On Campus ecoAmbassador activities are environmental themed events or eco-implementation projects. Students are encouraged to select and complete one activity at a time. Make sure to download the activity PDF by following the "learn more" link for the activity you choose. The PDF includes all of the important information you will need, including a project completion checklist and important tips.
Some activities require a larger time commitment and are represented by the number of leaves attached to a project. Teams working on larger projects will receive leaves upon the completion of milestones outlined in the instructional two page activity document.
Radon Awareness Event
About Radon Awareness Event
Exposure to radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and the number one cause among non-smokers. While levels in outdoor air pose a relatively low threat to human health, radon can accumulate to dangerous levels inside buildings. You can't see, smell, or taste it, but an elevated radon level in your home may be affecting your health. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing your house for radon is easy to do – if your house has a radon problem, you can take steps to fix it to protect yourself.
Unfortunately, not many Americans know about the risks associated with radon exposure. That's where you come in – by educating your peers, you can raise awareness about radon and ways to prevent radon exposure. Think of creative ways to teach your peers, and then host an informational booth or pair up with an existing forum on campus for your Radon Awareness Event!
This OnCampus event is sponsored by EPA's Indoor Environments Division (IED), which is responsible for conducting research and educating the public about indoor environmental issues, including health risks and the means by which human exposures can be reduced. IED educates the public about health risks associated with a variety of indoor environmental pollutants, including radon, secondhand smoke, indoor wood smoke, and other asthma triggers.
Learn more on Radon and watch various Public Service Announcements (PSA's).
Goals of the Radon Awareness Event
- Raise awareness about the harmful effects of radon
- Motivate students to get their homes tested for radon
Radon Talking Points (PDF) ( 3pp, 86K, About PDF)
Revised Final Radon Coupon (PDF) (1pp, 1.27MB, About PDF)
Radon Fact Sheet (PDF) (2pp, 101K, About PDF)
Radon Awareness Resource Guide PDF (2pp, 98K, About PDF)
Fix a Leak Week Event
About Fix a Leak Week Event
Fix a Leak Week, sponsored by EPA's partnership program WaterSense®, is held annually in March to encourage people to take simple steps to save water and money on utility bills. WaterSense supports efforts to protect the future of our nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs, and practices. The WaterSense Label makes it easy to find and select water-efficient products that meet water efficiency and performance criteria, perform well, help to save money, and encourage innovation in manufacturing.
Goals of Fix a Leak Week OnCampus
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Raise awareness about water resources on your campus
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Help students make water-efficient choices and adopt simple daily activities that reduce water use.
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Implement water-saving best practices at your college to help reduce the amount of water generated daily
Download the Fix-a-Leak Week On Campus PDF (2pp, 60K, About PDF)
RAD: Appliance Collection Event:
About the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Project
The Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program is a U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary partnership program that began in October 2006 to help protect the ozone layer, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and prevent leaching of toxic chemicals. Most appliances use refrigerants, which are of concern because they deplete the ozone layer and are potent greenhouse gases.RAD partners include utilities, retailers, local governments, state governments, manufacturers, universities, and other interested organizations. Partners recover ozone-depleting chemicals from old refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, and dehumidifiers while ensuring that:
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Refrigerant is recovered and reclaimed or destroyed
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Foam is recovered and destroyed, or the blowing agent is recovered and reclaimed
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Metals, plastic, and glass are recycled
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PCBs, mercury, and used oil are recovered and properly disposed
Did you know?
- As of 2010, RAD partners have disposed of 1,364,417 appliances.
- All of these disposals have resulted in an emissions reduction of 3.16 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, which is the same as NOT driving about 589,845 passenger cars for a year .
Learn More
Goals of the RAD OnCampus Project
- Encourage appliance disposal using best environmental practices
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Prevent ozone layer depletion
- Eliminate the release of hazardous and toxic substances
- Educate students about recyclable materials in refrigerators
Responsible Appliance Disposal Activity PDF (2pp,188K, About PDF)
Fuel Economy Fair
About the Campus Fuel Economy Fair:
A fuel economy fair is a great way to show fellow students and the surrounding community the benefits of reduced fuel consumption. The fair can include exhibits on anything from smart driving tips to a detailed explanation of how hybrid engines work. Since transportation and fuel economy are interdisciplinary topics, it is a great opportunity to reach out to students and faculty with different academic backgrounds. There are many options for exhibits at a fuel economy fair, such as a cost savings calculator, car-to-car comparisons, carpool and public transportation information, and research findings about alternative fuels.
