learning about sustainability and the environment with professionals in the field. Sign up for theTahoe Weekend getawayand stay Friday night on the Lake Tahoe campus.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President