In 2024, commuter travel accounted for 16% of Elon’s carbon emissions. Elon’s Office of Sustainability is working towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2037. As such, Elon uses, encourages and supports sustainable transportation options that help reduce carbon emissions.

Link Transit’s Blue Line runs from the Town of Elon to both Gibsonville and Burlington, Monday through Friday 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:25 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Link Transit’s  can be used to locate the exact location of buses that are currently running. Additionally,  may be viewed for each of the bus lines.

For more information on the Link Transit bus system, visit  For more information on sustainable transportation initiatives at Elon, please visit the Office of Sustainability’s website.

The shop runs twice a week, Mondays from 4 – 6 p.m. and Fridays 3:30 – 6 p.m. If students would like to get free clothing but do not have any clothing on hand to swap they may commit to a sustainable habit or donate any fabric scraps on hand.

Lauren Nesbit ‘27 is the current outreach intern for the Office of Sustainability, and part of her role is managing the Pop-Up Swap Shop.

“I really love working on it because I get to meet so many people on campus passionate about personal style and sustainable fashion,” said Nesbit.

Additionally, Nesbit emphasized the importance of student donations in helping maintain the Swap Shop’s inventory and ability to reach more members of the Elon community.

“The wider variety of donations we get, the wider variety of customers we can serve, so never be afraid to donate what you have/ Every donation helps someone else achieve their dream closet in a sustainable way,” she added.

For more information on sustainable events and initiatives across campus, visit the Office of Sustainability’s website. To view dates and times of specific events, view the 

“Sustainability, health and wellness are deeply connected because the health of people is inseparable from the health of the environments we live in,” said Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach. “Clean air, safe water, nutritious food systems and access to green spaces all support both environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.”

A group of Elon students learned firsthand how these connections can come to life during an alternative break experience.

Alternative breaks, coordinated by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, provide students with opportunities to engage in experiential learning while serving the community. Each experience is student-led, with coordinators playing a key role in shaping the experience, including selecting the location, theme and building relationships with community partners. Additionally, two faculty or staff members are a part of each program and serve as learning partners with the student leaders.

“Alternative break experiences immerse students in communities and allow them to understand a place through its history and culture, while also allowing them to learn from and work alongside community leaders and residents,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean and director of Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “That combination is a truly powerful community-based engaged learning opportunity.”

For the recent trip to Savannah, Georgia, Betsy Knapp ’28 and Nivea Millner ’26 served as student coordinators, with support from Kaylee Hudson G’26 and Kassidy Puckett ’24 G’26. When Knapp and Millner met last spring to plan the experience, one interest quickly emerged: sustainability.

“We recognized that many students on campus are passionate about environmental issues, further reinforcing our decision,” Knapp said. “As I learned more about the environmental challenges facing Savannah and the work local organizations are doing to address them, it confirmed that sustainability would be a meaningful and relevant focus.”

Knapp and Millner’s perspectives were also reflected among the students on the trip.

“Almost all of the participants on our trip had an existing connection with sustainability either through service or their major,” Millner said. “The experience became less about understanding the issue itself and more about connecting with the community we are seeking to serve and strengthening connections with other students at Elon.”

This shared foundation shaped how students approached their work throughout the week.

Sustainability in action

Through partnerships with organizations, such as Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Re: Purpose Savannah and the Ocean Discovery Center, students engaged in hands-on work addressing food insecurity, environmental conservation and community education.

But beyond the service itself, students began to see sustainability not just as environmental action, but as a reflection of everyday choices and their impact on others.

For some, that realization began with access to food. One student reflected on the privilege of choosing what to eat – something that became more apparent while working with Second Harvest, where even slightly damaged food could make a meaningful difference to someone else.

“It got me thinking that I am one of the people who is privileged enough to choose the box that is ‘pretty enough’ to eat, Mealnie Alarcon ’29 said. “Some people just don’t have that privilege.”

Others were struck by how small actions can create a large-scale impact.

“In just two hours at Second Harvest, we were able to make 4,100 meals,” Knapp shared enthusiastically. “That’s such a small time commitment, but it really makes a big difference in the community.”

On Tybee Island, the connection between environmental health and community well-being came into focus. As students began collecting trash around the beach, the sheer number of items they collected became evidence of how individual behavior can affect entire ecosystems.

