The annual waste-reduction competition runs through March 2, with participants earning rewards for adopting habits that reduce landfill waste.
Members of the Elon community are preparing to rack up rewards for how much they can ratchet down the waste they send to landfills with Phoenix Cup: Waste, the university's annual waste-reduction competition.
Phoenix Cup: Waste is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to learn sustainable habits while earning prizes. Participants complete a short survey about the waste-reducing actions they took during each week of the three-week competition.
There are weekly events to help students, faculty and staff learn more about waste reduction, including a “Make Your Own Valentines” event on Feb. 14 and a “Leave No Trace” hike in partnership with Elon Outdoors on Feb. 24.
Participants can earn weekly prizes for completing each week’s checklist, including reusable mugs and reusable utensils. Those who earn the most points by participating in events and reducing their waste will earn top prizes, including Eno hammocks, solar chargers, Phoenix Cash and more.
Students in each neighborhood will compete for top-building prizes — including adopting (symbolically) an animal of their choice from the World Wildlife Fund as well as neighborhood bragging rights. Faculty and staff can form teams of three or more to compete for a chance to win a free lunch for their team.
“Each of us generates waste every day, without putting much thought into the consequences”, notes Kelly Harer, assistant director of sustainability for education and outreach. “Phoenix Cup: Waste gives us a wonderful opportunity to evaluate our habits and make small changes that will truly have an impact on our environment and our future.”
The competition begins Feb. 12 and runs through March 2. For more information on Phoenix Cup: Waste, including a full schedule of events, please see the Phoenix Cup Website.