Farm to fashion: EPN’s Earth Day celebration showcases sustainability in natural fibers

COLUMBUS, Ohio - What do the clothes we wear have to do with saving the planet?

For Earth Day 2025, The Ohio State University's Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) invites the public to explore the answer - by tracing the journey of natural fibers from farm to fashion.

Hosted at the Fawcett Center on April 21, the evening before Earth Day, the EPN Signature Earth Day Event will highlight the sustainability stories of four key natural fibers: wool, cotton, hemp, and flax. The event, "Farm to fashion: Natural Fiber Footprints and Futures," is free and open to the public, with both in-person and livestream attendance options.

"I'm thrilled to host the 2025 EPN Signature Earth Day Event - my first as EPN director," said Harrison Fried, who joined the program in fall 2024. "Attendees will hear and experience sustainability stories of cotton, wool, hemp, and flax from farmers, designers, and producers who bring these materials to life."

Part of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR), EPN will kick off the event at 4:45 p.m. with interactive exhibits and poster sessions featuring nearly 25 SENR senior capstone projects.

Also featured are research posters from nearly 40 National Science Foundation EmPOWERment trainees.

The heart of the program begins at 5:45 p.m. with welcoming remarks from Tim Haab, SENR director, followed by a series of fast-paced, visual "Pecha Kucha"-style storytelling presentations. Through these short talks, growers, scientists, designers, and entrepreneurs will share the environmental and social impacts of the fibers we wear every day.

"This is always our biggest event of the year, and 2025 will be no exception," Fried said. "We'll feature more than a dozen speakers and exhibits related to all things sustainability. It's a great opportunity to learn, network, and celebrate Earth Day."

The event will also honor this year's EPN Honorary 100 inductees, recognizing individuals making significant contributions to environmental and natural resource fields.

Attendees can explore exhibits and fiber-specific rooms, enjoy local food and beverages, and connect with fellow sustainability champions. "Farm to fashion" offers an engaging look at how everyday choices and industry innovation can shape a more sustainable future.

The event takes place from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m. at The Fawcett Center, 2400 Olentangy River Road, Columbus. The program will also be livestreamed on the EPN YouTube channel.

To register and view the full agenda, visit go.osu.edu/epnapr25 .