“It’s interesting to see how much of an issue trash is, just looking at all that we picked up today,” Knapp said.

This reflection led students to rethink not only how they engage in cleanup efforts, but how they can prevent harm in the first place.

“Whenever you put effort into trying to make an impact, you can see a greater impact,” Millner said. “ You should also make sure you’re not contributing to the problem.”

Service enhancing well-being

These experiences also shaped students’ own well-being. For some, the trip provided a mental reset.

“I have a lot of things going on right now, Alarcon expressed. “This trip was an escape. I got a mental break from these things going on campus.”

For others, it created opportunities to build new relationships, strengthen leadership skills and engage more deeply with the communities around them.

“It lets people meet other people,” Millner said. “Forcing you to talk to each other and figure things out together.”

That sense of connection expanded beyond undergraduate students. Hodson and Puckett both noted how the experience supported their professional growth and deepened their engagement with students.

“It’s allowed me to build more relationships with students outside of my office,” Puckett said.

“The experience has given me different ways and tools to get out in the community and meet and talk to other people,” Hodson added.

By the end of the week, sustainability was no longer just about protecting the planet. It became a way of thinking — one rooted in care for people, places and the environment.

“By spending a week immersed in a community working closely with community partners, students get to see how these organizations play a crucial role in creating healthy and sustainable communities,” said Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center.

The recognizes mid-career individuals who are significantly contributing to the advancement of sustainability in higher education. Durr is one of ten individuals chosen to receive this award in its second year. Selection was based on the impact recipients are making in the field of higher education sustainability through one or more of the following: programs and projects; products, presentations and publications; service and mentorship.

“I am truly honored to receive the AASHE Fellows Award,” said Durr. “Impactful sustainability work is not done in isolation. I am grateful for the collaboration, support and involvement of many Elon staff, students and faculty, as well as colleagues at other institutions, and for the support and opportunities provided by AASHE.”

Durr has been at Elon since 2008, when she was hired as the university’s first full-time sustainability professional. Since her arrival, Elon’s sustainability program has advanced significantly and received local and national recognition.

“Since joining Elon, Elaine has approached this work with passion, creativity and a deep commitment to cultivating sustainability within all aspects of the Elon community,” said Brad Moore, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Chief Facilities Officer. “This is a tremendous honor for her to be recognized as one of the top 10 leaders doing this work. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the lasting difference she continues to make at Elon.”

The AASHE Fellows Award is one of four annual awards given by AASHE.

“The 2026 AASHE Sustainability Award recipients reflect the momentum and innovation driving change across higher education. Among their community, these individuals are true changemakers—turning bold ideas into action and setting a powerful example of leadership and impact for the field,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser.

To learn more about AASHE’s Sustainability Awards programs, please visit .

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend as many events as you can for your chance to win various prizes! First, second and third place winners will be determined by those who attend the most events throughout the week. There will be one set of student winners and another set of faculty/staff winners. More competition details may be viewed on the 

Huria Tahiry ‘26, environmental justice intern for Elon’s Office of Sustainability, has attended several Earth Week events over the past three years, and says that Earth Week is “a wonderful opportunity to learn, make new friends, have fun, and take a moment to appreciate the Earth.” Tahiry is particularly excited for this year’s Earth Week, since there will be more events than any previous year.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 

Saturday, April 18

SUSTAINABLE DAY OF SERVICE | VARIOUS TIMES & LOCATIONS (TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED)
9 – 12 p.m. | PARK REVITALIZATION WITH ALAMANCE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

Help restore one of the local Alamance parks that serves the whole community! The event will be at Swepsonville River Park (2472 Boywood Rd. Swepsonville N.C.) The activities will include repainting the entrance gate, and staining two Kiosks, and a couple of park benches.

Transportation will be provided from the Elon Express Bus Stop between Inman Admissions and the Library

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | MORROWTOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN WORK DAY | MORROWTOWN COMMUNITY GARDEN

Spend time outdoors, connect with others, and support a space that provides fresh food and connection opportunities in Burlington! Come get your hands dirty, learn something new, and be part of growing something meaningful together. The Morrowtown Community Garden was founded and is managed by the Morrowtown Community Group, which was formed to inspire positive social and environmental change for a diverse community in Burlington that deserves to thrive. Participants should wear clothing and shoes they don’t mind getting dirty. Please bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen. Transportation to the event will be from the Elon Express spot outside of the library.