The Campus Fuel Economy Fair is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Transportation and Air Quality (OTAQ) . OTAQ protects public health and the environment by regulating air pollution from motor vehicles, engines, and the fuels used to operate them, and by encouraging travel choices that minimize emissions.
Learn more about fuel economy.
Goals of the Fuel Economy Fair:
- Educate others about new transportation technologies and the benefits of reduced fuel consumption
- Raise awareness about fuel efficient driving
- Encourage people to reduce their fuel consumption
- Make fuel technologies easier to understand to a broader audience
Fuel Economy Fair Activity Project PDF (2pp,96K, About PDF)
Idle Free Zone
About the Campus Idle Free Zone Program
We all know that it is common for vehicles on campuses to run their engines while they are stopped or waiting for passengers. Yet, idling is costly—to the driver, the vehicle owner, and to the environment. Along with generating unnecessary emissions, idling can increase engine maintenance costs, adversely affect health, and create elevated noise levels. An on campus idle reduction can help address these problems while making your campus experience more pleasant.
The idea is simple. Get your campus to establish “Idle Free Zones” for all vehicles on campus and encourage them to enact policies that limit idling for university owned vehicles (busses, shuttles, etc.).
Learn more about idling controls.
Goals of the Idle Free Zone OnCampus Program
- Improved air quality on campus
- Reduced fuel consumption for university vehicles
- A better smelling campus with less noise
Idle Free Zone Activity PDF (2pp, 108K, About PDF)
- Empower students to pledge to be more environmentally-friendly
Green Power Partnership Project
About Green Power Partnership Project
The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that encourages organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing electricity produced from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and low-impact hydroelectric. The Green Power Partnership program helps organizations:
- Identify the types of green power products that align with their goals
- Lower the costs of buying green power
- Reduce their carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions
- Gain positive attention for improving environmental performance
Goals of Green Power Partnership Project
- Reduce your school's greenhouse gas emissions
- Increase awareness on campus about the benefits of green power
- Raise funds to purchase green power from renewable energy sources
- Lead your school to become an EPA Green Power Partner
View the Green Power Partnership Activity PDF (2pp, 225K, About PDF)
ENERGY STAR Light Bulb Changeout
About ENERGY STAR Light Bulb Changeout
ENERGY STARreg; is a joint voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy-efficient products and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR helps individuals, schools, businesses, universities, and other organizations save money and protect their environment by improving energy performance.
Goals of ENERGY STAR Light Bulb Changeout
- Improve the energy efficiency of your campus by switching out incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Educate students about links between energy use and the environment
- Lead your school to become an ENERGY STAR partner
View the Energy STAR Light Bulb Changeout Activity PDF (2pp, 277K, About PDF)
ENERGY STAR Benchmarking
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is a joint voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy-efficient products and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR helps individuals, schools, businesses, universities, and other organizations save energy, save money, and protect the environment by improving energy performance.
Goals of ENERGY STAR Benchmarking
- Improve the energy efficiency of your campus by measuring and tracking the energy performance of one or more buildings on your campus
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Educate students about links between energy use and the environment
- Lead your school to become an ENERGY STAR partner
Energy Star Benchmarking Activity PDF (2pp,198K, About PDF)
ENERGY STAR Energy Competition
About ENERGY STAR Energy Competition
ENERGY STAR® is a joint voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy-efficient products and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR helps individuals, schools, businesses, universities, and other organizations save money and protect their environment by improving energy performance.
Goals of ENERGY STAR Energy Competition
- Improve the energy efficiency of your campus by motivating students with a competition to save energy
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Educate students about links between energy use and the environment
- Lead your school to become an ENERGY STAR partner
Energy Star Energy Competition Activity PDF (2pp,135K, About PDF)
ENERGY STAR Showcase Dorm Room
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is a joint voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy-efficient products and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR helps individuals, schools, businesses, universities, and other organizations save energy, save money, and protect the environment by improving energy performance.
Goals of the OnCampus ENERGY STAR Showcase Dorm Room
- Improve the energy efficiency of your campus by educating students on simple steps they can take to save energy in their dorm rooms
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Educate students about links between energy use and the environment
- Lead your school to become an ENERGY STAR partner
Energy Star Showcase Dorm Room Activity PDF (2pp,183K, About PDF)
Energy STAR Energy Vampire Event
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products including lighting, appliances, TVs, computers and other office equipment, and consumer electronics; homes; and schools and commercial buildings. Products, homes and buildings that have earned the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the government. In 2010 alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved nearly $18 billion on their utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions from 33 million vehicles.
