Georgetown University’s Earth Commons Institute, an organization dedicated to campus sustainability and environmental research, gathered over 10 student groups and university organizations in its annual Hoya Harvest Festival for fall festivities and informational sessions on sustainability Oct. 18.
The event featured a pumpkin carving contest, crafts, seasonal food and beverages and fresh vegetable picking. The Hoya Harvest Garden, managed by the Earth Commons and located in the Leavey Center, supplied the university with organic ingredients grown on campus. The garden not only reduces carbon emissions but also allows community members to harvest their own produce.
Sofia Lalatta Costerbosa (SFS ’26), sector head of energy and natural resources for the environmentally friendly investment club Georgetown Impact Investing Group, said that it is critical to foster a sense of community around supporting the mission of sustainability.
“Being on a campus where many students are committed to environmental causes creates an encouraging atmosphere of solidarity as we navigate through these years of persistent, traveling environmental news,” Costerbosa told The Hoya.
Bianka Sacks (CAS ’26), an attendee at the event, said the Hoya Harvest Festival helped to support campus sustainability efforts in a positive atmosphere.
“This is such an important initiative to support sustainability especially here at Georgetown and is also a fun way to celebrate fall,” Sacks told The Hoya. “I would definitely come back to an event like this.”
The Office of Sustainability’s stand hosted a quiz on the importance of eco-friendly practices in which winners had the chance to receive a water bottle, sticker or reusable bag.
Priscila Baez, a spokesperson for the Earth Commons, said that the annual festival is meant to encourage all members of the Georgetown community to learn about sustainability.
“Our goal in hosting the Hoya Harvest Festival is to celebrate and foster environmental awareness, sustainability and community engagement,” Baez wrote to The Hoya. “We aim to create a shared sense of responsibility around sustainable food systems by integrating farming spaces into the campus and generating food for the community.”
Luke Landegger (MSB ’27), who tabled for the Georgetown Program Board (GPB), which provides free-programming to students, said that he has noticed the university’s increased efforts to promote campus sustainability.
“Georgetown seems to be moving toward greater sustainability,” Landegger wrote to The Hoya. “We see this in the utility modernization projects on the front lawns and in the growth of the new Earth Commons programs. The Hoya Harvest Festival generates awareness of a campus initiative that might otherwise be overlooked.”
Two student organizations presented campus sustainability initiatives: Georgetown REUSE, which sells second-hand items, and The Corp Green Team, which leads environmental efforts within The Corp’s student-run services.
Sophie McDowall (SFS ’27), a member of REUSE, said that the club’s involvement in the Hoya Harvest Festival was critical to spreading knowledge about sustainability.
“It was a great atmosphere to be able to share more about how we promote waste reduction and sustainable fashion on campus, including how we price our items at a highly reduced rate,” McDowall wrote to The Hoya. “Overall, it was great to table for our second year at Hoya Harvest Festival and can’t wait to see how it continues to grow in the future!”
Baez said it is important for campus organizations to help promote the issue of sustainability and grow their audience.
“The festival serves as a platform for students, faculty and staff to showcase green initiatives, learn about sustainable practices and connect with like-minded individuals through hands-on activities, art and conversations about the environment,” Baez wrote.