1:30 – 4:30 p.m. | KAYAK CLEAN UP | LAKE MACKINTOSH

Take care of local Lake Mackintosh while enjoying the beauty of nature. Kayaks, gloves and trash bags provided. New and experienced kayakers are welcome!  Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty and bring a reusable water bottle and sunscreen. Transportation to the event will be from the Elon Express stop outside of the library.

Monday, April 20

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | CAREER CLOSET | UPSTAIRS LAKESIDE

Join us for the Career Closet “grand opening” for a special one-day pop-up shopping event!

The Career Closet empowers Elon students by increasing access to professional and formal attire while fostering leadership, service, and community impact. In partnership with the Student Professional Development Center, the Center for Leadership, the Office of Sustainability and Student Involvement, this on-campus resource encourages students to think ahead, support one another and give back to the Elon community.

This event is open to all members of the Elon community.

Have extra professional or formal wear? Donate gently used items from April 7th–April 17th in the Center for Leadership to give back, support fellow students and promote sustainability on campus.

Stop by, shop sustainably and find the perfect look for your next interview, internship, or formal event!

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | ORGANIC MOCKTAILS | CLOHAN DINING HALL

Come try a delicious mocktail featuring Certified Organic Tractor Beverage and learn about organic produce with Elon Dining’s Sustainability Manager Leslie Bosse!

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | SOOTHING SOUNDS OF SUCCULENTS | NUMEN LUMEN SACRED SPACE

Step into a space designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect. Soothing Sounds & Sprouts is a mental-health-centered gathering where calming music and hands-on planting come together to nurture you.

Enjoy a curated soundscape of gentle, restorative music; learn how different sounds can impact mood; and plant your own small herb to take home—a living reminder of growth, care and resilience. We will share simple grounding practices you can use anytime stress feels overwhelming and use our senses to be more present.

Whether you stay for five minutes or the full experience, this event invites you to pause, reset, and tend to yourself—because just like plants, we thrive when we receive light, care, and space to grow.

4 – 6 p.m.  | POP UP SWAP SHOP | DOWNSTAIRS MOSELEY
Looking to refresh your closet? Have any perfectly good clothing you no longer wear? Bring it to the Pop-Up Swap Shop to trade for new-to-you shirts, pants, dresses, and more! No clothing to swap? No problem! Commit to a sustainable habit OR donate any fabric scraps on hand to earn free clothing!

The Pop Up Swap Shop runs in downstairs Moseley every Monday (4 – 6 p.m.) and Friday (3:30-6 pm) during the Spring 2026 semester.

4:15 – 5:30 p.m. | BOOK DISCUSSION – SAVING US: A CLIMATE SCIENTIST’S CASE FOR HOPE AND HEALING IN A DIVIDED WORLD | LOY FARM

In preparation for Katharine Hayhoe’s keynote address on Wednesday, April 22, join Faculty Fellow for Sustainability Scott Morrison for a discussion about Hayhoe’s most recent book. Light snacks will be provided for those who register.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | HONORING INDIGENOUS VOICES | CREDE

Join us for a conversation with Corey Roberts, assistant professor of Native American and Indigenous studies, exploring indigenous history, culture and perspectives connected to this region. This event aims to create space for learning, reflection and dialogue within the Elon community. Traditional food will be shared as part of the gathering.

Tuesday, April 21

9:40-10:20 a.m. | COLLEGE COFFEE 

Stop by the Office of Sustainability’s table at College Coffee to learn about sustainability efforts on campus. Don’t forget your reusable mug to enter to win $100 Phoenix Cash!

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | COASTAL CRAFTS: SHELL JEWELRY DISHES | YOUNG COMMONS

Create or take home oyster and wampum shell jewelry dishes while learning about their ecological significance and Indigenous cultural importance in the Northeastern United States.

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | GARDEN PARTY | MCEWEN DINING HALL

McEwen Dining Hall will feature garden party themed foods, including small plates and plant-forward options. Come join us for this super fun and sustainable lunch!

