Every April, UCSF has celebrated Earth Day in various ways over the past 20 years. It was EarthFest, the LivingGreen Fair, and the Annual Sustainability Celebration, and now many others across the campus concerned about our environment are putting on their own events to bring awareness to the challenges of climate change, growing waste, water conservation, toxics reduction, equity, and resilience.
This year, honor Earth Month by attending any, and as many as you wish, events dedicated to sustainability and our environment. There's something for everyone.
Get Green Certified
All offices, labs, clinics/units, and event planners at UCSF can now be recognized through our Sustainability Certification Program, helping UCSF provide a healthier planet by reducing emissions, saving energy, conserving water, and reducing waste.
Getting your workspace certified is the best way to get involved with us. Green up your office, lab, events, or clinic/unit.
Green Streak Challenge
New! Join the UCSF Office of Sustainability for a month-long mission to turn your clinic, lab, or office into a green powerhouse.
Compete with other teams for the opportunity to win cool swag and prizes, including $100 Moffitt Dollars!
- February 24 to April 29: Complete as many challenges and submit them to us!
- April 29: Final deadline to submit your actions to qualify for prizes.
- April 30: Winners announced and final prizes distributed.
Recognize
Now you can recognize your colleagues and teammates for sustainability on UCSF's new recognize platform: Oracle Celebrate.
Represent
Brighten your ZOOM calls while advocating for a better and cleaner environment. Choose from a plethora of sustainability-themed backgrounds.
Mission Bay Clothing Swap
Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3, 2026
Ready to refresh your wardrobe for Spring? Trade your gently used clothes for new ones at our clothing swap! We’ve expanded to a two-day event, so you’ll have even more time to browse, trade, and find favorites.
Location: Mission Bay, Rutter Center, The Pub
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Event Info
Waste to Art Exhibition
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Waste to Art is UCSF’s annual challenge dedicated to transforming waste (including medical and laboratory waste) into incredible and inspiring art pieces.
The challenge has two goals:
- to gather support and active participation from the diverse communities at UCSF and UCSF Health
to encourage people to reflect on the waste in their practices and think about ways for waste reduction and for transitioning into a more sustainable future.
Location: Mission Hall Lobby (Mission Bay)
Time: Exhibition 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m + Award ceremony from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
April 15: Annual Sustainability Celebration at Valley Center for Vision at 3 p.m., where Chancellor Sam Hawgood will recognize the top three artists
Event Calendar
UCSF’s Annual Sustainability Celebration & Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Join us for UCSF’s Annual Sustainability Celebration during Earth Month in April. At the event, student, staff, and faculty sustainability advocates will gather to share community achievements, hear remarks from Chancellor Sam Hawgood, Senior Vice President & COO Sheila Antrum, and Senior Vice Chancellor Erin Gore, and honor the 2026 UCSF Sustainability Award recipients in a recognition ceremony.
Event Details
Date: April 15, 2026 | 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Event Calendar
Agenda
2:30 p.m. | Doors Open
2:30–3:00 p.m. | Poster Sessions and Light Refreshments
3:00–4:00 p.m. | Leader Remarks and Sustainability Award Ceremony
4:00–4:30 p.m. | Mixing and Mingling
Location:
Topaz Room, Wayne and Gladys Valley Vision Center
490 Illinois St. (SE corner entrance of 3rd Street and Illinois)
E-Waste Collection Event- Mission Bay
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Have some bulky e-waste stored in your office? Dispose of it free of charge through the UCSF Health Sustainability team.
Location: Mission Bay Hospital, Conference Room A1615
Time: 11a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sign Up: https://tiny.ucsf.edu/MBHewasteApril2026
In addition, this will be a reuse opportunity! Drop off working electronics you no longer need or take available items free of charge.
Parnassus Clothing Swap
Monday, April 20, 2026 and Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Ready to refresh your wardrobe for Spring? Trade your gently used clothes for new ones at our clothing swap! We’ve expanded to a two-day event, so you’ll have even more time to browse, trade, and find favorites.
