by Yarianna Rangel, Communication Specialist
Attendees enjoying at the picnic.
This year, the Sustainability Picnic made a great return, brimming with success and delight! This fantastic zero-waste event was attended by over 420 people and featured music, delicious food, and numerous chances to engage and have a great time. It took place on August 28th at Donald E. Davis Arboretum, the perfect place to connect with nature and friends.
The event was co-sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, Tiger Dining, the Arboretum, the Waste Reduction and Recycling Department, Academic Sustainability Programs, the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, and the Master of Community Planning. In addition, there were over 15 volunteers eager to help as much as possible.
Aubie recycling.
Food was provided by Tiger Dining, who served an outstanding vegetarian menu to suit all attendees. There was also an ice cream truck from O-Town Ice Cream, helping to cool people from the afternoon heat. Frisbees were used as plates so people could take them home or return them to be reused at future events. Additionally, all the utensils and cups were reusable to have a waste-free event and so that people could take away a souvenir that they could use after the event. Aubie even stopped by to liven up the atmosphere and help put the utensils in their proper place.
Tiger Dining serving tasty vegetarian food.
One of the central activities was a bingo game for guests. People had to go table by table to fill their board by talking with the 32 student groups and organizations in attendance. Afterward, all winners were entered to win prizes that were generously donated. The grand prize was an Auburn-themed bicycle to continue encouraging students to bike.
Ian Malinowski performing for the attendees.
For the third consecutive year, Ian Malinowski participated as the event’s musician. He is a Senior majoring in Commercial Music. Throughout the afternoon, he accompanied the attendees with a wide variety of music so that people would have a more enjoyable time.
The event was a wonderful mix of graduate students, undergraduate students, staff and faculty members, and other visitors from the community. Everyone had their space to socialize and connect with nature at the same time. You can see all the fun capture on the rest of our pictures from the picnic. We look forward to seeing you again next year at the Sustainability Picnic 2025 and hope each year will improve. While you wait, you can follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter to find out about our upcoming events and how to help make our Auburn community more sustainable.
| Student & Community Organizations | University Programs & Resources |
|---|---|
| Best Buddies | AU Auburn Outdoors |
| For the Bees | AU Common Book |
| League of Women Votes of East AL | AU Gulf Scholars Program |
| Marine Biology Club | AU Kreher Preserve & Nature Center |
| Outdoor Adventure Club | AU Lambert-Powell Meats Lab |
| Permaculture Tigers | AU Museum of Natural History |
| Plant Based Plainsman | AU Office of Global Education |
| SAGA: The Sexuality & Gender Alliance | AU Recreation & Wellness |
| Society for Natural Resources | AU Water Resources Center |
| Student Government Association | AU Tiger Dining |
| Student Planning Association | AU Davis Arboretum |
| Sustainability Auburn Alumni Affiliate | AU Waste Reduction and Recycling Department |
| Sustainability Biomaterials & Packaging Society | AU Academic Sustainability Programs |
| The Campus Kitchen at AU | AU College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment |
| Thrift Club | AU Master of Community Planning Program |
| Water & Environment Student Association | AU Office of Sustainability |
Learn about the SDGs & AU and our contributions related to this post.