4 – 5 p.m. | STARS CELEBRATION | LAKESIDE MEETING ROOMS

Celebrate 51±ŹÁÏÍű’s most recent Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Report with food, interactive activities and exciting prizes! Learn about Elon’s sustainability efforts, connect with others and discover opportunities to support sustainability at Elon. This event is open to all students, faculty and staff.

Wednesday, April 22

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | PICKLE POP UP | LAKESIDE DINING HALL
Join Elon Dining to taste how delicious and sustainable pickling can be!

12 – 2  p.m. | TOTE-ALLY SUSTAINABLE | MEDALLION PLAZA
Join us to paint your own reusable tote bag while learning about how to reduce waste!

5 – 6:30 p.m. | BELTANE CELEBRATION | ELON COMMUNITY GARDEN
Beltane is a time of renewal, protection and community where people can come together to share stories, offerings for deities, and have fun by dancing and making crafts. Beltane is historically a practical agricultural and seasonal holiday signifying the start of the growing seasons and time of abundance. Come celebrate together by making flower crowns, mini maypoles, and enjoying good food!

7 – 8 p.m. | EARTH WEEK KEYNOTE: KATHARINE HAYHOE, “SOLVING CLIMATE CHANGE STARTS WITH US (BUT NOT THE WAY YOU THINK!)” | MCKINNON HALL, MOSELEY CENTER

“What can I do?” is most people’s top climate question. The truth is, while our personal choices matter, the most important action any of us can take isn’t changing a lightbulb, eating a plant-based burger or buying an electric vehicle (EV). Drawing on lessons from science, history, and social movements, Katherine Hayhoe shows how using our voices to call for systemic change is the first step towards catalyzing the tipping points that will help us build a better future. Solving climate change does start with us—but in ways far more powerful than we might imagine.

Katharine Hayhoe is the chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a Horn Distinguished Professor and endowed professor of public policy and public law at Texas Tech University. She has served as a lead author for the second, third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. She is the author of the best-selling book “Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World.” Hayhoe has been named to lists including the TIME 100 Most Influential People and Fortune’s 50 World’s Greatest Leaders.

Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Environmental Studies Department, Facilities Management, the School of Communications, the Sustainable Enterprises program and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.

9 – 10 p.m. | S’MORES WITH OUTDOORS | BECK POOL PATIO

Join Elon Outdoors and the Eco-Reps for a special Earth Week S’mores with Outdoors! Make your own sustainable bug spray so that you can enjoy more time outdoors.

Thursday, April 23

9:50 – 10:30 a.m. | NUMEN LUMEN | NUMEN LUMEN PAVILION 110

The challenges we face expand our perspectives. The moments that leave us speechless have the power to change lives. The stories we tell help us to make sense of these challenges, moments, and everything in between.

Grounding ourselves in this moment is how we show up in an unexpected and ever-changing world.

This week’s speaker is Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of the  Gender and LGBTQIA Center at 51±ŹÁÏÍű where her work focuses on gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, survivor support and violence prevention. For the last 15 years, Becca’s life and work has been dedicated to facilitating healing, justice, sustainability, and connection within communities in professional and personal roles. Becca has served on leadership and organizing teams across Alamance County, currently leading initiatives within the Alamance Racial Equity Alliance and Transcend Alamance. Bischipric Patterson lives in Elon with her spouse, toddlers, and (many) pets, and loves spending time with friends envisioning a world where all life can thrive.

5 – 7 p.m. PM | PARTY FOR THE PLANET | MOSELEY WEST LAWN

Celebrate sustainability with fun activities and live entertainment! This event will also feature a swap shop where students can trade their gently used clothes for new (gently used) clothes.

5 – 7:30 PM | EARTH FEST | LAKE MARY NELL

Try over a dozen dishes featuring local foods and meet the local partners themselves at Elon Dining’s Earth Fest! You’ll even get to meet our most famous local partner, Pearl the dairy cow, from Ran-Lew Dairy.

