Colgate University’s Office of Sustainability hosted the Earth Day Extravaganza on Friday, April 18 at the Edge Cafe as part of its annual 13 Days of Green celebration. Organized in collaboration with the Student Sustainability Council (SSC), the event brought together students for an afternoon of music, games, food and arts and crafts, aimed at celebrating and highlighting student efforts toward sustainability on campus.
The Student Sustainability Council is composed of students with sustainability positions across campus organizations. These include representatives from fraternities and sororities, athletic teams, Outdoor Education, the Student Government Association (SGA) and clubs such as Students for Environmental Action. The Earth Day Extravaganza served as both a community celebration and a moment to recognize the campus organization with the highest level of participation in the 2025 13 Days of Green series.
At Edge Cafe, students gathered under sunny skies and a lively atmosphere to enjoy a variety of sustainable and student-led activities. Tables were set up throughout the venue, including an eco-friendly paint-making station, where students experimented with plant-based dyes to create original art in vibrant greens, yellows, purples and blues. Games encouraged friendly competition, and laughter echoed across the cafe as participants joined in.
Adding to the celebratory environment, a live performance by the student band 80k energized the crowd. Clapping, dancing and enthusiastic cheers turned the space into a vibrant showcase of student creativity and community spirit. Pizza and beverages were served with reusable dishes, in tune with the event’s environmentally conscious approach.
Sophomore Chris Mendina, a student attendee, reflected on the event’s significance.
“This was such a great way to celebrate all the sustainable work our students on the Sustainability Council do to keep our campus clean,” Mendina said. “I enjoyed the music and the food.”
Throughout the afternoon, passersby were drawn in by the upbeat music and festive environment, many choosing to stay and participate. The event’s accessibility and joyful tone made it a fitting celebration of the campus-wide sustainability initiatives.
Sophomore Ondine Corsmeier, another attendee, emphasized the importance of honoring both environmental awareness and the individuals who drive progress.
“To me, Earth Day is not just about reminding those around us about the efforts to protect our environment,” Corsmeier said. “It is also about celebrating the hard work those on our campus have put in to counteract our carbon footprint and help our society progress.”
Colgate’s sustainability efforts are the result of a long-standing institutional commitment. The University became the first institution of higher education in New York state to achieve carbon neutrality in April 2019. This milestone was the result of over a decade of investment in sustainability education, renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction. From the community garden to sustainable dining practices, students have played a central role in moving these initiatives forward.
The Extravaganza is part of the 13 Days of Green series, an annual initiative launched in 2010 following Colgate’s formal commitment to carbon neutrality. The series is designed to promote sustainability awareness, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and empower students to take action. Whether through arts-based events, informative workshops or outdoor activities, the initiative seeks to provide multiple avenues for learning and involvement.
Sophomore Sophia Martin expressed her appreciation for the University’s ongoing sustainability mission.
“I am grateful to be on a campus committed to sustainable practices, even in small ways, since we can make a large impact on the community around us,” Martin said.
To culminate its 13 Days of Green, the university also celebrated Earth Day on April 22. This day invites students, faculty and staff to explore the natural beauty of the campus environment while reflecting on the importance of biodiversity and ecological preservation.
