Wake Forest Sustainability

As we close out another academic year and prepare for the next, we’re turning our efforts toward platforms with the highest engagement from our audiences. The important work to lead the sustainability transformation here at Wake Forest will continue! Follow us at on Instagram and LinkedIn, or subscribe to our newsletter at https://wfu.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=e5b025f88707b5a3f22dafd88&id=504bbc832a to stay in the loop.

WFU Office of Sustainability WFU Office of Sustainability Email Forms

Tori Tsui is an advocate for “bad activists,” encouraging beginner environmentalists not to let the fear of perfection stop them from joining the movement. Born in New Zealand, raised in Hong Kong, and now based in the UK, they explore the intersections of place, people, and climate through their work.

Author of “It’s Not Just You,” Tsui speaks out about eco-anxiety and intersectional environmentalism in their book, podcast, and speaking endeavors.

“What makes me feel positive about a sustainable future is when I see people mobilise,” Tsui said in an interview with Country & Town House magazine. “At the moment I feel like more and more people are becoming aware of the crisis that we are in and are coming together to make a difference. It’s important to note that sometimes I don’t always feel positive and I believe that it’s okay to honour those emotions too.”

In our series, we hope to highlight more leaders of the movement who challenge us, and the world, to re-think how we approach climate solutions. You can learn more about Tsui’s approach to eco-anxiety in her podcast and book, and follow her activism on Instagram .

Are you looking to spend more time outside this summer? Want to meet new colleagues? Join us for Faculty and Staff volunteer hours in the Campus Garden! 🌱 No prior experience is required; just bring yourself and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the following garden sessions!
- Thursday, May 29th, 11 am – 1 pm
- Wednesday, June 11th, 11 am – 1 pm
- Wednesday, June 25th, 11 am – 1 pm
- Thursday, July 10th, 11 am – 1 pm
- Tuesday, July 29th, 11 am – 1 pm
- Monday, August 11th, 11 am – 1 pm

The Grand Canyon welcomed Sarah Rodgers, our Outdoor Learning Spaces Coordinator, for a 10-day field course with Freeflow Institute this April. ⛺️ She explored the complexities of the Colorado Plateau, hiking the 8-mile Bright Angel Trail, sleeping under star-filled skies, and rafting over emerald waters that grew darker as sediment developed downstream.

As Sarah spent more time with fellow participants and guides in the new environment, she formed connections between the adaptive work done on campus at the Campus Garden and her journey through the Grand Canyon. Learn more about these connections in her blog post: https://sustainability.wfu.edu/2025/05/an-engaging-expedition/

We want to send a huge thank you and best wishes to our graduating senior interns! 🎓💛 We can’t wait to see what comes next for you. To all the graduating members of the class of 2025, congratulations! 🎉 Read more on our senior sendoff: https://sustainability.wfu.edu/2025/05/congratulations-class-of-2025-interns/

Earth Month is over, but we hope you continue to reflect on what you’ve learned and experienced! 🌏 We are so grateful to all of the organizations that hosted their own Earth Month programs and want to thank everyone who participated in our festivities. This year, we celebrated with tree plantings, trivia, workshops, and much more! Comment your favorite part of Earth Month to let us know what you want to see more of next year. 👀

We were proud to honor six individuals at our 12th annual Champions of Change Campus Sustainability Awards at the end of April! 👏🎉 We celebrate these individuals leading change on campus and beyond, joining the over 130 Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff who have been named "Champions of Change" since 2014.

Awards were presented for Resource Conservation, Academics & Engagement, Service & Social Action, Bright Ideas, and Everyday Champions. 🏆️ Learn more about our Champions in our recent blog article: https://sustainability.wfu.edu/2025/05/six-champions-of-change-announced-at-12th-annual-campus-sustainability-awards/

Don’t miss the 20th annual Piedmont Earth Day Fair this Saturday, and mark your calendars for the final week of our Earth Month celebrations! We have an Arbor Day cookout (tomorrow!), river cleanup, sustainable sales and swaps, and our 12th annual Champions of Change Campus Sustainability Awards Celebration to wrap it all up.🏆

Share this post with a friend you’d like to join you for the fun, and learn more about Earth Month at https://sustainability.wfu.edu/2025/03/earth-month-2025/ -section-5

Thank you to all who came out for our fifth annual Earth Talks! Nearly 150 Wake Forest community members joined us in Pugh Auditorium to learn about a variety of sustainability topics from our talented student speakers on April 9. Join us in celebrating the successful presentations from these amazing Deacs! 👏🎩

Read a recap and access the recording of the event in our recent blog: https://sustainability.wfu.edu/2025/04/earth-talks-2025-recap/

As you prepare for the end of spring semester, don't trash your unwanted items (and don't go diving into the blue bins as they pop up on campus!): Join us for our end-of-semester swaps coming up soon. Bring your unwanted clothing, kitchen items, decor, and more, and leave with something new! ➡️

📅 April 29 between Bostwick/Johnson
📅 May 4 at the Polo/Martin Circle

Earth Day is coming up! 🌍️ Celebrate our planet with plant-forward food and free succulents when you join Deacon Dining and First in Flight for their events this Tuesday. Tag us in your photos at to highlight how you are celebrating your connection to the planet this month for the chance to be featured in our Earth Month recap!