Join students, faculty and staff in a celebration of the planet during this year’s Earth Week festivities. Hosted by Cal Poly’s Energy, Utilities and Sustainability Department, this week will allow participants to network with sustainability professionals, try new foods and learn the best ways to protect the planet.
Below is a timeline of each Cal Poly event. See if you can make them all!
Careers in Sustainability
Tuesday, April 23, Chumash Left (Building 65, Room 204), 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Attend a panel and networking session to learn firsthand about potential careers in sustainability. Hear from the following panelists:
- Jeff Mathieu, senior vice president of Tetra Tech, Inc.
- Kaila Dettman, executive director of The Land Conservancy, SLO
- Alex Henige, CEO of Reduce. Reuse. Grow. Inc.
Sustainable Innovations: Create Your Own Cleantech Startup
Tuesday, April 23, University Union 220, 7 p.m. — 9 p.m.
Don’t miss a night of networking and hearing from panel experts on cleantech startups. Attendees will not only meet with pros, but also learn how to utilize campus resources and secure project funding. Reserve your ticket here to connect with representatives from startups including:
Solar Farm Tour
Wednesday, April 24, Cal Poly Solar Farm, 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Head out to the site of the new 18.5-acre solar farm with Cal Poly’s director of energy, utilities and sustainability for a tour and informational session. RSVP to save space in the van, as seating is limited. Meeting location details will be emailed the day before the tour.
Stop Food Waste Day
Wednesday, April 24, by Chef’s Table, 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Drop in on the Cal Poly Corporation’s booth to raise awareness of Stop Food Waste Day. Learn about how to reduce your food waste, get info on resources and win some prizes.
Surfrider’s Make Waves Film Fest
Wednesday, April 24, Building 7 (Advanced Technology Labs) Room 2, 6 p.m. — 9 p.m.
The Cal Poly Surfrider Club is hosting a film festival to highlight appreciating the outdoors, connecting to the natural world and inspiring others to protect the planet for future generations. Reserve a donation-based ticket for food, live music, raffle prizes, t-shirts, stickers, art and student-made films. All proceeds will benefit Surfrider programs:
Cal Poly Earth Week Festival
Thursday, April 25, Dexter Lawn, 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Join over 30 clubs and organizations from Cal Poly and the San Luis Obispo community to promote environmental sustainability. Bliss Cafe, ECOSLO, Zero Waste Club and many more will provide food, swag and a time to celebrate the earth.
Future of Food with Real Food Collaborative
Thursday, April 25, University Union 220, 7:00 p.m. — 9 p.m.
The Real Food Collaborative will host a community potluck while screening the documentary, “The Need to Grow.” Bring plant-based goodies to share to ensure there is enough food for all.
SLO Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 27, Laguna Lake Park, 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.
The Earth Day Alliance will host its 29th annual San Luis Obispo County Earth Day Fair & Music Festival, a day full of environmental education and fun. The festival intends to bring the community together, present environmental concerns, offer solutions and inspire action. Learn from dozens of nonprofits, businesses, government agencies and students clubs as they share their causes. Enjoy food and beverages from Beda’s Biergarten and Bliss Cafe. Admission is free to all and kids are welcome. Visit any one of the festival features:
- Kid’s Zone
- Green Car Show
- Eco Market Place
- Health Center
Climate Solution Series Kickoff Celebration
Tuesday, April 30, SLO Brew, 5:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
The SLO Climate Coalition is bringing together community leaders and non-profit organizations in an effort to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by 2035. Join other participants for a fun evening of prizes and climate solutions. Network with some of the leaders in our community:
- City of San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon
- SLO Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Dantona
- Cal Poly Energy, Utilities and Sustainability Director Dennis Elliot
Questions? Contact Sustainability Coordinator Kylee Singh at klsingh@calpoly.edu. You can also volunteer to help make Earth Week a reality by signing up for a shift.