Friday, April 24

PIZZA & PRAYERS FOR THE PLANET | VARIOUS TIMES | MCBRIDE GATHERING SPACE (NUMEN LUMEN)

Join the Truitt Center’s Rabbi Maor Greene, Father Peter Tremblay and Imam Shane Atkinson for Earth Week themed sermons and guided discussion on being caretakers of the natural world. All are welcome to attend one or all of the following sessions:

12:15 -12:45 p.m.  – Catholic Mass
12:45 – 1:15 p.m.  – Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Maor
1:15 – 1:30 p.m. – Jumuah Prayer

3:30-6 p.m. | POP UP SWAP SHOP | DOWNSTAIRS MOSELEY

Looking to refresh your closet? Have any perfectly good clothing you no longer wear? Bring it to the Pop-Up Swap Shop to trade for new-to-you shirts, pants, dresses, and more! No clothing to swap?  No problem! Commit to a sustainable habit OR donate any fabric scraps on hand to earn free clothing!

The Pop Up Swap Shop runs in downstairs Moseley every Monday (4-6 pm) and Friday (3:30-6 pm) during the Spring 2026 semester.

8:00-9:00 p.m. | SUSTAINABLE FASHION SHOW | GREAT HALL, SATO COMMONS

Join us for a student-led sustainable fashion show celebrating the creativity and potential of upcycled fashion! Featuring three main themes of comfy, casual, and classy, student designers and models are showcasing the endless possibilities of sustainable styles! Come early to enjoy sustainable sweets and a scrap fruit mocktail prior to the show!

Sunday, April 26

1 – 3 p.m. | ZERO WASTE BASEBALL GAME | LATHAM PARK

Join us at Latham Park for a Zero Waste Baseball Game—where cheering for Elon also means cheering for the planet! Enjoy the game while helping us reduce landfill waste through composting and recycling. Come learn how small actions can make a big difference and help us show that game day can be both fun and sustainable.

Community Well-Being: How has sustainability helped you feel more connected to a community—either on campus or beyond?

Finn Hughes ’28:  On campus, it’s helped me connect with people who share the same values and passions, whether that’s for the environment, animals or sustainability in general. It’s helped me build friendships, but it’s also shaped my moral compass and pushed me to get more involved beyond campus. I’ve had opportunities I didn’t even know were possible, like trips where we can go to the beach, do cleanups and take part in volunteer work.

Sophie Frank ’29: On campus, Eco Reps and the Office of Sustainability host a lot of events, and since many of my friends are involved in organizing them, I’m able to show up and participate. It feels like we’re all contributing to sustainability on campus as a community, and that’s something that really brings us together. There’s always something going on.

Grace Smith ’27: I’ve been really involved with the Sustainability LLC, especially last year as an RA. I got to see the community we built with the first-year students on my floor. It gave us a way to connect around something bigger than ourselves while still making a real impact in small ways. That shared commitment really shaped a strong sense of community on campus.

Lulu Welch ’28: Between my classes, especially the more environmentally focused ones, and this trip, it’s nice to be around people who care about the environment as much as I do. It can be hard to find people who also care about sustainability, even though it is such an important issue right now.

Emotional Well-Being: In what ways does practicing sustainability support your emotional well-being or sense of purpose?

Hughes:  It definitely hurts my emotional well-being to see the things that are happening to our planet. But practicing sustainability also helps me with my emotional and social well-being. Practicing activities, like cleanups and seeing the positive impact that I can have on the planet, helps me to feel rejuvenated.

Frank: The Earth is very valuable, and honestly, it feels good to be able to take care of it and do what I’m supposed to do. When you make sustainable choices, you influence and engage others. It is rewarding.

Smith: It makes me feel like I’m part of something larger than myself. We all have to be a part of promoting sustainability, educating ourselves and others and living a sustainable lifestyle. All those little things add up, especially when a large group of people is doing them. It feels good to support the well-being of others and the world around me.

Welch: Sustainability is important because it’s how we preserve our environment. It’s something I practice every day. If I didn’t, I’d feel like I wasn’t practicing what I preach and I would be a hypocrite.

Seeing people not care about the environment can be upsetting, because this is our Earth and we need to take care of it. But at the same time, seeing people who do care gives me hope for the future. It makes me emotional because it reminds me that there are people who are paying attention and trying to make a difference.

Physical: Well-Being: What are some sustainable choices you make in your daily routine that also support your physical health?

Hughes: I try to use less plastic, which is good, because it limits the microplastics in your body. I’m also vegan and eat homegrown and fresh produce. I also try to avoid processed foods.

I also try to limit my emissions by walking or biking instead of driving whenever I can.

