The 13th Annual University of New Mexico Sustainability Expo takes place on Thursday, April 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Cornell Mall at UNM's main campus. This Earth Day-inspired event will feature a tribute to local farmers, along with prepared food and a range of sustainability practices and learning opportunities, such as a seed exchange and plant starts.

The Expo is organized and managed by students enrolled in the UNM Sustainability Studies Local Food Systems Practicum (SUST-364) course. Its aim is to showcase sustainable initiatives on and off campus, while inspiring attendees to participate. Spring semester students can explore the benefits of local and regional food systems, including environmental, social, and economic advantages.

Honoring Earth

The event will also feature a Grower's Market, where students can research the logistics of event planning and organize the Sustainability Expo on campus. Through the Grower’s Market, the class learns from local farmers, value-added producers, restaurateurs, market managers, produce distributors, and sustainable agriculture advocates who provide guidance to students.

This all-ages, one-day event also offers live music, local artisans, a bicycle repair clinic, a food and utensil drive for the Lobo Food Pantry, planting and composting demonstrations, and a chance to connect with campus community partners.

In managing the Expo, students will promote sustainable living through informational booths and “how-to” demos. Alongside their efforts in the Expo, the intent behind the Grower’s Market is to immerse themselves in Albuquerque’s local foodshed and food value chain. Their university collaboration and involvement will thus promote community partnerships and efficient means of sustainability.

The community-wide event is designed for those interested in working towards a more resilient planet. Multiple campus organizations are responsible for hosting the event, including the UNM Sustainability Studies Program, the UNM Office of Sustainability, and UNM Parking and Transportation.