Earth Day is April 22– there are plenty of ways to celebrate our planet’s special day. While green initiatives such as recycling are a part of our daily routines, take Earth Day as an opportunity to promote living an earth-conscious lifestyle year-round. Whether you work from home or you are heading into the office, use these tips and resources to go green: 

Use the MSU Recycling Center: The MSU Recycling Center always leads the charge for reusable materials at MSU. The center is open seven days a week for dropping off materials. These materials can be anything and everything from books, cardboard, glass, plastics, and more! Find their hours along with what and how to drop things off at the MSU Recycling Center website. 

Join the Waste Warriors: The Surplus Store & Recycling Center’s Waste Warriors program cultivates waste reduction and the utilization of waste as a resource by training and empowering the MSU community to promote these practices among their peers. By becoming a Waste Warrior, you join a group of like-minded staff and faculty from across campus who each pledge to be part of the solution that will lead MSU down the path to zero waste.

Shop at the MSU Surplus Store: The MSU Surplus Store and Recycling Center rethinks the way the MSU Community disposes of its used materials. Our innovative program allows us to reduce the amount of university material that goes to the landfill, keeping MSU green. Shop from a variety of items, including books, electronics, furniture, office equipment, vehicles, and more.

Join MSU Arbor Day: Can’t make it to campus Earth Day festivities? Join Beal Botanical Garden and IPF Landscape Services as they celebrate Arbor Day and the 150th Anniversary of the Campus Arboretum! Adopt a tree to take home and plant, learn about MSU sustainability resources, and help us plant 150 trees and shrubs along the Red Cedar River. Each planting volunteer will receive a special gift! Meet at The Rock from 11:00-2:00 PM on April 26.

Pack Up, Pitch In: The Student Life and Engagement Sustainability Office is looking for volunteers to help with collecting and packing non-perishable foods from the residence halls during finals week (April 22-26). These efforts will directly benefit the MSU Food Bank, MSU Safe Place, and the sustainability of the MSU community. 

Experience Wellbeing in the Garden: Rest and relax in the Beal Botanical Garden while enjoying nature during the week of April 22. Activities such as guided journaling and plant explorations will be available for all attendees. 

Volunteer at the Beal Botanical Garden: Volunteer opportunities with the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum span far beyond Earth Day. Explore gardening, training opportunities, and ambassadorships to help benefit the campus and our Earth. 

Use MSU Bikes on Campus: MSU Bikes provides support with commuter resources to help you bike to work with confidence, including a 1-on-1 Bike Commuter Assistance service which helps you find the safest, lowest-stress route to and from campus to your neighborhood. MSU Bikes also rents bikes to departments for staff to use during the work day with their Department Fleet Services.

Limit Car Use: While there is no getting around long commutes, take any opportunity to walk, and use MSU Bikes, or  CATA buses to limit emissions from your vehicle. No destination in mind? Explore these campus walking maps to find your new favorite trail!

While Earth Day is just one day out of the year, it can serve as the perfect opportunity to jumpstart your sustainability efforts and connection with our planet. Making your pledge to the planet will benefit you and our Earth greatly. Go Green!