Campus Sustainability Month
Kent State University is proud to participate in Campus Sustainability Month throughout October. This annual event, hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), celebrates higher education sustainability achievements while raising awareness of the value of sustainability in higher education. During Campus Sustainability Month, institutions around the world engage and inspire incoming students and other campus stakeholders to become leaders for sustainability and celebrate successes.
We hope you will join as we celebrate our sustainability successes during #CampusSustainabilityMonth and throughout the rest of the year!
VIEW AASHE'S CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY MONTH INFO
Join us for a celebration of Campus Sustainability Month events at Kent State University! With your ideas, support and involvement, campus sustainability advancements will continue throughout the year! We are hosting or are promoting the sustainability-related events occurring during October at Kent State University listed below.
2026 Kent State University Campus Sustainability Month Sustainability-Related Events
- Birding Bike Tour Sept. 27
- Kent State University Bra Recycling Drive Sept. 28 - Oct. 3
- Campus Sustainability Month Volunteer Event: Seedball Making Sept. 30
- Kent State University Virtual Solar Tour October 2-4
- Discover Fashion Day Oct. 2
- Breakfast with the Birds Oct. 3
- Campus Sustainability Month Volunteer Event: Seedball Launching Oct. 14
- Kent State Farmers' Market October 15
- FAB's Fall Fest Oct. 15
- The Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series: Saya Woolfalk Public Lecture Oct. 16
- College of Aeronautics and Engineering Fall Career Fair Oct. 21
- The Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series: Aimee Lee Public Lecture Oct. 22
- Chem-O-Ween Oct. 23
- Kent State University ESDRI Sustainability Forum: October 26
- Poets for Science Gathering Nov. 12-14
- Recreation and Wellness Services events
- Kent State of Well-being events
Birding Bike Tour
September 27, 2:00pm
Kent Student Recreation Center
Join us as we view birding hot spots on campus led by guides. Space is limited, registration required: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/9EKSHXRdxq
14th Annual Bra Recycling Drive
September 28 through October 30
Kent State University’s Athletics, Employee Wellness and Health Promotion, Kent State of Well-being, Office of Sustainability, and SRVSS are hosting a bra recycling drive from September 28 through October 30, to collect reusable or worn-out bras and reduce the number of textiles in landfills. Bras that are in good condition will be donated to the Phyllis Zumkehr County Clothing Center, and worn-out bras will be recycled.
Campus Sustainability Month Volunteer Event - Seedball Making
September 30
National Solar Tour
Kent State is part of the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour and part of the ASES local "Kent State University Solar and Sustainability Tour" and the "Ohio Wish You Were Here" tour on October 2-4, 2026. Seven Kent State sites are part of the ASES National VIRTUAL Solar Tour.
Discover Fashion Day
October 2 from noon - 1:30PM
Kent State University Museum - Murphy Auditorium
Hosted by the School of Fashion, join us for the School of Fashion Prospective Day to discover the prestige of our world-class programs. You will attend a group informational session to learn more about programs, curriculum, and requirements. You will also engage in a Q&A with academic advisors and a student panel. The visit includes a tour of the building and facilities, including a chance to explore the Kent State University Museum! Register for Discover Fashion
Breakfast with the Birds
October 3 from 8:30 am - 10:00 am
Biological Sciences Research Station
The Department of Biological Sciences is hosting Breakfast with the Birds for their alumni and friends at Homecoming! This is a great opportunity to enjoy a continental breakfast and explore our new Kent Campus aviary. Register
Campus Sustainability Month Volunteer Event - Seedball Launching
October 14
Kent State Farmers' Market October 15
Thursday, October 15th
4:30 - 6:30
Centennial Green, part of FAB FallFest
Thursday, Oct 15 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. (Centennial Green, part of FAB FallFest). Kent State University has partnered with Haymaker Farmers' Market to bring a farmer's market to the Kent Campus. The Kent State Farmers' Market provides students with opportunities to learn about the local farming community, select fresh produce and connect with the broader Kent community in addition to creating a community around food with a warm, friendly and fun environment. Hosted by Kent State of Well-being.
FAB's Fall Fest
Thursday, October 15th
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Centennial Green, part of FAB FallFest
Do you love fall? Then join us for Fall Fest! Fall Fest is a fun event for all students to get into the fall spirit! This event features a craft station, free mug giveaways, live music, good food, and the Haymaker Farmer's Market!
The Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series: Saya Woolfalk Public Lecture
October 16 from noon - 1:00 pm
Center for Visual Arts Room 165
New York-based artist Saya Woolfalk creates work that blends science fiction, anthropology and biology to explore how we see ourselves and the world around us.
Her four-day residency at Kent State will bring together students and faculty from the College of the Arts and the College of Architecture and Environmental Design for a workshop, roundtable discussion, graduate studio visits and a free public lecture. More Information
College of Aeronautics and Engineering Fall Career Fair
October 21 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Aeronautics and Engineering Building
Join the College of Aeronautics and Engineering Fall 2026 Career Fair! Students are encouraged to bring their business cards, resumes, and be prepared to talk about their interests, relevant projects, and applicable coursework. Furthermore, students will have an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about aviation and engineering industries, current industry trends, and pose career-related questions. This career fair is being held both on campus in the Kent State University College of Aeronautics and Engineering building and at the Kent State Airport.
Info/List of Employers for Campus Location
Info/List of Employers for Airport Location
The Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series: Aimee Lee Public Lecture
October 22 from 5 - 6 PM
Rockwell Hall Murphy Auditorium
Internationally renowned papermaking artist Aimee Lee will bring the centuries-old Korean tradition of hanji to Kent State, opening with a free public lecture this fall. The free lecture is brought to Kent State as part of the esteemed Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series, a dynamic platform launched in 2001 to bring celebrated artists and designers to the Kent State campus and Northeast Ohio community.