Location: Parnassus, Millberry Union, Golden Gate/City Life
Time: April 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Event Info
Earth Week Tabling Sessions
Monday, April 20 through Thursday, April 23, 2026
The UCSF Health sustainability team is hosting a tabling event. Stop by to learn about the many sustainability efforts at UCSF Health, and pick up one of our new Earth Month stickers!
- Monday, April 20, 2026
📍 Mount Zion Café
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Tuesday, April 21, 2026
📍 Hyde Café
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Wednesday, April 22, 2026 ( Earth Day 🌱)
📍 Moffitt Café (Parnassus)
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Thursday, April 23, 2026
📍 Shorenstein Family Café (Mission Bay)
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Thursday, April 23, 2026
📍 Stanyan Café
⏰ 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Power Up Your Commute: EV Charging & Community Energy Resources
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Learn the basics of EV charging for homes and multifamily buildings, plus available programs and incentives in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Alameda counties.
Featuring: Peninsula Clean Energy, Ava Community Energy, CleanPowerSF
Location: Virtual (Q&A)
Time: 12:00p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration Required
E-Waste and Styrofoam Collection- Parnassus Heights
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - Earth Day 🌎
Dispose of unwanted electronic waste and Styrofoam at no cost through UCSF Facilities Services’ Recycling & Waste Reduction Program.
Location: Saunders Court (Medical Sciences entrance)
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration is required. Time slots will be confirmed by email, and you may drop off items during your scheduled window. Link to register: http://tiny.ucsf.edu/yKPvUi
Craft Cleanout
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - Earth Day 🌎
It’s time to clean out our crafting supplies, and we want YOU to be part of the fun. Come for the crafts, stay for the creativity, and leave with something uniquely yours.
Location: Mission Bay - Rutter Center Lounge
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Event Info
Sutro Stewards Volunteer Day
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Join Academic Senate Committee on Sustainability members for a morning of conservation work as we help the Sutro Stewards in their mission to protect and enhance Mount Sutro.
Location: Parnassus, Mount Sutro
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Limited Capacity: 10 volunteers (RSVP required)
- Invasive species removal
- Physical outdoor work (uneven terrain)
- Wear clothes you can get dirty
- Bring water; snacks provided
UCSF Grounds Annual Planting Engagement Event
Friday, April 24, 2026
Come help transform an active campus space while supporting sustainability efforts across UCSF. Join the UCSF Facility Services Grounds team for a planting event at the Mission Bay Hospital parking lot. Connect with the dedicated staff who maintain and beautify our campus year-round and take part in enhancing the landscape with plants they have cultivated. This event is being held in partnership with Parking and Transportation.
Meeting Spot: Integrated Center for Design and Construction (Gravel Area), 601 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94158
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Register here.
Paint Nite at Mission Bay
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Join us for an instructor-led Paint Nite at Mission Bay! This event is the perfect opportunity to unleash your inner artist. Grab your friends and get ready to paint the night away in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Location: Mission Bay, Rutter Center
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Event Info
Lunchtime Outdoor Flow Yoga Session with NAHA
Thursday, April 30, 2026
UCSF Health Sustainability is partnering with NAHA (Native American Health Alliance) to host a free outdoor yoga session to celebrate Earth Day. The event will start at 12:30pm and will include a 25-minute gentle flow. Please bring your own mat and towel.
Location: Mission Bay Hospital, Outside Grass Area
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.
Bike To Wherever Day
Thursday, May 14, 2026
A Grand Excursion in the Name of Science, Health, and Good Company.
Come one, come all! Whether you're a seasoned rider or a novice upon the saddle, join this most social and spirited procession, wherein we will uphold the virtues of sustainability, health, and camaraderie.
Should you, by some misfortune, fail to make this first grand expedition, despair not! Another UCSF Bike Bus will roll on Thursday, May 14, which, by happy coincidence, is none other than the official Bay Area Bike to Wherever Day. Mark it well!
Event Info Coming Soon!
Bikes! Home - https://ucsf.campusgroups.com/bikes/home/
Bikes! Events Calendar - https://calendar.ucsf.edu/group/UCSF_Bikes
Psst...Earth Month Bingo Secret Word is GREEN!
