Frequently Asked Questions about the EcoChallenge

What is the EcoChallenge?

First and foremost, the EcoChallenge is an event aimed at raising awareness of the ways that each and every one of us can have a positive impact on the world around us. True, we are facing ever increasing environmental challenges—but we, as individuals, have a role to play in creating a healthy, sustainable future. The EcoChallenge is two weeks long, and participants choose their own personal EcoChallenge. Collectively, we will demonstrate the power of making sustainable choices in our everyday lives.

The EcoChallenge is also a fundraiser for the Northwest Earth Institute. Funds are generated for NWEI’s sustainability education programs through pledges that individual EcoChallenge participants collect from supporters and sponsorship of the EcoChallenge by participating companies. 100% of money raised during the EcoChallenge goes toward NWEI’s programs-- and donations and pledges are tax deductible.

When is it? How often does the EcoChallenge happen?

The 2010 EcoChallenge will take place October 1st through October 15th. The EcoChallenge is an annual event, and takes place every October.

Who can participate?

Everyone! The EcoChallenge is open to anyone who would like to make a commitment to living more sustainably. Invite your friends and family to participate with you—it’s fun to share your successes and challenges during the EcoChallenge with others. If you are participating on a team at work, consider challenging a team at another business to add a competitive element to the EcoChallenge.

I don’t live in Portland, or the Northwest, can I still participate?

Yes! The EcoChallenge is an online event, and participation isn’t limited by geography. We welcome participants from around the world!

Can my whole family take part in the EcoChallenge?

Certainly—we think it’s great when families take on the EcoChallenge, and sustainability in general, together.

How do I choose an EcoChallenge?

See the Choose Your EcoChallenge(s) page to get the details on choosing your EcoChallenge. Remember, we’re all on our own personal paths, so there’s no “right choice”—choose a challenge that will work for your lifestyle. Make your action plan ambitious but realistic. If there is an eco-friendly action you’ve been meaning to take, now is a perfect time to take it on. If you have been around the environmental block a few times, and need some encouragement to take the next step, the EcoChallenge is a fun time to up the ante. Many of the EcoChallenges will also save you money—so you can also let your wallet motivate you, and focus on a challenge that will benefit you and the planet.

Who organizes the EcoChallenge?

The EcoChallenge is an annual event created and organized by the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI). NWEI is a national organization that develops sustainability education programs. NWEI’s sustainability discussion course programs have been offered in businesses, colleges, faith institutions, and communities across North America. To date over 120,000 people have taken part in an NWEI program. Visit our website for more information about the Northwest Earth Institute.

I am already living a low impact lifestyle, should I participate?

Definitely! The EcoChallenge is designed to inspire people from many different backgrounds. If you feel like you have the five EcoChallenge categories covered already, you can create your own EcoChallenge. You can also take on multiple challenges if you want to up the ante even more.

I don’t have any fundraising experience; can you help me reach my goal?

We can definitely help you reach your goal. When you sign up you’ll receive an email with your EcoChallenge Packet—it will contain everything you need to accomplish your EcoChallenge and your fundraising goal. We’ll provide you with email templates, suggestions on ways to connect with your network to generate pledges of support, and some great incentives to spur you toward your goal. Everyone who raises at least $50 for the Northwest Earth Institute during the EcoChallenge will be entered in our prize raffle too.

I’m interested in engaging employees in my workplace around sustainability; can the EcoChallenge help me do that?

The EcoChallenge is a great tool for involving employees in sustainability. Creating a corporate team is fun, inspirational, educational way for you to kick start a sustainability program or strengthen initiatives already in place. Your company will also be featured on the EcoChallenge website, demonstrating your commitment to these important issues. If you are interested Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities, contact us at (503) 227-2807 or email kerry at nwei dot org.

Anyone is welcome to register to participate as an Individual Participant--so feel free to invite employees to participate this way too!

I am a Northwest Earth Institute course participant or volunteer, and I’d love to support NWEI during the EcoChallenge, how can I help?

We would love to have you participate in the EcoChallenge! Our volunteers are critical to our organization’s success and we hope you will register to take on the EcoChallenge with us. The entire staff and board of NWEI are participating, and we look forward to taking the EcoChallenge with our extended network!

How does the EcoChallenge raise money for NWEI?

The EcoChallenge is a fundraiser and awareness building event. The Northwest Earth Institute is committed to inspiring people to take responsibility for Earth—in other words, we are working to create a community of people taking action to create a sustainable future. NWEI accomplishes this by creating programs that enable people to take action to reduce their impact, and live sustainably. In addition to our core programs, our discussion courses, the EcoChallenge provides a forum for people to adopt sustainable lifestyle choices. We hope that your two week EcoChallenge experience opens your eyes to the simple ways that you can reduce your impact on the planet. There are large and small ways that we can all make a difference—today and every day.

The EcoChallenge is also a fundraiser for the Northwest Earth Institute’s programs—all money raised during the EcoChallenge goes toward the creation and outreach of NWEI’s programs. NWEI is a nonprofit organization and the EcoChallenge is an important funding source for our programs.

Once you register to be an EcoChallenger you’ll set a fundraising goal (we ask everyone to raise a minimum of $50), and then collect pledges of support from your friends and family—they can pledge to support your EcoChallenge efforts either by day or with a flat amount.

EcoChallengers who raise $50 or more will all be entered into our EcoChallenger Raffle for some fun prizes! Your participation in the EcoChallenge will reduce your impact on the planet, and give you the opportunity to win some fun sustainable prizes!