Frank: I am big on spending time outdoors, walking outside and not using single-use plastic. I am also a vegetarian, which is something that affects my day-to-day lifestyle and overall helps the environment.

Smith: I’ve really been into spending more time outdoors and supporting my national and state parks. When I am outside, I try to pick up any trash and keep the environment clean.

Welch: I always pick up trash when I see it on the ground, and I try to avoid unnecessary plastics by using reusable items. I also try to shop for organic food.

I do a lot of gardening, mostly flowers. I grew up helping take care of my yard, and my mom loves growing flowers, so that’s something I’ve always enjoyed. I’ve tried growing vegetables too, but being from Massachusetts, that didn’t always go very well. I also avoid using pesticides or anything that could be harmful to the environment.

Social Well-Being: How have conversations or shared experiences around sustainability influenced your relationships with others?

Hughes: I’m able to relate to others, whether through protests or shared involvement in sustainability, which helps me feel like I’m not alone. It can be overwhelming at times. It’s easy to feel like one person can’t make a difference. But when you’re surrounded by others who care, it reminds you that your actions matter and together you can get more done, take action and create more opportunities to make an impact.

Frank: Through my major, I’ve been able to connect with a lot of people and build close relationships. I’ve also done volunteer work in western North Carolina, where I met new people. Experiences like this trip and the work we’re doing right now, are already helping me to build new connections.

Smith: Even with this trip, I’ve built a lot of friendships. Coming together in support of a common cause, like sustainability, has helped me build relationships with others who are working toward that same goal.

I came into this trip not knowing anyone, and I’m leaving with friends, all because we shared the same purpose: promoting sustainability.

Welch: I think a lot of people don’t fully understand the importance of sustainability, and that’s the first step. It includes having conversations and educating others so they can better understand the impact of sustainability.

There are plenty of people who don’t really believe in sustainability, which I find funny, because there’s so much science and research that shows why it matters. It’s how we keep our environment clean, healthy and moving forward.

Financial Well-Being: How has sustainability shaped the way you think about spending, saving or using resources?

Hughes:  Even when I go to the store, I’ll pick something up and then stop and think, ‘Wait, is this good for the environment?’ It’s made me more aware of where things come from and what happens after I use them. I think documentaries and experiences like seeing trash on the beach really put that into perspective. It makes you realize how your everyday choices add up and what they actually mean.

Frank: I try not to use single-use plastic. That’s one of the things I try to do the most. When I go to the store, I try to avoid plastic bags and water bottles as much as I can. If I do use them, I make sure to recycle whenever possible.

Smith: I’ve really tried to buy less plastic and throw away less. I avoid things like individually wrapped snacks, like Goldfish. It’s the little things that add up.

That’s really how it has impacted me. I think more about what I’m using and what happens to it after. Where is the garbage I produce going? Is it being recycled properly? Is it actually being turned into something else?

I refuse to use single-use plastics, like one-use water bottles. I’m not a fan. I’ve also been trying to bring my own bags every time I grocery shop. All of those small choices are ways I’m trying to stop contributing to overconsumption and the mass production of plastic, and really downsize my impact.

Welch: I only use reusable products and try to avoid food that is overly processed or full of hormones by shopping for organic foods.  Overall, I try to live my life as sustainably as possible.

Purpose Well-Being: How has your understanding of sustainability influenced your sense of purpose or the impact you want to make after Elon?

Hughes: Sustainability has shaped a lot of my purpose because I’m really passionate about it. It’s changed me to focus more on action rather than being passive, telling people what needs to be done. Getting hands-on has made me more confident and more passionate about getting involved, whether that’s through school boards, larger organizations or even speaking opportunities.

It’s also helped me realize that I have a purpose that’s bigger than myself. I am able to talk about sustainability in ways that feel more accessible. Sometimes it can seem distant or overwhelming, but bringing it back to everyday actions makes it feel more real and something people can actually connect to.

Frank: With my major, I want to go into corporate sustainability, more on the business side. My goal is to work with larger companies to find ways for them to become more sustainable, while also helping engage businesses and the public in making choices that better support our environment.

Smith: I want to live a sustainable life. As a nursing major. I see there’s so much single-use plastic, things being thrown away in the healthcare industry. I would love to someday make an impact in the healthcare system and make it more sustainable. I want my own life to be sustainable, but there’s more work to be done toward a bigger cause here. Many of our industries aren’t promoting sustainability, and I want to make an impact there.

