A few weeks ago, this year’s harvest moon, the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, illuminated the night sky. Traditionally associated with the changing seasons and the gathering of crops, the harvest moon serves as a reminder to appreciate the natural world and all that it provides.
As I looked up at the bright moon, I found myself reflecting on the importance of slowing down and finding gratitude and balance in the world around me.
I carried these feelings with me to Harvest Fest, where I spent the afternoon at the Campus Farm with one of my best friends, Emma. Together, we indulged in fresh Campus Farm food, listened to live music and, most importantly, reflected on what sustainability means to us as we connected with fellow students and community members.
As we cut old T-shirts into strips to create reusable yarn, a member of Zero Waste Club emphasized that “there’s no time like the present to take little actions and have your own impact on the environment.”
That conversation, along with the hands-on activities, reminded me that sustainability doesn’t always have to begin with a huge lifestyle change. It can start much smaller: learning where your food comes from, supporting a student organization, spending more time outside or simply becoming more conscious of the resources and communities around you.
I also had the opportunity to connect with Clara Gamalski, assistant director of Student Life Sustainability, to learn about the larger purpose behind Harvest Fest.
When I asked Clara what she hoped students would take away from the event, her response emphasized the importance of finding joy and community in sustainability work.
“Above all else, I hope students have a nice time and feel a little more connected to their food and each other. Doing sustainability work is hard! Celebrating the fall harvest together gives us a chance to pause and consider what type of world we want to live in,” Clara said.
“I hope that people leave Harvest Fest with some fun memories and the knowledge that they are part of a big group of students, staff, faculty, and community organizations who want to see a resilient future.”
Her words stuck with me.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of our planet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer weight of it all.
Harvest Fest reminded me that caring for our environment doesn’t have to come from a place of fear. It can also come from a place of joy, gratitude and appreciation for the communities we share.
As Emma and I made our way around the farm, I found myself truly appreciating the little things—the food on our plates, the music in the background, the palpable energy of those who want to make a difference—that make Michigan feel like home.
Much like the harvest moon, Harvest Fest reminded me to find balance between acknowledging the challenges ahead and celebrating all that we have right now.
To be continued in scraps and stickers,
Natalie