Rice University’s Office of Sustainability held its second annual Earth Month Kickoff Festival April 1 at the Grand Hall in Rice Memorial Center. The event showcased various campus student organizations and departments as well as community nonprofits and businesses that work to advance sustainability within the Houston area.
The festivities attracted a record number of both tabling groups and attendees with 36 partners and more than 250 visitors.
“The Office of Sustainability is excited to host our second annual Earth Month Kickoff Festival,” said Kristianna Bowles, associate director for sustainability. “This event, in tandem with our annual Campus Sustainability Day in October, serves as an opportunity for the entire Rice community to learn more about various on-campus groups, departments and community organizations advancing sustainability both at Rice and in the Houston area.”
Some of the participating organizations included Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, ConnectSmart, Fondren Library Green Team, Green City Recycler, Graduate Student Association Sustainability Committee, Harris County’s Sustainability Division, Houston Zoo, Moody Student Collaborative, Rice New Energy Fund, Student Association Environmental Commission and The SAFE Office.
The Office of Sustainability has plans to continue community-focused events throughout the next school year, including the following:
- Third annual Campus Sustainability Day; 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Thursday, Oct. 16; Grand Hall
- Third annual Earth Month Kickoff Festival; 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Wednesday, April 1, 2026; Grand Hall
To find out about Rice’s sustainability initiatives, visit the Office of Sustainability’s website.
