Ecological Footprint Challenge

Welcome to the SJSU Ecological Footprint Challenge Competition,  based on a licensed, customized version of the Ecological Footprint Quiz by Redefining Progress and Center for Sustainable Economy.

An ecological footprint is more than just a carbon footprint; It's an estimate of the amount of productive land required to support your lifestyle (e.g., 245 acres). This is a useful way of helping people understand how their choices affect both the quantity and quality of the Earth’s precious resources.

As part of the University’s sustainability initiative, we are inviting all students, faculty, and staff to join us in measuring our individual ecological footprints and taking steps to reduce our footprint by 10% this academic year.

Learn the many easy things you could be doing to lighten your ecological footprint today, by perusing our entire Monthly Tips Section!

Through our monthly themed Sustainability Matters Series, we have been providing educational programs on topics ranging from biking to food choices to gifting alternatives, and the collaborative choices you and our University systems play towards our consumption impacts. You can sign up here for our sustainability email, offering monthly helpful tips and other great sustainability related events on and around campus.

Questions about the Challenge? E-mail or call us.

sustainability@sjsu.edu     (408) 924-6348

In March 2010, enter your new footprint data. Individual student, faculty, and staff members who have the lowest absolute footprint and who have reduced their October footprints by the greatest percentage are our Grand Prize winners. These six individuals can choose from the following fantastic prizes:

• 6-speed Alloy Folding MTA Metrobike by Citizen Bike
• Dell Inspiron Mini 10v Netbook Computer
• Sony e-Book Reader

Eligibility

All students with a valid Student ID number and faculty and staff with a valid Tower ID were eligible to participate in the Challenge. Data provided by Fall and March prize winners will be verified by the SJSU Sustainability Director.

All entries for March prize consideration must be received online by midnight PST March 31, 2010. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. Fall drawing prize winners were randomly selected from all eligible entries during that participation period.

Prize winners for March will be determined by:

1) greatest percentage reduction in ecological footprint based on October 2009 and March 2010 data,

and

2) Overall smallest footprint (as measured in global acres) for March 2010 data.

All winners will be notified by e-mail and phone, assuming they are provided by participants. By accepting any prize, winners agree to hold SJSU harmless against any and all claims, damage, injury caused or liability related to the administration of this contest and/or use or redemption of a prize.

Competition Overview

Participating is easy ...

1. Register to participate in the competition during the month of October 2009 and enter your baseline ecological footprint data. This takes about 5 minutes. Two October participants will be randomly selected to receive a solar charger and a $100 gift certificate to the Spartan Bookstore.
2. If you want to determine your footprint, but would prefer to not register first, you can take the take the survey here, but your data won't be saved and you  won't be eligible for prizes. You can always revisit the site and participate fully later.
3. Adopt a plan for reducing your footprint. We have created printable worksheets for you to use, to determine what steps will reduce your footprint by 10% or more.
4. As you like, participate in on-campus sustainability workshops, sign up to receive monthly sustainability tips via e-mail, or simply take action on your own.
5. Re-enter your reduced footprint in March 2010. If you are selected as a potential Grand Prize Winner, your data will need to be verified by the SJSU Office of Sustainability.