October is recognized nationally as Campus Sustainability Month. This October, the UMB Office of Sustainability will be hosting various events and initiatives across campus to celebrate sustainability. We welcome all members of the UMB community to participate!
Head to the Office of Sustainability’s Campus Sustainability Month 2025 page for the full list of events and the most up-to-date information.
Campus Cleanup on Oct. 1
Join UMB’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Services’ Clean Campus Ambassadors on Wednesday, Oct. 1, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m., outside of Health Sciences Research Facility III (at the west entrance, please see the dropped pin on Google Maps).
Drop by our basecamp at the beginning of your shift to check in and get supplies. Swing back by the basecamp at the end of your shift to drop off your full trash bags! If you are a staff member who is interested in using one to four hours of paid volunteer leave for this event, you can view and print the required paperwork found on the Office of Community and Civic Engagement website.
Preregistration is preferred, but walk-ups are welcome! Register here for the Campus Cleanup on Qualtrics.
Composting Workshop on Oct. 7
Join UMB’s Office of Sustainability and the University Student Government Association to learn all about composting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the SMC Campus Center, Room 115.
This workshop will teach you about how to compost at events on campus, as well as different methods for composting at home. You will learn about resources for hosting zero-waste campus events and decorate a countertop compost bin to use in your home or office.
Registration required. Register here for the Composting Workshop on Qualtrics.
Walking Wednesdays on Oct. 8
Join UMB’s Office of Sustainability and Police and Public Safety's comfort K9, Poe, and his handler, PFC Anthony Summers, on a walk from SMC Campus Center to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 12-1:30 p.m. We will meet outside, in front of the SMC Campus Center (see location on Google Maps), and begin at 12:05 p.m.
Preregistration is preferred, but walk-ups are welcome! Register here for Walking Wednesdays on Qualtrics.
Interested in future walks? Join the UMB Sustainability Community Team's Walking Wednesday Channel.
Swap Party on Oct. 14
Join UMB’s Office of Sustainability during the Climate, Health, and Policy in Maryland Symposium for a Swap Party on Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 12-4 p.m. at the 4MLK first-floor lobby. Bring items you are no longer using and join us at our Swap Party! Accepted items to exchange include plants, books, kitchenware, home decor, clothes, and more.
Preregistration and dropping off items is preferred. Register here for the Swap Party on Qualtrics.
Meet the Founder of HEX Ferments on Oct. 15
Join UMB’s Office of Sustainability and The Grid to meet HEX Ferments on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 12-1 p.m. at The Grid (third floor of the Health Sciences and Human Services Library). HEX Ferments is Baltimore's first fermentory making local, organic sauerkrauts, kimchi, and kombucha.
Lunch will be provided, and registration is required. Register here for the Meet the Founder event on Qualtrics.
Specialty Recycling All October
Drop off hard-to-recycle items at the SMC Campus Center and Lexington Building lobbies during the month of October. This is a joint effort between UMB’s Office of Sustainability and Environmental Services. This year, we’ve added a new stream to collect textiles and clothing in usable condition to be donated.
Accepted Materials Include:
- Alkaline Batteries (both ends taped): AAA, AA, C, D, 9-Volt. Please do not deposit non-alkaline batteries including lithium ion, nickel cadmium, rechargeable, etc.
- Electronics: computers, laptops, servers, monitors, printers, keyboards, mice, switches, routers, wire, cellphones, tablets, communications equipment. UMB-issued electronics will not be accepted.
- Books: hardcover and softcover
- Toner/Ink Cartridges: laser and inkjet printer cartridges
- Textiles and Clothing: clean, dry, and odorless clothing, footwear (in pairs), linens and bedding, accessories (hats, bags, belts, gloves, ties, scarves, bathrobes, jewelry), and other (luggage, sports jerseys, stuffed animals)
- Plastic Bags and Film: shopping bags, produce bags, Ziploc bags, bread bags, cereal bags, bubble wrap, plastic overwrap, air pillows