Learn more about our Energy STAR Energy Vampire Event.
Goals of the Energy STAR Energy Vampire Event
There are many “hidden” electrical devices in our lives that use energy even when they’re not in use. Learn about what energy is, how to diminish vampire energy, and how using less energy helps to protect the environment.
Energy STAR Energy Vampire Event Activity PDF (2pp, 117K, About PDF)
ENERGY STAR College Course
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR® is a joint voluntary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that promotes energy-efficient products and practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STAR helps individuals, schools, businesses, universities, and other organizations save energy, save money, and protect the environment by improving energy performance.
Goals of ENERGY STAR College Course
- Improve the energy efficiency of your campus by incorporating energy efficiency into the curriculum
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Educate students about links between energy use and the environment
- Lead your school to become an ENERGY STAR partner
Energy Star College Course Activity PDF (2pp, 137K, About PDF)
- Empower students to pledge to be more environmentally-friendly
SunWise Sun Safety Project
About SunWise
The SunWise Program is an environmental and health education program that teaches children and their caregivers how to be safe in the sun through the use of classroom-, school-, and community-based components. As the EPA works to heal the ozone layer—Earth's natural defense against ultraviolet radiation (UV)—SunWise gives people the knowledge and tools to minimize UV-related risks in the meantime.
Learn more about free SunWise resources, download the UV Index widget or smart phone app, or sign up to receive daily UV Index forecasts.
Goals of the SunWise Sun Safety Project
- Spread information on the risks associated with tanning and overexposure to UV.
- Encourage individuals and organizations to adopt habits and policies that prevent skin cancer, cataracts, premature aging, and immune system depression.
- Build connections between university communities and educational institutions (e.g. schools and camps) to provide opportunities for support, role-modeling, teaching, and peer-to-peer messaging.
Sunwise Safety Project Activity PDF (2pp, 244K, About PDF)
Asthma Awareness Day
About: Asthma Awareness Day
Asthma is an urgent public health problem in the United States. Nearly 25 million people, including 7 million children, suffer from asthma. The burden of asthma is highest among minority and low income families, who experience more hospitalizations, emergency department visits and asthma attacks than other groups. The good news is that children and families dealing with asthma can live full and active lives with proper medical care and avoidance of environmental asthma triggers.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a nationwide public education program to help children and families dealing with asthma. The goal of this program is to build sustainable community asthma care programs that deliver comprehensive asthma care, including education and environmental interventions in homes and schools.
We do this by:
- Increasing public awareness about asthma and managing environmental triggers in homes and schools.
- Helping children with asthma and their families manage environmental asthma triggers
- Supporting community-based asthma initiatives to improve asthma health outcomes. and help transfer knowledge across community programs
Learn more on asthma and visit the asthma community network 
Goals of the OnCampus Asthma Awareness Day program:
Students and the campus community have an important role to play in this national effort.
There are multiple ways in which students can help raise awareness locally and improve asthma care services in their community – such as planning and delivering outreach activities on campus or tailoring media campaign materials with local messages. Through this program you will:
- Learn about an important public health issue
- Educate others about effective environmental and public health interventions to improve asthma outcomes
- Utilize media and other communication tools
- Contribute to improving the quality of life for students with asthma on your campus, as well as children and families dealing with asthma in the larger community
View the Asthma Awareness Day PDF (2pp, 178K, About PDF)
Design for the Environment Event
The EPA Design for the Environment (DfE) partnership program protects human health and the environment by identifying and labeling high performing products made with safer chemical ingredients. For more than 15 years, DfE has evaluated chemicals and processes in a range of industries based on EPA's green chemistry expertise and sound scientific principles, reducing the use of chemicals of concern by about 750 million pounds each year. Today, the label can be found on more than 2,500 products and counting, ranging from dishwashing soap and laundry detergents, to athletic field paint! Participants in the DfE Event will encourage other students and campus staff to use safer products and be more aware of the human and environmental health benefits of cleaning effectively with DfE-labeled products
Goals of the Design for the Environment Event
- Raise awareness about using safer cleaning and other products
- Encourage students to join the DfE campaign for safer products
- Increase the availability of DfE-labeled products in campus and community stores
Design for the Environment Activity PDF (2pp, 265K, About PDF)
Environmental Education Outreach Project
About Environmental Education Outreach
The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes healthy learning environments and an integrated environmental perspective in curriculums in K-12 schools. In this activity, college students will collaborate with school administrators and teachers to develop fun lesson plans that educate students about environmental topics and promote healthy, sustainable lifestyles. College students will present their lesson plans to local K-12 students in the surrounding campus community. Participating students may develop lesson plans on the following topics: proper recycling and composting, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficiency.
