Student proposes idea for “Campus Eco-Challenge” at SGA meeting

At the SGA meeting on April 8, Elmhurst University freshman Samuel Shulman suggested an Eco-Challenge for next year to help students develop environmentally sustainable practices.

“It’s [Campus.Ecochallenge.org] a website designed to socially engage university students in measurable, sustainable practices,” said Shulman. “You can use the platform to make teams within a university and compete with each other to see who can earn the most points by doing sustainable activities.”

Participating students would engage in environmentally sustainable activities such as turning off the lights when leaving a room, using a reusable water bottle or taking short showers. The more activities a student does, the more points they get. 

“You go onto the website and you select an action, and you go to [the] manage actions button under your profile name, and you’re able to earn anywhere between five to 15 points based on an action you do.”

Shulman believes the Eco-Challenge would not only give the university a better look, it would help new students establish sustainable and eco-friendly practices. 

“I think it would be best to get it in the fall because there’s so many incoming freshmen and transfer students, and not only would it be a good look for Elmhurst...it will ingrain sustainable habits in newer students that they will continue to do even when the challenge isn’t happening,” said Shulman.

The Eco-Challenge is not an official SGA event yet as the idea is only being considered.