By Published: March 5, 2020

Aluminum water bottle by Ball Company as shown during the CU-Nebraska game on Sept. 7, 2019.

Aluminum water bottle by Ball Company as shown during the CU-Nebraska game on Sept. 7, 2019.

This April, CU Boulder will showcase research, programs and innovations related to sustainability and the environment throughout campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the first Earth Day. Faculty, staff and students are invited to share, learn about and celebrate the wide array of sustainability leadership and accomplishments at CU Boulder.  

Open call for Teach-In presentations due March 19

Showcase your impactful research or program in sustainability and the environment during the Earth Day Teach-In April 22–23. The Teach-In, a general education forum on a complex issue of public interest, honors the teach-in held at CU Boulder on the first Earth Day in 1970 and is organized by the Environmental Center.

Teach-In presentations on April 22 will highlight academic research, innovations and teaching. The program on April 23 will include the annual Campus Sustainability Summit, which features programs and initiatives that continue CU Boulder’s leadership in campus sustainability. Presentations can be in the form of posters, panels, workshops and short presentations by students, faculty and staff.

Submit your presentation by March 19 to receive priority review.

Campus Sustainability Awards

The annual Campus Sustainability Awards celebrate individuals and departments that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability through inventive programs and initiatives that directly reduce resource use, enhance social equity and cohesion, or promote a culture of sustainability at CU Boulder. Awardees will be recognized on April 23 at the annual Campus Sustainability Awards luncheon. Nominations are due by March 6.

President’s Sustainable Solutions Challenge calls for student ideas

The President’s Sustainable Solutions Challenge (PSSC) encourages student-led innovation in sustainability for the University of Colorado system and its four campuses. The competition series takes place in two stages. Each campus will host a Pitch Night, where students with ideas for sustainability innovation on their campuses will compete for a $1,000 prize. CU Boulder will host its Pitch Night on April 13.

The top two teams from each campus will advance to the Grand Prize round, which will simulcast from CU Boulder’s Glenn Miller Ballroom on April 22. The grand prize is $2,000 cash. 

Students with ideas for improving environmental quality, resource efficiency, social equity or a combination of these at CU Boulder can register to participate in the competition by March 9. Participant registration is not necessary to attend the CU Boulder PSSC Proposal Workshop on March 12 or submit a final proposal on April 1.

Other opportunities

Faculty: Consider planning for your class to attend portions of the Teach-In or bringing in Earth Day-related curriculum into your class on April 22.