The Challenge

Participants in this challenge carry a garbage bag with all of their non-recycled, non-composted trash throughout their daily activities for one week. The event culminates with a "weigh-off" on the Wednesday before Earth Day to honor the individuals with the lightest "garbage footprints." The top three winners will receive gift certificates, and light refreshments will be provided for all!

This event helps visualize the environmental impacts of our everyday decisions: Will you bring a re-usable coffee mug to Starbucks or just get a one-time-use cup? Will you drop off organics at one of the two on-campus compost bins or toss banana peels into the general trash? Recycled and composted items are exempted from the challenge, and recycling and composting information will be posted on this website and available from Carbon Heel Print Challenge staff in the Pit throughout the week.

To participate: Stop by the Pit between 10:00am and 2:00pm on Thursday, April 14 to pick up your free biodegradable garbage bag! During the rest of the week, put all of your trash in the bag, except for what you recycle or compost. Carry it with you through your daily routine. Stop by and visit us in the Pit during the rest of the week if you'd like, and come out to the Pit on Wednesday April 20 at 3:30pm for a weigh-off to see who has generated the least trash! Prizes, refreshments, and fun will be provided.

Questions? Email Holly at kuestner@email.unc.edu!