FAQS

If you don’t see an answer to your question, use the contact page to get in touch. We are here to respond!

Who can participate in Project Green Challenge?

Our target demographic is high school, college, and grad school students. While only enrolled or home schooled students over the age of 16 are eligible for daily prizes and the PGC Finals, PGC is open to everyone for participation. The more people who join our movement, the more change will happen to support a thriving planet.

What is an example of a daily challenge?

Each challenge is built around a unique theme, which are not released until 6am PT each day of October — and continue for every one of the 30 days of PGC. Themes range from food to water, zero waste to footprint, and much more.

Where did the idea for PGC come from?

The mother-daughter duo behind Turning Green is also behind this initiative. Judi Shils and Erin Schrode developed the idea in 2011 alongside a brilliant team of students, partners and sponsors.

What does Project Green Challenge aim to accomplish?

PGC aims to empower and mobilize youth to take action, inspiring them to transition their daily lives from conventional to conscious and understand the significance of each choice we make every day.

Do I have to be an expert on environmental issues to sign up and participate?

Nope! PGC aims to inspire a transition from conventional thinking to a more conscious perspective. Regardless of your current knowledge and lifestyle practices, if you are open to change, ready to learn, and want to make a difference, you are the perfect candidate for PGC!

How do I become a Challenge Finalist?

Contestants that participate in PGC can apply for the PGC Finals with a short application and video that demonstrates their personal transition from conventional to conscious. A panel of judges will review each application and choose up to 16 students to be flown to San Francisco, CA for the PGC Finals in mid November.

What happens after the 30 days?

We hope that PGC will demonstrate to everyone how personal change can have a big impact on personal and environmental health. If one month can inspire conscious thinking and responsible action, imagine the impact that a lifetime of mindful living can have.

How do I share my progress and hear about the experiences of others?

Participants share daily experiences on the PGC website via text, photos, videos, and full integration into social networks.

How can my school be involved?

Bring PGC to your high school, college, or student organization simply by signing up! Many high schools, colleges, and universities are already on board with PGC after the success of previous years. Outreach includes student government, eco clubs, sustainability leaders, Greek systems, campus newspapers and local media outlets, community service organizations, national PTAs, NAIS, Net Impact, and other youth-centered forums. Sign up and spread PGC far and wide!

Has Project Green Challenge ever happened before?

PGC launched in 2011. We hope that this will be the biggest, most productive year yet, and that the young leaders who emerge from it will have an extraordinary impact for years to come.

What happens at the PGC Finals?

After the 30 days of PGC, up to 14 outstanding PGC participants from around the globe will be selected as PGC Finalists based on points accrued, depth and breadth of engagement, number of challenge wins, quality of work, a final exam, and video recap of their PGC journey. The annual four-day summit each November empowers and mobilizes student leaders to action with purpose, passion and phenomenal partners.

Does it cost anything to participate?

Absolutely not! Participating in Project Green Challenge is completely free and open to anyone.

Why should I get involved?

There are many reasons to get involved! In just one month, you will:

Learn the benefits of eco living through full immersion. You’ll come out with a new, more conscious lens through which to live your life.
Become a leader in your school or community’s environmental initiatives just as the school year is getting underway. PGC offers tips and resources to guide you.
Reduce your carbon footprint. Making a difference for the planet begins with individual actions.
Discover which topics speak to you so that you can continue creating change long after PGC comes to an end.

What companies and organizations are involved?

We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of a strong consortium of leading companies, non-profit organizations, and media outlets. Browse the Partners tab to learn more.

Are there prizes for every challenge?

Each day, participants who complete the Greener and Greenest challenges are eligible to win one of up to 20 eco prize packages. The deeper you delve into each day’s challenge, the better your chances are of winning! And don’t forget about the fantastic PGC Finalist and Grand Prize packages.

Does Project Green Challenge have a social media presence?

Yes, and we want to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @TurningGreenOrg and use #PGC2022.