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SUSTAINABILITY AT HARVARD

News & Events

Explore sustainability news at Harvard, as well as upcoming talks, webinars, conferences and other events on campus and beyond.

 

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Upcoming Sustainability Events

October

06

Monday
12:00 pm-1:15 pm GMT+0000

The Uncomfortable Truths of Public EV Charging

In this Energy Policy Seminar, Elaine Buckberg, Senior Fellow at Harvard University’s Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the former Chief Economist of General Motors, will give a talk entitled “The Uncomfortable Truths of Public EV Charging.” Buckberg will explore the realities of charging electric vehicles in public, from empirical work on highway charging data, to how much time it takes to charge in cities without a home charger.

RSVP required. A Harvard University ID is required for in-person attendance; all are welcome to attend via Zoom.

October

06

Monday
2:00 pm-2:45 pm GMT+0000

Climate change: Seeking bipartisan solutions during turbulent times

Climate change poses an enormous threat to people worldwide. How can we most effectively address it? This program brings together Gina McCarthy, who led the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Obama, and former Republican Congressman Bob Inglis for a dynamic conversation. They will discuss the merits of regulatory and free market solutions and explore opportunities to work across political divides. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to discover hopeful, pragmatic approaches to today’s most pressing environmental issues.

October

13

Monday
All-day

Application Deadlines

Apply by Monday, Oct. 13: Student Sustainability Grants

Student Grants
Students

The Student Grant program funds creative projects that contribute to Harvard’s commitment to climate and health and help create a more sustainable community. Applications are due Monday, October 13, 2025.

October

14

Tuesday
2:30 pm-3:30 pm GMT+0000

Open to Harvard Community

Recycling Webinar + AMA 

Recycling
Zero Waste
Zero Waste Month

Confused by what goes in which bin? Join Harvard staff from Recycling & Waste and Environmental Health & Safety for a fun webinar on October 14 at 2:30 pm, where we’ll cover the dos and don’ts of recycling and composting, new waste programs on campus, and why your pizza box is recyclable after all. Stick around for an Ask Me Anything session where we’ll answer your waste-related questions live!

October

14

Tuesday
5:00 pm-7:00 pm GMT+0000

Climate Connection Event: The Salata Institute Climate Collaboration Grant Session 2

Student groups interested in applying to the Salata Institute’s Climate Collaboration Grant Program should have members attend one or both of the Climate Connection Events that will be hosted as part of the program. Student leaders will have the opportunity to present speed pitches about their organization, with the purpose of sparking connection and inspiring collaboration with others in the room. The presentations will be followed by a networking hour. Dinner will be provided.

October

15

Wednesday
11:00 am-2:00 pm GMT+0000

Freecycle at Smith Campus Center (SCC)

freecycle
Zero Waste

Stop by the Smith Campus Center for an October Freecycle! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Find some secondhand items to gift this year. Popular items include books, clothes, and working household goods.

Everyone is welcome, and no donation is necessary to shop.

October

15

Wednesday
11:00 am-2:00 pm GMT+0000

October 2025 Freecycle at Smith Campus Center (SCC)

freecycle
Zero Waste

Stop by the Smith Campus Center for an October Freecycle! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Find some secondhand items to gift this year. Popular items include books, clothes, and working household goods.

Everyone is welcome, and no donation is necessary to shop.

October

20

Monday
12:00 pm-1:15 pm GMT+0000

Community Event

Exxon Mobil’s Approach to the Energy Transition

Energy
Policy

In this Energy Policy Seminar, Vijay Swarup, Senior Director of Climate Strategy and Technology at Exxon Mobil, will give a talk entitled, “Our Approach to the Energy Transition.” His talk will examine energy’s critical role in advancing global progress. It will highlight how affordable, reliable energy continues to enhance quality of life and explore how accelerating policy and technology adoption can enable a successful transition to lower-emission energy solutions. Through cross-sector collaboration, we can meet rising energy needs while advancing shared climate goals.

October

28

Tuesday
11:00 am-2:00 pm GMT+0000

Open to Harvard Community

Freecycle at HGSE Gutman Cafe

freecycle
Zero Waste

Stop by the Gutman Cafe for a Freecycle event! Drop off reusable goods you no longer need, and browse a fantastic selection of items brought by others. Popular items include books, clothes, and small household goods. Open to Harvard-ID holders only, and no donation is necessary to shop.