“We each in our own spheres can do so much to recognize our own power and agency. We can change not only our own thinking but we can contribute to system-wide change.”

- Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer
Environmentalist, Author of Braiding Sweetgrass

April 30, 2024 — Earth Week at Marist, orchestrated by the Campus Sustainability Advisory Board and the SGA Sustainability Committee, was a dynamic week-long celebration featuring events aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues and fostering sustainable practices campus-wide.

From sustainable clothing swaps to mindful nature walks, the campus was brimming with life and love for Earth Week.

Campus Green

During Earth Week festivities on the Campus Green, a number of vendors provided opportunities for the Marist community to shop sustainably while the E-Recycle Drive Drop-off facilitated responsible disposal of electronic waste.

Sweet Heat Thrift offered sustainable fashion choices, the SEED Club promoted environmental education, and the SGA Sustainability Committee organized a sustainable clothing swap.

Students thrifting on the Campus Green. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

Meanwhile, the Frites of NY Food Truck satisfied appetites with local fare, Semester Sweep-out encouraged donating to support sustainable community action, and Jenna’s Jewelry offered handmade eco-conscious custom accessories.

“The beads in my custom pieces are locally sourced from thrift stores in this area as well as from my home island Oahu, Hawaii,” said Jenna Jaffe '27, owner of Jenna’s Jewelry. “Growing up in such a gorgeous place that’s very in touch with the land, I’ve always done so many earth-inspired activities, so I’m glad I can take things I’ve done back home to my college life here during Earth Week.“

Additionally, the United Nations Association Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter highlighted local initiatives, the Campus Greenhouse gave away free plants for students to propagate, and the Garden Club shared tips for spring gardening.

“I’m very passionate about taking care of plants and teaching others about how to propagate, grow, and enjoy plants both indoors and outside,” said Shannon Hickey '25, a student worker at the Marist Greenhouse. “This work is important for Earth Day/Earth Week because it helps show people the benefits of beautifying our communities and appreciating nature in different ways.”

“We want to empower students to shape their own futures through social and sustainability initiatives so they can make the world a better place,” said Shantha Thangiah, President of the United Nations Association Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter.

Community Garden

Students in the Marist Community Garden. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist College.

In the Marist Community Garden, Marist’s dining services, Gourmet Dining, kicked off their first planting event of the season. Chefs, the dietitian, students, and their compost partner Greenway joined in the fun, pulling weeds, tilling, hoeing, and planting young vegetables and berries.

“To commemorate Earth Day, we began the cultivation of our Marist Community Garden plot,” said Gabby Licini '23, Director of Gourmet Dining Community Relations. “We got buckets of rich compost from our partner, Greenway, and got to planting! We are excited to work with the other community garden members in the summer months through collaboration and trading of our produce. In the fall, we aim to host a hyper-local event and tell the story from seedling to fruit.“

Fern Tor Nature Preserve

At Marist’s Fern Tor Nature Preserve, the Marist Mindfulness Collective hosted a series of free 20-minute mindful walks for students, faculty, and staff. Participants were encouraged to walk peacefully while they observed their experience in nature without judgment.

Marist Mindfulness Collective hosted mindful walks at Fern Tor. Photo by Michelle Eggink/Marist College.

“It was refreshing to be outside on such a nice Earth Day,“ said Nick Fracasso '26. ”The mindfulness walks through the Fern Tor specifically were a great way to help reduce stress with the end of the semester coming up.“
 

 

 

 

 

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