The public lecture given by Aimee Lee is also sponsored in part by Dr. Chris Sullivan and presented in community partnership with Case Western Reserve University Lifelong Learning.
Chem-O-Ween
October 23 from 6:00 PM - 8:30PM
Williams Hall
Campus's Largest Halloween Party is back again! Watch as Williams Hall comes alive with all the Fire, Explosions, and of course Candy. Chem-O-Ween is for everyone! It's not just for scientists, but a couple of mad scientists never hurt a Halloween party. Come and join us in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department for an event that can only be experienced at Kent State. You will experience an event that blends a Halloween Party, Theater, Comedy, Magic, and Science. It's a party like no other! There is even a costume contest for those that wish to dress up. All we have to say is who can do Halloween better than the Chemistry Department? Even better it's completely free to attend!
ESDRI Sustainability Forum: October 26
Monday, October 26, 2026
6 - 8 pm
Kent State University Kiva Auditorium
Kiva Auditorium at the Kent State University Student Center
Risman Drive and East Summit Street, Kent, Ohio
Join ESDRI for a forum discussion with three experts whose work shapes sustainability and engagement in Northeast Ohio communities. The invited speakers (see below), will speak on their career pathway and current work and join in a conversation moderated by Kent State University professor Jennifer Mapes, Ph.D. This event will showcase how cities can collaborate to achieve their sustainability goals, how collective action can secure environmentally friendly and affordable resources, and how partnerships among governments, nonprofits, businesses, and residents can support thriving communities and resilient landscapes.
Supported by the Kent State Healthy Communities Research Institute and Community Engaged Research Institute.
CLICK HERE TO RSVP
Poets for Science Gathering
November 12-14
Wick Poetry Center
The Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University invites all who share in the alliance of poetry and science to a major, multi-day gathering in Kent, Ohio.
2026 October Sustainability Conferences/ Related External Events
- AASHE’s Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education (GCSHE)
- City of Kent Sustainability Month October
- Project Green Challenge (Oct. 1 – 30)
- Global Bird Rescue (Sept. 22-28)
- Energy Efficiency Day (Oct. 1)
- Green Sports Day (Oct. 6)
- ASES National Solar Tour (Oct. 2-4)
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Geological Survey Earth Science Week (second week of October)
- World Food Day (Oct. 16)
- City of Kent Lights OUt
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (Oct. 24)
AASHE Global Conference on Sustainability
This is the premiere event for sustainability in higher education. AASHE welcomes faculty, staff, students, and all types of change agents to gather for compelling presentations and discussions on accelerating sustainability in higher education. This conference is your opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who understand the intricacies of the challenges you face in advancing sustainability at your institution.
City of Kent, Ohio Sustainability Month- October
The City of Kent is designating October as Sustainability Month and invites all residents, schools, businesses, and organizations to join this celebration by participating in activities throughout the entire month that promote sustainable practices.
City of Kent Sustainability Month
Project Green Challenge
Starting on October 1, Project Green Challenge will inform, inspire and mobilize high school, college, and grad students worldwide around climate action, public health, sustainability, social justice and advocacy. This powerful and diverse call to action features 30 days of environmentally–themed challenges to touch lives, shift mindsets, and equip students with knowledge, resources and mentorship to lead change on campuses and in communities.
Through conscious living, informed consumption, and individual and collective action, Project Green Challenge (PGC) participants are challenged to envision and work toward the healthy, just, resilient future they want to thrive in.
Each day during the month of October, a uniquely themed challenge will be delivered to registered participants by email at 6 am Pacific Time. Each challenge will be live for 24 hours, inviting students to complete actions, upload deliverables, acquire points and heal the planet. Deliverables include photos, videos, creative artwork and written content uploaded to the PGC site and across Turning Green social platforms. Thoughtfully curated, theme-related prize packages will be awarded daily for outstanding submissions.
Global Bird Rescue
Global Bird Rescue uses the Global Bird Collision Mapper (GBCM) to document bird-building collisions worldwide. Each year, during the end of September or beginning of October, teams and individuals take to the streets to search for birds that have collided with buildings in their community, to social media to raise awareness about this conservation issue, and to make their own windows bird-safe.
Energy Efficiency Day
October 1, 2025, is Energy Efficiency Day, but efficiency is year-round. One Energy Efficiency Day, a growing network of advocates, companies, government agencies, utilities and others will showcase the benefits of energy efficiency.
Green Sports Day
Leveraging the cultural & market influence of sports to promote healthy, sustainable communities where we work, live and play.
ASES National Solar Tour
Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), the purpose of the National Solar Tour is to promote renewable energy awareness and increase the adoption of solar energy. The National Solar Tour centers around neighborhood discussions about solar, recommendations on installers, financing, local laws, and other considerations and hesitations around installing solar panels, purchasing electric vehicles, and installing energy efficiency upgrades.
ODNR Earth Science Week
Each year during the second week of October, the ODNR Division of Geological Survey invites Ohioans to celebrate Earth Science Week. This annual celebration offers opportunities to discover the earth sciences and engage in stewardship of our planet.
Oct. 16 World Food Day
The food you choose and the way you consume it affect our health and that of our planet. It has an impact on the way agri-food systems work. So you need to be part of the change.
Oct. 24 DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
10 a.m. - 2 p.m
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Kent State & City of Kent Year-Round Drop-Off Locations
Kent State University
Stockdale Building metal drop-off box located outside
530 E Summit St Kent OH 44240
Phone: 330-672-3111
Kent Police Department
metal drop-off box outside in parking lot
319 S Water St Kent OH 44240
Phone: 330-673-7732
Search DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Sites