Welch: For me, sustainability has given me a great sense of purpose. I grew up in a town that was big on recycling. You could even get fined if you didn’t do it. Because of that, my dad has always been a big recycler and it became something that was important to me, too.

I’ve also always been interested in science and biology, so over time those interests started to align with my goals. Now, I want to go into research focused on sustainability or ecological conservation.

Through this shared experience, students reflected on how sustainability isn’t just a single action. It’s a mindset shaped by everyday choices that support the environment and strengthen their own well-being across the six dimensions of well-being.

Hayhoe is the chief scientist for The Nature Conservancy and a Horn Distinguished Professor and endowed professor of public policy and public law at Texas Tech University. She has served as a lead author for the second, third and fourth U.S. National Climate Assessments. She is the author of the best-selling book “Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World.” Hayhoe has been named to lists including the TIME 100 Most Influential People and Fortune’s 50 World’s Greatest Leaders.

Hayhoe’s talk will focus on the importance of calling for systemic change to tackle the climate crisis. Many people are eager to learn what they can do as individuals to help address climate change. While personal actions are important, Hayhoe emphasizes that solving climate change is dependent on people using their voices to help build a better future.

Hayhoe is also the creator of “Talking Climate”, an online newsletter that shares helpful climate science and solutions through weekly climate updates, positive climate stories and more. 

To view the full schedule of Earth Week events and read more about the upcoming keynote, visit the Office of Sustainability’s website.  

The Elon Farmer’s Market runs every Thursday at the Elon Community Church parking lot from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (271 N. Williamson Ave., Elon). Typical items sold at the market include fruits and vegetables, seasonal fresh-cut flowers, homemade bread, eggs and more.

Other occasional and guest vendors sell items including pottery, jewelry, crafts, clothing and apothecary products. Additionally, Alamance County Public Libraries attends the Farmer’s Market every other week to encourage residents to take advantage of the books and library resources available in Alamance County.

“We love when 51±ŹÁÏÍű students and faculty not only shop but also participate in the market,” said Sarah Bass, the manager of the farmer’s market. “We have had many students participate as guest vendors and musicians. We also have a professor selling her artwork at the market this season”.

Elon’s Office of Sustainability will be tabling during opening day of the Farmer’s market about “ugly” produce and shopping sustainably. For more information on the Farmer’s Market, visit the  For additional information on sustainability-related events at Elon, visit the Office of Sustainability’s website.

AASHE’s STARS program boasts over 1,200 participants representing 58 countries, making it the most widely recognized framework in the world for publicly reporting comprehensive information related to a college or university’s sustainability efforts. Participants report information across five areas: academics, engagement, operations, planning and administration, and innovation and leadership.

Senior Director of Sustainability Elaine Durr spearheads the compilation of the STARS report. “The STARS report is a comprehensive assessment of university-wide sustainability efforts and requires involvement from many individuals across campus,” Durr said. “I appreciate their contributions and collective effort.”

The STARS report illustrates that progress on Elon’s sustainability goals requires campus-wide collaboration. By breaking down categories into subcategories and credits, each with its own score, the report also serves as a practical tool for pinpointing areas of improvement and guiding future sustainability endeavors.

“STARS was developed by the campus sustainability community to provide high standards for recognizing campus sustainability efforts,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser. “51±ŹÁÏÍű has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sustainability by achieving a STARS Silver rating and is to be congratulated for their efforts.”

To learn about the programs and practices that contributed to Elon’s STARS Silver rating, .

Unlike other rating or ranking systems, this program is open to all institutions of higher education, and the criteria that determine a STARS rating are transparent and accessible to anyone. This is Elon’s first report using the updated . For more information, visit the .

One of those teams, purchasing & technology, shows how sustainability can fit naturally into the work people already do by working towards 1) reducing the campus printing footprint by digitizing self-service options and encouraging electronic resources, 2) sourcing technology that uses environmentally conscious best practices and manage its lifecycle responsibly, and 3) educating and engaging the campus community about sustainable technology practices.

Those strategies might sound complex, but the team says most of the work builds on existing processes and collaborations. Adding sustainability often means asking one more question or making one small adjustment.

