Article by Vivian Maneval '27
A warm, sunny day on McKeldin Mall with chatter, good company, and a giant inflatable Earth. What more could you ask for? This year’s EarthFest took place on Thursday, April 16th, hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) in partnership with the Office of Sustainability (OS), the Residence Hall Association (RHA), and the Department of Resident Life (ResLife). As one of its signature events, SGA has organized EarthFest annually since 2022. This year, the event drew 676 attendees to its most popular booth, featured 25 organization-run tables, and sparked strong student engagement.
Tote bags, succulents, candy, stickers, a bounce house— EarthFest had it all. Representatives from OS, the Campus Pantry, RHA, Terps Vote, and many student organizations, such as the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, staffed tables. Students moved between booths, picking out free clothing from the Terp to Terp pop-up, learning about in-home compost bins, and snapping photos with everyone’s favorite Terp, Testudo.
At the center of it all was student participation. Chloe Gaines, representing Global Terps for a Greener Future (GTGF), led a waste-sorting activity to help students understand proper disposal, along with a carbon emissions activity focused on personal footprints. She shared that she was tabling to grow the GTGF student community and to “advocate for sustainability” among all students. For many attendees, EarthFest has become a staple. Emma Dezenzo, a senior Environmental Science and Policy major, emphasized its significance, noting that it’s one of the events she always goes to.
Beyond offering a fun break for students running between classes, Earthfest plays an important role in reaching students outside of typical sustainability circles. Its central location on McKeldin Mall and the draw of free plants and giveaways encourages a wide range of attendees to engage with participating organizations. Expanding involvement is key to advancing sustainability efforts; as more students, faculty, and staff get involved, the impact is amplified.
Missed it this year? No worries. Sustainability events are happening all year across campus. Stop by the Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 11 am–3 pm, or follow us on Instagram @sustainableumd and @greenterp, to learn more about getting involved with sustainability at UMD.