As Tuesday marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, awareness among Trojans appears to be mixed, even as campus groups work to keep the spirit of sustainability alive.
“I did not know today was Earth Day,” said Jordan Jones, a business administration major. “But now that I do know, I’m gonna take my dog to go play in the grass and we’re gonna have a great picnic day.”
Jones said most of his friends likely didn’t know about the holiday either. “That’s really unfortunate, but, you know, we love the earth,” he added. “I’m gonna pick up some trash just to make a little effort to clean up the earth. I’m gonna try to keep it up.”
While student awareness may be low, organizations like USC’s Peace Garden are using Earth Day to build community and reflect on sustainable progress.
“At the Peace Garden, we’re celebrating by posting a donation-focused Instagram Reel that looks back at how the garden was started through community efforts, and how, with continued support, we can keep this space growing and thriving,” the organization said to Annenberg Media. “We’re also hosting an Earth Day Garden Party this Friday to invite folks to experience the garden and spend time in nature, especially if it’s their first time visiting.”
Digital social media master’s student Sophia Leon sees Earth Day as a crucial spark for change.
“Personally, I love Earth Day. I think it’s such a great opportunity for people to connect with sustainability, get introduced to environmental efforts, and feel inspired to make more environmentally conscious choices,” she said.
USC has been celebrating Earth Month throughout April, hosting a range of events like a clothing drive and educational opportunities focused on climate action and sustainable living. These events aimed to spark conversations about sustainability, energy innovation, and environmental justice both on campus and beyond.
USC has a long history of Earth Day activism, from a symbolic gas mask on Tommy Trojan in 1970 to campus-wide environmental campaigns in recent years. But this year, many students remain unaware.
Still, for students like Jones and groups like the Peace Garden, Earth Day remains a chance to reconnect with nature, with community, and with the small actions that, over time, can make a difference.