Resources

SESE & Environmental Sustainability Earth Day 2026

Celebrate Earth Day with Us!

Join the School of Earth, Society & Environment, the Program on Environmental Sustainability, the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment, and other campus partners as we celebrate Earth Day all week long through creativity, learning, and community action.

April 22 - Earth Day on the Quad

11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
The Main Quad (Rain location: NHB Core, 3rd Floor)

Interactive activities include:

  • Seed Bomb Making (iSEE)
  • “What’s in Our Recycling Bin?” activity
  • Spin-the-Wheel sustainability trivia
  • Make-Your-Own T-Shirt Bag station
  • Musical Instruments of Nature (live & streamed sound experience)
  • SESE & iSEE information tables
  • SESE RSO Displays

Join Us For A Wonderful Documentary!

The Way of the Rain: Hope for Earth – A Symphony for Our Planet

5:30 - 7:30 p.m., April 22
NHB Auditorium

Learn More About the Documentary

Upcycled-Recycled Art Contest

Show your creativity by transforming materials destined for the recycling bin or landfill into original artwork!

Eligibility: University of Illinois students
Entry Deadline (for contest consideration): April 1, 2026
Ad Hoc Submissions (non-contest): April 15–22

Artwork Requirements:

  • Minimum 80% recycled or discarded materials
  • Maximum size: 2’ x 2’ x 2’
  • No sharp edges or perishables
  • Must be secure and labeled

Artwork Drop-Off:

April 6–13, 2026
Natural History Building, Room 3086

Artwork On Display:

Artwork will be on display in the Natural History Building from April 15-22 and on The Quad on April 18 as part of Sustainapalooza, and on Earth Day.

Awards Presented:

Afternoon of April 22 (Time TBA)
Awards for first, second, and third prizes will be presented on The Quad (rain location, The Core in NHB).

Enter the Contest

Need A Space to Create Your Artwork?

Siebel Center for Design Crafting Lab is accessible for the construction/creation of your Upcycle Artwork. Open Tuesday-Friday, 4 pm-10 pm and Saturday-Sunday, 1 pm-6 pm.  Equipment training is offered on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  Please complete the online orientation before use.

Judging Criteria

Creative and Original Use of Recycled Materials (50%)

Evaluates how effectively discarded items are transformed into art. High scores are given for innovation in using trash, such as plastics, metals, and, in some cases, litter found in the community.

Artistic Impact & Design (20%)

Assesses the "WOW factor," composition, color, and emotional appeal of the piece. This includes whether the art is visually striking and well-designed.

Craftmanship & Technique (20%)

Focuses on the skill involved in construction, stability, and durability. The artwork should be well-assembled, often with attention to stability for public display.

Interpretation of Message (10%)

Evaluates how well the piece communicates themes of sustainability, environmentalism, or waste reduction. A strong, clear message that adds value.

Disclaimers and Permissions

Disclaimer of Liability

The School of Earth Society & Environment and all collaborators and contributors shall not have any liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages, however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the handling and display of all submitted works to the contest.

Permission

By virtue of entering the contest, all contestants grant SESE and its collaborators permission to produce images of all submitted artwork for the purpose of publicity and promotion, where credit will be duly given to the artist.

Collaborators & Acknowledgements:

The Way of the Rain Inc., iSEE, UIUC Green Leadership Council, The college of LAS, the Siebel Center for Design, SESE RSOs, all the many SESE faculty, staff, and student volunteers and supporters.