“We regularly partner with purchasing on contract management and business agreements,” said Pat Donohue, one of the team leads and the university’s deputy chief information officer. “Adding a request for sustainability transparency from our vendors is a natural improvement of existing processes to align with university strategic objectives.  This is an example of how bold strategy can often be a minor adjustment in organizational behavior.”

Patrick Schwartz is the assistant director of procure to pay at Elon and one of the team leads for the purchasing & technology implementation team. He added, “Just by being part of this team, the collaboration between our two departments was already strong, and it strengthens every day.”

When IT evaluates vendors, the team already asks about data security, storage and compliance. Now, they also ask vendors to disclose their carbon footprint and energy consumption. It is a simple step that helps Elon make informed decisions about the products and services it uses.

In addition, Schwartz said the purchasing team can see the purchasing trends on the backend and, leveraging their strong relationship with IT, work together to assure that vendors are providing products to campus that are environmentally and fiscally sustainable and responsible.

Collaboration creates momentum

Collaboration has been key to success. Conversations about sustainability often uncover other opportunities to improve processes, strengthen partnerships and share resources.

Edith Smith shared one of those ideas. She serves as a purchasing agent at Elon and is a member of the purchasing & technology implementation team. She worked with Amazon to ensure that the first products displayed when employees search for a product are those that have sustainable qualities. In addition to this, Smith and others are looking into ways to encourage the university to increase its partnership with local vendors to reduce environmental impact and support the local economy.

“It can be difficult to put a list of vendors together for a campus with decentralized purchasing, but for me, it’s important to ask how we can encourage our colleagues on campus to use local vendors more regularly and to work with vendors that will cut emissions,” said Smith.

“The focus on sustainability gave us a framework to accelerate improvements we were already pursuing,” said Donohue. “It has been a clear example of how bringing together diverse mindsets with a shared purpose can improve service delivery, streamline business processes and create long-term value for the university.

Schwartz agrees with this sentiment and adds that the team is educating people to consider which sustainable products are offered by vendors.

“None of us can do this work on our own,” he added.

Fiscal responsibility meets sustainability

One of the most significant changes was extending the lifecycle of university-owned laptops and desktops to five years.

“We ensure an extended lifecycle by applying updates and doing necessary maintenance on the equipment throughout its usable lifecycle,” said Rebecca Black, director of campus technology support and member of the purchasing & technology implementation team.

When the lifecycle of the technology ends for us, it goes through a chain of disposal through an agreement with ethically responsible vendors, who repurpose the equipment or its components.

“The equipment we recover doesn’t just go into a waste facility. It has another, purposeful life afterward,” she added.

Donohue added that the proceeds from selling depreciated equipment is reinvested to subsidize advanced support of Elon computers.

“This benefits our community through faster repairs and maintenance while allowing campus technology support specialists to focus on high-value service delivery than hardware break/fix efforts. It’s a win-win,” he said.

The same principle applies to reducing the number of printers on campus. Fewer devices mean less energy consumption and less paper use, but the change also reflects a cultural shift. Convenience often competes with sustainability, and the team acknowledges that change takes time.

“There’s a fine line between doing what’s easy and convenient and making an extra, impactful effort towards sustainability,” Beck said. “We’re in the moment where this is a necessary priority.”

Schwartz added, “This is one of the best examples of how our work aligns together. We evaluated paper processes on campus and moved purchase card request forms and Adobe signatures to digital processes.”

In addition to the paper and cost-savings, Schwartz and Smith say that these processes also simplify and better organize employee workflows.

“When we thoughtfully scale technology resources in ways such as consolidating printers and encouraging digitization, we also reduce costs and free-up resources that can be reinvested into new innovations that benefit the university,” Beck said. “These efforts will also help us operate more efficiently and enhance the quality of services for our Elon campuses.”

51±ŹÁÏÍű the Sustainability Master Plan

The Boldly Elon Strategic Plan calls on 51±ŹÁÏÍű to “Engage the campus in sustainable practices to become carbon neutral by 2037 – invest in renewable energy, reduce campus energy consumption 20 percent, purchase offsets to make the global study program carbon neutral and continue to build LEED certified buildings – and prepare students to lead lives that build a sustainable future.” The 10-year Sustainability Master Plan 2025 is a roadmap for that bold commitment.