Campus Race to Zero Waste

Published Feb 03, 2025 by
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This year, our campus is participating in the Campus Race to Zero Waste (CR2ZW), a national competition that encourages colleges and institutions to decrease trash and enhance sustainability practices. The goal? To remove as much rubbish from landfills as possible and promote a more circular, environmentally friendly school culture.

A badge that says "Campus Race to Zero Waste 2025 Participant" with a green and blue border and silhouettes of trees on the sides and a little sprouting plant in the center

Every tiny adjustment we make, from eliminating single-use plastics to expanding recycling efforts, adds to a larger, collaborative effort to combat climate change and safeguard the world.

How Can You Get Involved?

  • Recycle Right: Familiarize yourself with the recycling bins around campus and make sure you’re recycling correctly.

Recycling Rules for ECU and Greenville City: For plactics, we can only recycle plastic bottles For metal we can only recycle cans that aren't aerosol cans For paper we can only recycle non-glossy paper and cardboard Anything else is not recyclable on ECU's campus or in Greenville. Check Pitt County's website for information on what can be recycled outside of Greenville's city limits.

  • Reduce Waste: Bring reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers to cut down on single-use plastics.

 

  • Spread the Word: Educate your peers about sustainable practices and encourage them to take part. Every action counts!

 

  • Attend Events: Watch out for the CR2ZW Game Day challenge and events throughout the competition. These are great opportunities to get involved and make a difference.

 

  • Sign the pledge! Look out for ESU Sustainability interns tabling in MCSC and sign their banner to commit to being mindful of waste on campus.

Two young women sit smiling at a table with information about sustainability and a banner for Campus Race to Zero Waste, collecting signatures

Join ECU Sustainability February 11th at 7pm in Minges Coliseum for the Gameday Challenge! This exciting event encourages students, staff, and fans to reduce waste during sports events by increasing recycling, minimizing single-use plastics, and promoting sustainable practices throughout the day. Whether you’re tailgating or cheering from the stands, every action counts towards making our campus greener.

ECU is competing in the Campus Race to Zero Waste competition this February through March. Show Pirate pride in the Gameday Recycling Challenge by attending the Men's Basketball Game on Tuesday, February 11 at 7pm in Minges Coliseum. This game is a Faculty and Staff Appreciation Game, so discount tickets are available to ECU employees.​ ​ Fans can support this sustainability effort by composting food waste and recycling plastic water bottles, aluminum bottles and cans, and popcorn boxes. Green giveaways will be handed out to fans in the stands and 2 lucky fans will get an opportunity to compete for an ECU Atheltics prize during a halftime recycling game!​ ​ Go Pirates!

 

Why It Matters

Our campus has the power to set an example for sustainability on a larger scale. By participating in CR2ZW, we are not only reducing waste but also raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. This competition is a chance to showcase how small actions can lead to significant change when we all work together.

Let’s show our commitment to a greener future—one recyclable bottle and zero-waste event at a time. Together, we can make a real difference.

Get ready to race toward zero waste—every step counts!

For more information and updates on the competition, visit our Campus Race to Zero Waste page!