This initiative is sponsored by the EPA's Office of Environmental Education (OEE) which coordinates EPA programs to provide leadership in promoting environmental literacy, in accordance with the National Environmental Education Act of 1990 (NEEA). OEE is specifically responsible for administering environmental education grants, awarding various student fellowships and awards, and publishing environmental education resources for diverse audiences.
Learn more about healthy school environments.
The Goals of Environmental Education Outreach Project
- Build relationships with your campus and the surrounding community
- Highlight the importance of sustainable living
- Expand the conversation on environment to other age groups
- Empower students to educate younger peers about environmental issues
Environmental Education Outreach Project Activity PDF (2pp, 108K, About PDF)
National Public Lands Day
About National Public Lands Day Event
Coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation, National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance America's public lands. In 2011, NPLD will take place on Saturday, September 24. The event will focus on:
- Educating volunteers about critical environmental issues on public lands
- Building partnerships between the public sector and the local community
- Improving public lands for outdoor recreation
- Encouraging individuals and families to be active outdoors
Goals of National Public Lands Day Event
- Foster a sense of stewardship for public lands by encouraging students to volunteer to assist land managers in hands-on work on September 24
- Develop partnerships between students, the public sector, and members of the local community
- Enhance and restore student interest in America's public lands
- Increase awareness about the health benefits of outdoor recreation
View the National Public Lands Activity PDF (2pp, 149K, About PDF)
Earth Day Event
Earth Day, held annually on April 22, is a day intended to encourage awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment and inspire discussion on sustainability and conservation. This annual celebration is considered the largest, most widely observed international environmental event. The first Earth Day, celebrated in 1970, drew extensive attention from the media and jump-started an era of bold environmental legislation. EPA actively participates in Earth Day each year, reaching out to people of every age, race, and economic status and encouraging them to commit to actions that protect our environment.
Find more facts and data in EPA's Report on the Environment (ROE): (https://www.epa.gov/roe/)
Goals of Earth Day Event
- Promote the EPA's fundamental mission of protecting human health and the environment.
- Encourage Awareness and appreciation for the environment, locally and globally.
- Educate students about how they can participate in Earth Day.
- Lead your school to host or participate in Earth Day events and activities
View the Earth Day activity (PDF) (2pp, 202K, About PDF)
Environmental Pest Management Project
About Environmental Pest Management Project
The Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that promotes the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs and practices to reduce the risk of pests and pesticides. PESP helps organizations:
- Reduce human health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use
- Increase awareness of alternatives to using pesticides
- Share new approaches for meeting pest management challenges
- Educate people about their role in preventing pests
Goals of Environmental Pest Management Project
- Reduce pests and limit exposure to potentially harmful pesticides
- Adopt IPM practices as an effective strategy for pest management
- Educate students about their role in eliminating pests
- Support your school in applying for membership in PESP
View the Environmental Pest Management Activity PDF (2pp, 378K, About PDF)
America Recycles Day
About America Recycles Day
America Recycles Day (ARD) is celebrated annually on November 15th across the country. ARD is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. Recycling is important because it reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills and allows us to re-use resources rather than having to harvest more. College students are encouraged to host events on their campuses on November 15th that educate fellow students about what and where they can recycle their waste.
America Recycles Day is organized by Keep America Beautiful, a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environments.
Learn more about America Recycles Day and the
Office of Solid Waste (OSW)
Goals of America Recycles Day
- Raise awareness about benefits of recycling and resources available to the public about what and where to recycle
- Encourage others to recycle more frequently
- Increase the recycling rate on campus
America Recycles Day Activity PDF (2pp, 116K, About PDF)
Electronics Recycling (E-cycling) Project
About Electronics Recycling (E-cycling) Project
Electronics at the end of their useful life take up space and can cause environmental problems if they're not correctly discarded. These electronics represent a rapidly growing portion of our trash, continuously waste valuable resources, and contain hazardous or toxic materials. However, these issues can be avoided with proper dismantling and opportunities for reuse. We can avoid pollution caused by hazardous material, and conserve valuable natural resources. Through the WasteWise Electronics Challenge, you have the opportunity to explore alternative options to discarding e-waste, and do your part in keeping the earth green!
