Frequently Asked Questions about the EcoChallenge

What is the EcoChallenge?
When is it? How often does the EcoChallenge happen?
Who can participate?
I don’t live in Portland, can I still participate?
Can my whole family take part in the EcoChallenge?
How do I choose an EcoChallenge?
Who organizes the EcoChallenge?
I am already living a low impact lifestyle; should I participate?
I’m interested in engaging employees in my workplace around sustainability; can the EcoChallenge help me?
Can I sign up my school/church/neighborhood group/organization/etc.?
I am a Northwest Earth Institute course participant or volunteer, and I’d love to support NWEI during the EcoChallenge. How can I help?

What is the EcoChallenge?

We know change can be tough, and sometimes it takes a kick-start to make it happen.

The EcoChallenge is an annual event that challenges people to choose one action to reduce their environmental impact and stick with it for two weeks. Individuals and teams pick a category—water, trash, energy, food or transportation—and set a goal that stretches their comfort zone and makes a difference for themselves and the planet.

When is it? How often does the EcoChallenge happen?

The 2011 EcoChallenge takes place October 1-15. The EcoChallenge is an annual event.

Who can participate?

Everyone! The EcoChallenge is open to anyone who would like to make a commitment to living more sustainably. Create a team at work or invite your friends and family to participate with you—camaraderie and friendly peer pressure make change a little easier, and a lot more fun.

I don’t live in Portland, 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 reduce their impact together.

How do I choose an EcoChallenge?

See the Choose Your EcoChallenge(s) page to get the details on choosing your specific EcoChallenge Actions. Remember, we’re all on our own personal paths, so there’s no “right choice”—choose a challenge that will work for you. Choose EcoChallenge Actions that stretch your comfort zone. If you have been around the environmental block a few times, and need some encouragement to take the next step, the EcoChallenge is the perfect opportunity..

Who organizes the EcoChallenge?

The EcoChallenge is an annual event created and hosted by the Northwest Earth Institute (NWEI). Since 1993, NWEI has been leading the curious and the motivated to take responsibility for Earth. Our proven process of connection, reflection and action changes you for good. Through discussion courses and the EcoChallenge, we help you engage your community in meaningful conversations that lead to “Aha!” moments about the way you live, work, create and consume. The result is a life that is simpler, richer, and better--for you and for Earth.

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

Definitely! The camaraderie and social support that come with participating in the EcoChallenge alongside hundreds of other participants are sure to inspire you to take on new actions or recommit to your sustainable lifestyle. If you’re looking for an added challenge, consider collecting pledges for your EcoChallenge; the money you raise will support NWEI’s efforts to engage new people and communities.

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 team for your workplace is a fun, inspirational, educational way for you to kickstart 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 in Sponsorship Opportunities, contact us at (503) 227-2807 or email kerry at nwei dot org.

Can I sign up my school/church/neighborhood group/organization/etc.?

Yes! Anyone can create a team, and we’d love to have you. Click on register and then select "I want to create a team." You’ll be set up in no time and ready to invite other people join your EcoChallenge.

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. The entire staff and board of NWEI are participating, and we look forward to taking the EcoChallenge with the NWEI community! You can participate by creating a team (and inviting others to join you), by registering as a fundraiser, or by joining the NWEI team.