A greener future
A GREENER FUTURE
Moody College community reflects on how they celebrate Earth Day
First held in 1970, Earth Day sparked a national movement for environmental awareness that has continued to evolve and expand to this day. Each year on April 22, the day calls on us to reflect on our relationship with the planet and consider the steps we can take to preserve it. At Moody College, faculty, staff, and students honor Earth Day through education, advocacy and action, both in and out of the classroom. This year, we spoke with members of the Moody community about how they observe Earth Day and the personal and professional ways they remain committed to protecting our planet year-round.
“I interviewed the organizer of Earth Day, Denis Hayes, for the 50th anniversary a few years back, and it really reconnected me with how important it was and how important it is today. The original Earth Day was kind of a teach-in around the country, millions of people showing up for demonstrations, but really it was about connecting people with the environment, helping them understand the stakes. When I celebrate Earth Day today, I go back to that. It’s a time to educate ourselves, but it’s also a time to touch grass.”
John Schwartz
Professor of Practice
Journalism and Media
“For the last several years, at every Earth fest, hosted by UT Sustainability, Longhorns Don’t Litter goes out there and student volunteers talk to people flowing through the incredible event about litter prevention and Longhorns Don’t Litter. This year, we're going to have a big debut of a campaign mascot, Creeky, at Earth Fest 2025 on campus.”
Valerie Salinas-Davis
Assistant Professor of Instruction
Advertising and Public Relations
“I’ve always been interested in sustainability. For this Earth Day, I’ll be volunteering at the Rowing Dock, where the community in Austin can paddleboard for free and pick up trash in the river while they paddle. So it’ll be a fun activity to not only enjoy the outdoors of Austin but also help make the Earth more beautiful.”
Kathy Do
Student
Corporate Communications
“I like to go backpacking because I feel very immersed in nature. It really makes you realize what’s important in life because you only have the necessities with you, and it makes you realize you don’t need as much as you have in your everyday life. More people should get out and go to the state national parks, it’s very important to make sure we’re supporting those organizations and getting outside.”
Christina Knighton
Student
Radio-Television-Film, English
“I think about sustainability more in a social aspect. I am a fashion and communication major, and those are two of the most significant aspects of human existence. Acknowledging how humans inhabit the Earth and how we are meant to protect it, as it is our home, not only during Earth Month but throughout my life.
I’m involved with UT Trash 2 Treasure, which is the longest-standing sustainability organization on campus. A significant aspect of sustainability is how we interact with the economy and the products we purchase. I try to promote a circular economy by promoting anti-consumption so we can continue to cherish the things we have in our lives.”
Sora Ahmad
Student
Communications and Leadership | Textiles and Apparel
“I think I was born loving nature. For me, learning about the history, culture and nature of wherever you live makes you a better citizen. It makes you understand the place better and just appreciate it more. My interest in Austin extends beyond the natural environment to the built environment and the people that have made the city what it is.”
Karen Kocher
Professor of Practice Emerita
Radio-Television-Film
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