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When we think about our mission at the University of Kentucky—to improve the lives of Kentuckians and beyond—environmental stewardship and sustainability are core parts of our legacy. We believe in creating a campus—and a world—that is healthy, fair, and built to last. We're committed to integrating sustainability into our curriculum, research, outreach, and daily operations, so that our students and community are prepared to lead toward a more sustainable future.

BBN Tackles Plastic Expands Across Residence Halls UK students transform plastic bags into support for Lexington’s unhoused

BBN Tackles Plastic, an initiative aimed at reducing campus plastic waste through the collection of plastic bags, is expanding into select campus residence halls. The project, created by Shayna Bassi, a UK Recycling intern and communication science and disorders senior in the College of Health Sciences, has been integral at removing plastic bags from campus landfill waste.  

Make an impact during Earth Month at UK

Thrift Pop-up Shop Apr 1, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PMGatton Student Center, Ballroom A Come on out to UK Recycling’s 8th annual Thrift Shop Pop-Up in partnership with Student Organizations and Activities and Wildcat Wardrobe. UK students will be able to replenish their wardrobes for free while also reusing clothing items that might’ve otherwise ended up in the landfill. Clothing, ties, purses, hats, and belts will all be available.  

2026-27 UK Sustainability leadership and internship opportunities

University of Kentucky students have been making a difference across campus through the UK Sustainability Internship Program and Student Sustainability Council. Over the last 11 years, student-led research and projects have included creating a Waste Reduction Week focused on the importance of waste issues, highlighting student art related to climate change and revitalizing campus landscaping through tree planting events and garden design.

Shifting Power in Rural America: Conversations on Just Transitions

Rural communities across the Appalachian region face new challenges and possibilities as a result of changing economic and political landscapes. The UK Appalachian Center & Appalachian Studies Program will host a public panel as part of a larger series to bring together John Gaventa and Loka Ashwood, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation fellows, for a conversation with Gabe Schwartzman (UT), Shaunna Scott (UK Sociology emeritus) and Kathryn Engle, UK Appalachian Center director. 

2026 John P. Wyatt, MD Environment and Health Symposium

Registration is open for the 2026 John P. Wyatt, M.D. Environment and Health Symposium held on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22 in the UK Gatton Student Center Ballrooms! The symposium brings together experts from across Kentucky and the nation, along with government officials, universities, local experts, community members, and students – all united in their commitment to advancing research and collaboration at the intersection of environmental exposures and public health.

WRFL Earth Day Celebration

Come on out to Barker Plaza outside of the Student Center to join WRFL in our Earth Day celebration with live music, succulent giveaways, and a free WRFL Earth Day T-shirt, among many other festivities. The event will begin at 4:30 with the band coming on at 4:45, but feel free to drop in at any time during the event to celebrate with us!

Sustainability Symposium

This annual spring sustainability symposium recognizes the work of the students in the Sustainability Internship Program. Programming will be as follows: