Whether you are attending an event, joining a student organization, educating yourself, or applying for funding, we invite you to participate in Earth Month to celebrate the university’s steps to achieve its sustainability goals.
Earth Month is just one of many initiatives to support Assignment: Earth, USC’s sustainability framework for creating a healthy, just, and thriving campus and world.
Get Involved
Employee Sustainability Training
Complete the USC Employee Sustainability Training by April 30 to be entered for a chance to win a $20 USC Campus Dining Gift Certificate!
Nearby Nature Audio Tours
Enjoy these audio tours while you visit one of many USC’s Nearby Nature native planting sites. Find the closest site to you using our Sustainability Map.
Earth Month Community Cleanup
Noticed a spot on or off campus that could use a little TLC?
Now YOU can decide where to clean up! The Fieser Group will be providing supplies and organizing volunteers for community cleanups from April 1-10. To volunteer, complete this Google Form. Groups and individuals are encouraged to join!
Take “before” and “after” shots of your location, as well as a photo of you with your collected items, for a chance to win fame, glory, and maybe a prize!
2026 Earth Month Events
4/1 | Tommy’s Closet Clothing Pop-Up
Tommy’s Closet is USC Sustainability’s free clothing pop-up where students can browse gently used clothing donated by the USC community. Stop by, shop sustainably, and give clothes a second life!
4/15 | Climate Forward Conference
The USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability and the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future are honored to host its seventh annual Climate Forward Conference.
4/20 | Mend-It Monday
Looking to breathe new life into your favorite pieces of clothing? Whether it’s a quick hem, a fresh embroidery design, or just a good old ironing, our FREE “Mend-It Monday” drop-in event is for you.
4/23 | Sustainability Stroll
Take a stroll with the USC Office of Sustainability! Meet and connect with other USC staff and faculty and take home a seed card. These walks are part of the weekly WalkUSC program.
Earth Month News
Price professor brings big data insights to big cities
Associate Professor Geoff Boeing helps cities around the world measure their progress toward becoming healthier and more sustainable.
USC Astronautics PhD Student on the Emerging Area of Space Sustainability
At the 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris, USC PhD student José Pedro Ferreira raised awareness of the potential impacts of space activities in the atmosphere and the need for emerging research to be reflected in global governance.
Closing the Gap in Water Reuse: USC Engineer Elected to National Academy
Professor Amy Childress recognized by the NAE for transforming wastewater into clean water and bridging academia with the real world.
Play an Earth Month Game
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Plan An Event
April 1-30, 2026
- Community Conversations
- Trivia Games
- Lunch & Learn
- Networking Opportunities with alumni, professors, professionals
- Wellness Workshops
- Submit each event to calendar.usc.edu
- USC Calendar How to (visual guide)
- To Add Events to the USC Calendar
- Navigate to calendar.usc.edu.
- Click on “Submit Event” in the top right of the page.
- Login with USC credentials and follow the form prompts.
- Event Type: select “Sustainability”
- Department field: select your department
- Tag Field (for calendar admins): add “Sustainability”
- Each event is reviewed and approved before it appears on the calendar.
- Recognized Student Organizations & Student Affairs Departments should also submit events to EngageSC.
- EngageSC Calendar How to (visual guide)
- Marketing Materials:
- Add the Assignment: Earth logo to your graphics.
- Download Assignment: Earth Marketing Material.
- If in person events are allowed, remember to reserve space with the appropriate department. Each department will provide information about capacities, protocols, etc as it becomes available.
- Trojan Event Services manages space reservations for TCC, Bovard Auditorium, Ground Zero, Tommy’s Place and most outdoor spaces. For spaces not managed by Trojan Events, contact the respective academic unit in which that space resides.
- Ensuring all participants can fully access your events is crucial to ensuring an equitable experience for all.
- USC’s Disability Services and Programs office has created helpful guides to help you create accessible content and host accessible programs.
- Event planners should include in their materials the following event accessibility statement:
- “Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact [insert event sponsor’s name, phone, and email address]. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.”
- “How To Make Your USC Event Sustainable” Guide
- USC Single Use Plastic Bottle Policy toolkit has a vendor compliance checklist, visual aids, and a contact for additional assistance.
- For catering or other event needs, consider supporting diverse and local small businesses at Trojan Shop Local.
- The USC FPM Events checklist. See pages 7-8 for pre- and post-event steps you’ll need to take to ensure that your event is zero-waste. You also can reach out to USC’s Waste Diversion Supervisor at gwhisena@usc.edu for general support.
- Prioritize using reusable service ware – provide communal beverage dispensers with reusable cups.
- If reusables will not work for your event, compostables and products made from more sustainable materials such as aluminum or glass are the next best alternative. Note: Products in cartons – such as boxed water – have a plastic lining that renders them un-recyclable, which means they go to landfill.
- Ask guests to bring refillable water bottles and share the map of campus hydration stations
- Prioritize plant-forward menu choices over meat-based meals, and when appropriate, encourage guests and colleagues to take surplus food so it doesn’t get thrown away.
Email us at sustainability@usc.edu