Eastern Washington University observed Earth Day this week through campus events, including the Earth Day Eco Thrift exchange and Eagle Entertainment’s annual “Life Doesn’t Succ” event, highlighting different approaches to environmental awareness and engagement. 

Across campus, Earth Day at Eastern Washington University took shape through both institutional initiatives and student group-organized events. 

For Erin Endres, a climate resilience specialist in Eastern Washington University’s Office of Sustainability, Earth Day is grounded in everyday actions rather than large-scale gestures. 

“I think Earth Day, to me, is focusing more on those direct impact type of things,” Endres said, adding that small, habit-based actions can build over time into a larger impact.

That approach is reflected in the office’s Earth Day Eco Thrift event, which offers free secondhand clothing to students. The event builds on previous clothing exchanges and centers on reuse as a practical and accessible habit.

Endres said the goal is to make sustainability approachable while also encouraging students to reconsider how they consume, particularly in contrast to fast fashion.

“I hope students take away that it’s OK to have a thrifted wardrobe,” Endres said. “You’re lessening your environmental impact … making students more mindful of how they consume.”

Other campus groups reflected the day through student activities.

On Earth Day, Eagle Entertainment hosted “Life Doesn’t Succ,” an event where students could pick up free succulents as part of campus programming surrounding the nationally recognized day.

K’mwee Hser, a sophomore social work major and Eagle Entertainment event planner, said the event has evolved to become more interactive for students.

“We kind of started out with just giving out a free succulent plant,” Hser said. “But this year… it’s not just kind of a stop and go. It’s a place where people can come and hang out and bring their friends.”

Juliana Miller, senior marketing officer for Eagle Entertainment and elementary and special education major, said the event continues to draw strong interest from students, noting that this year’s promotion has been widely shared across campus.

Organizers also pointed to the timing of the event as part of its significance, as it coincides with a nationally recognized day observed beyond the university.

Valerie Rangel, sophomore office worker and social work major, said the event reflects a broader sense of connection tied to the day.

“It leaves me just like everyone coming together and just sharing a place,” Rangel said.

Together, these events show how Earth Day at Eastern Washington University is observed in practice.

“Even if you can’t do it all… everything you do matters,” Endres said.