This OnCampus activity is sponsored by WasteWise; a voluntary EPA program that helps organizations save money, improve efficiency, and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Any organization- including businesses, colleges and universities, non profits, and governments can become a WasteWise partner.
Learn more about E-cycling
Goals of the Electronics Recycling (E-cycling) Project
- To reuse, upgrade, or remanufacture electronic waste
- Adopt e-cycling practices as an effective alternative to disposing old electronics
- Educate students on the hazards that electronics pose to the environment
- Empower and motivate your school to recycle old electronics
Electronics Recycling (e-cycling) Activity PDF (2pp,398K, About PDF)
Food Recovery: Composting Project
About Food Recovery: Composting Project
How much of food and money is your campus literally throwing away? The Food Recovery Composting project encourages participants to reduce as much of their food waste as possible and then compost any remaining food scraps — saving money and helping protect the environment. Food scraps can be used to feed the soil by recycling (composting) food waste into a nutrient rich amendment that then feeds the soil. Participants in this challenge will create their own composting program to recycle the waste generated on their campus.
WasteWise is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary partnership program that helps organizations save money, improve efficiency, and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Any organization, including large and small business, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments, can become a WasteWise partner.
Learn more about food recovery and food waste
Find more facts and data in EPA's Report on the Environment (ROE):http://cfpub.epa.gov/eroe/index.cfm?fuseaction=list.listBySubTopic&lv=list.listByChapter&ch=48&s=228
Goals of the Food Recovery: Composting
- Reduce volume of food waste that is unnecessarily sent to landfills, thus reducing wasted resources and methane emissions
- Increase awareness about the consequences of improper disposal of food waste
- Educate and encourage others to reduce food waste
Food Recovery: Composting Activity PDF (2pp,415K, About PDF)
Food Recovery Food Donation Project
About Food Recovery Food Donation Project
Much of food "waste" is not waste at all, but actually safe, wholesome food that could potentially feed millions of Americans. Thus, donation of surplus, wholesome food and the donation of food scraps for animal feed is a great way to reduce food waste while helping those in need. College students can organize many different projects within the Donation & Reuse category of activities. Potential projects include: starting a food drive to donate unused food to a local food bank or initiating a partnership with a local farm to donate leftovers.
WasteWise is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary partnership program that helps organizations save money, improve efficiency, and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Any organization, including large and small business, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments, can become a WasteWise partner.
Learn more about food recovery and food waste.
Goals of the Food Recovery: Food Donation
- Reduce food waste by donating uneaten food and food scraps to philanthropic, agricultural, and industrial clients
- Empower students to be environmental leaders on campus
- Educate and encourage others to reduce food waste
Food Recovery: Donation Activity PDF (2pp,412K, About PDF)
Food Recovery: Introduction
About the Food Recovery: Introduction
How much of your food and money is your campus literally throwing away? The WasteWise Food Recovery Challenge encourages participants to reduce, donate, and recycle as much of their food waste as possible — saving money and helping protect the environment. Much of this “waste” is not waste at all, but actually safe, wholesome food that could potentially feed millions of Americans. Any food scraps that are not fit for consumption or donation can be used to feed the soil by recycling (composting) food waste into a nutrient rich soil amendment. Participants in this challenge will conduct a food waste assessment, undertake three specific waste reduction activities, create a food waste recovery plan, and report progress using WasteWise ReTRAC.
WasteWise is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary partnership program that helps organizations save money, improve efficiency, and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Any organization, including large and small business, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments, can become a WasteWise partner.
This resource guide gives an overview of the Food Recovery and how you can get involved. For more guidance about organizing specific waste reduction activities on your campus, see our separate OnCampus guides for Composting, Donation & Reuse, and “No Tray Day”.
