If you’re looking for a way to spread a little positivity during these trying times, this year marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day – and the UNCG Office of Sustainability is working with EarthShare North Carolina to host the “50 Actions for 50 Years Challenge” as a way for people across North Carolina to get involved in promoting the importance of a healthy planet.
The “50for50 Challenge” is a mobile app that encourages you to take 50 sustainability actions between April 1-22 (Earth Day!). As the month progresses, you’ll gain points towards prizes, compete with employees and employers from all over North Carolina, and see your positive impact measured in water saved, waste diverted, and CO2 kept out of the atmosphere. UNCG is also competing as a team against more than 40 companies and institutions of all sizes and industry types across the state.
“This is a great opportunity for the UNCG community to show the power our collective efforts can have on reducing our carbon footprint,” says UNCG Sustainability Specialist Sean MacInnes. “For each sustainable action you take, like recycling or turning off the lights, the app provides energy use comparisons and reports the amount of CO2 you kept from entering the atmosphere. It’s a great educational tool for providing some perspective on our daily habits and could be a fun activity for the family while we’re all home practicing social distancing.”
There will be prizes for the top 5 individuals state-wide, including items from local North Carolina businesses – like Recover Brands Apparel, Murphy’s Naturals, and Greenworks Tools – and a grand prize subscription to an environmentally-friendly service of your choice (e.g. composting, sustainable grocery delivery, etc.)
Additionally, UNCG will be competing for a “50 Actions for 50 Years Top Team” trophy, and anyone who completes all 50 actions will receive special recognition.
Per EarthShare NC stipulations, this competition is only open to employees. To participate and download the app, please contact UNCG Sustainability Specialist Sean MacInnes at s_macinn@uncg.edu, or 336.334.3664.
Follow @SustainableUNCG on social media to keep up-to-date with environmental news at UNCG.
