Challenge provokes small steps, powerful results


A new worldwide challenge encourages college students to adopt sustainable habits.

Jan. 21 marked the first day of the Small Steps, Big Wins Campus Challenge that aims to inspire college students worldwide to take small, personal actions to positively and collectively effect major social and environmental change.

Launched by Net Impact, a nonprofit that works with young people to further social and sustainability initiatives, the challenge aims to reach 50 campuses and approximately 300,000 students by May 2013. Other sponsors include the Alcoa Foundation, Microsoft, 3M, Avon, Johnson & Johnson, and Target.

“We know that creating a more sustainable world all at once is challenging, therefore we’re asking students to start by taking small steps towards making positive social and environmental changes,” said Liz Maw, CEO of Net Impact. “By participating in the challenge, they can begin solving some of the world’s toughest problems. We hope that these young people will begin a lifelong journey to improve the world.”

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The Challenge will last 14 weeks and pit campuses against one another to prove which college is most focused on implementing change. Students are invited to track their individual impactful actions and record them through the challenge’s website or Facebook app.

(Next page: More details about the challenge—and how it’s affecting students’ goals and career paths)

Students earn “points” through sustainable actions such as unplugging their electronics, donating blood, buying used textbooks, going vegetarian for a day, or opting to walk or take public transit instead of driving.  The top student challenge winners will receive merchandise and gift cards from prize sponsors REIPepsiCo, and Timberland, and they’ll have the opportunity to shadow executives at various Fortune 500 companies.

“Net Impact students have the motivation, ideas, and energy to create positive, meaningful change while mobilizing others to join their quest for a greener world,” said Paula Davis, president of the Alcoa Foundation. “Alcoa Foundation is proud to support the Small Steps, Big Wins Campus Challenge as part of our own mission to inspire all generations to reduce, recycle, and replenish.”

Net Impact executed a soft launch of the challenge this past fall, which garnered successful results, and representatives are confident that the challenge will continue to be effective in promoting change.

Last fall, 1,350 undergraduate students on 30 campuses worldwide completed more than 4,200 impactful actions. In a mere 10 weeks, Net Impact estimates that students reduced CO² emissions by 1,656 pounds and saved 604,000 watts of electricity by opting to air-dry their laundry.

“Our commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact on people and communities worldwide has been a part of our DNA from the beginning,” said Dan Bross, senior director of corporate citizenship at Microsoft. “We are proud to support Net Impact in fostering a new generation dedicated to driving positive social and environmental impact.”

Based on the soft launch results, Net Impact reported an increased interest in student volunteer opportunities, and students focused on pursuing nonprofit careers.

“Small Steps is a great first step for college students to learn about impact careers and how one person’s actions can make a difference,” said Madison Stumbo, a student leader at Wartburg College in Iowa and winner of multiple awards during the fall semester challenge.

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