Learn more about food recovery and food waste
Goals of the Food Recovery Introduction
- Reduce volume of food waste that is unnecessarily sent to landfills, thus reducing wasted resources and methane emissions
- Increase awareness about the consequences of improper disposal of food waste
- Educate and encourage others to reduce food waste
Food Recovery: Intro Activity PDF (2pp,419K, About PDF)
Food Recovery: No Tray Day
About Food Recovery: No Tray Day
Cafeteria trays enable students to carry multiple plates and glasses at once. Although it is convenient, it encourages students to take as much food as they can carry while touring the buffet lines. This leads to excess food that usually gets thrown out when students can't finish their meals. By hosting a No Tray Day event at your campus dining commons, trays will not be available for students and thus less food will be wasted. Colleges across the country are adopting the tray-less culture in their dining hall in an effort to reduce food waste. Be the one to host a No Tray Day event on your campus!
WasteWise is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary partnership program that helps organizations save money, improve efficiency, and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Any organization, including large and small business, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments, can become a WasteWise partner.
Learn more about food recovery and food waste.
Find more facts and data in EPA's Report on the Environment (ROE): http://cfpub.epa.gov/eroe/index.cfm?fuseaction=list.listBySubTopic&lv=list.listByChapter&ch=48&s=228
Goals of the Food Recovery: No Tray Day
- Eliminate trays in campus dining halls for a day, thus reducing food waste
- Encourage your campus to permanently eliminate trays in dining halls
- Increase awareness about the consequences of improper disposal of food waste
- Educate and encourage others to reduce food waste
- Reduce volume of food waste that is unnecessarily sent to landfills, thus reducing wasted resources and methane emissions
Food Recovery: No Tray Day Activity PDF (2pp,410K, About PDF)
Move In/Move Out Day
About Move In/Move Out Day
Moving can be a hectic experience – whether you're moving into your first dorm or moving out of an apartment, it's easy to overlook how much waste is produced. The good news is that most of this waste can be re-used or recycled. Residential halls and apartment complexes should provide recycling bins and host donation drives during these times of the year. Initiate a program on your campus to reduce waste during move-in or move-out!
WasteWise is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary partnership program that helps organizations save money, improve efficiency, and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Any organization, including large and small business, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments, can become a WasteWise partner.
Learn more about conserving resources and preventing waste.
Goals of the Move In/Move Out Day
- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills during move-in and move-out through donation and recycling
- Dispose of electronic and hazardous wastes properly
- Increase the recycling rate in residential halls and apartments during move-in and move-out
- Donate unused or gently used items to local food pantries, libraries, consignment stores, or homeless shelters
- Increase student awareness of waste, recycling, and reuse
Move In Move Out Day Activity PDF (2pp,434K, About PDF)
Recycling Baseline Audit
About Recycling Baseline Audit
Ever wonder what is recycled on your campus? Or how effective your campus' recycling program actually is? These questions can be answered by conducting a recycling baseline audit, or waste assessment, on your campus. A waste assessment is a systematic review of your facility and its operations to quantify waste generation and identify management practices. Waste assessment data will give you a much better understanding of the types and amounts of waste your college generates.
This OnCampus project is sponsored by WasteWise, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary partnership program that helps organizations save money, improve efficiency, and reduce their climate footprint through waste reduction. Any organization, including large and small business, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and federal, state, local, and tribal governments, can become a WasteWise partner.
Learn More
Goals of the Recycling Baseline Audit
- Learn about your campus' method for handling and disposing of waste
- Train students to conduct waste assessments
Gauge the effectiveness of your campus' current waste management practices
Recycling Baseline Audit Activity PDF (2pp, 410K, About PDF)
Sports Game Day Recycling Event
About Sports Game Day Recycling Event
The Game Day Challenge is a friendly competition that promotes waste reduction at collegiate football games. This challenge is sponsored by WasteWise, which is a free and voluntary U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program through which organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste. During the month of October, colleges implement waste reduction programs during a home football game. Participating schools track and report recycling and waste data that is then used to rank the schools in the following 5 categories: waste generation, diversion rate, greenhouse gas reduction, recycling, and organics reduction. Any college or university in the United States with a football program can participate in the Game Day Challenge. However, all universities with sporting events are encouraged to utilize WasteWise resources to create programs that reduce waste and educate spectators.
Learn more about the sports game day recycling experience.
Goals of the <WasteWise Sports Game Day Recycling > OnCampus Program
- Decrease the amount of waste generated at college football games
- Increase participation by students, faculty, staff, and the community in waste reduction programs
- Heighten awareness of waste reduction programs
Sports Game Day Recycling Event Activity PDF (2pp, 412K, About PDF)
represents a time commitment of approximately 20 hours. 
Air/Water
Energy
Health/Advocacy
Land
Waste