Each year, Emerson competes in the Campus Race to Zero Waste (CR2ZW), a friendly competition between colleges and universities to identify the leading institutions in waste diversion.
In alignment with our participation in CR2ZW, Sustainability staff host WasteNot Emerson, a series of events and activities to raise awareness about waste reduction and uplift low-waste practices being taken every day on campus! In Spring 2026, WasteNot Emerson will run from February 1st to March 29th.
Get Involved
1
Participate in the WasteNot Instagram Challenge
Throughout WasteNot Emerson, Emerson Sustainability will be posting actions on Instagram that you can complete to earn points in the WasteNot Instagram Challenge. At the end of the challenge the individual with the most points wins $150 in EC Cash, 2nd place wins $100 in EC Cash, and 3rd place earns $50 in EC Cash! Please note: You must currently be an Emerson student, faculty, or staff to participate. Points can be earned until 11:59pm on March 29th!
2
Sign the Pledge
Sign the pledge to commit to properly recycling and composting on campus. Signing the pledge earns you a point in the WasteNot Challenge! Posting a screenshot of your signed pledge on Instagram story and tagging @EmersonSustainability earns you another point!
3
Submit to the WasteNot Art Competition
We invite Emerson students, faculty, and staff to submit any art that you’ve created that relates to sustainability for a chance to win a grand prize. Any medium, any sustainability topic! 1st place wins $150 in EC Cash, 2nd place wins $100 in EC Cash, and 3rd place earns $50 in EC Cash! Read the competition submission form for more details.
Events
February 1 – March 29
Sign the Recycling and Compost Pledge
Sign the pledge to commit to properly recycling and composting on campus. Signing the pledge earns you a point in the WasteNot Challenge! Posting a screenshot of your signed pledge on Instagram story and tagging @EmersonSustainability earns you another point!
February 4 – March 29
WasteNot Instagram Challenge
Emerson Sustainability will be posting actions on Instagram that you can complete to earn points in the WasteNot Instagram Challenge. At the end of the challenge the individual with the most points wins $150 in EC Cash, 2nd place wins $100 in EC Cash, and 3rd place earns $50 in EC Cash! Please note: You must currently be an Emerson student, faculty, or staff to participate. Points can be earned until 11:59pm on March 29th!
February 5 – March 24
WasteNot Emerson Art Competition
We invite Emerson students, faculty, and staff to submit any art that you’ve created that relates to sustainability for a chance to win EC Cash. Any medium, any sustainability topic! Read the competition submission form for more details.
February 13, 11:45-12:45 PM
Piano Row 240
Truman-tine’s Day & Trivia
Stop by to visit Truman the friendly beagle in his Snoopy pajamas! Enjoy Valentine’s Day treats, play games, pick up a limited edition “Truman-tine’s Day” button, and participate in sustainability trivia for a chance to win prizes!
February 19, 8:30-10 AM
Dining Center, 122 Boylston
Weigh the Waste
Strive to be in the Clean Plate Club as we help you sort and weigh dinner-time waste. Check the sustainability mural in the Center Stage in the following days for results.
February 25, 4-5 PM
Beard Room, Piano Row 202
Low-Waste Art for Healing: Yarn Bowls
In collaboration with Healing & Advocacy, create yarn bowls out of donated yarn!
February 26, 3-4:30 PM
Lion’s Den, 122 Boylston
Film Screening
Join us for a screening of a waste-related film in the Lion’s Den.
March 4, 4-5 PM
Beard Room, Piano Row 202
Low-Waste Art for Healing: Decorating Wood Frames
In collaboration with Healing & Advocacy, decorate wood frames with repurposed materials such as paper, fabric, rocks, twigs, and shells.
March 16 – March 20
Office Recycling Competition
Sign up to compete against other offices for the highest diversion rate. The winning office gets a pizza party. Read the competition description for more details.
March 19, 6-8 PM
Dining Center, 122 Boylston
Weigh the Waste
Strive to be in the Clean Plate Club as we help you sort and weigh dinner-time waste. Check the sustainability mural in the Center Stage in the following days for results.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE EVENTS!
