Day 1

DAY 1 :  WE WILL AWARD DOUBLE POINTS TO ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO COMPLETE GREEN, GREENER, AND GREENEST DELIVERABLES! 

It’s October 1st — and you are here to learn, be inspired, and mobilize around climate action, environmental sustainability, and social justice. We are excited to embark on this month-long journey together. Project Green Challenge (PGC) is designed to prompt questions, expand worldviews, educate broadly, and encourage you to engage more deeply with a diverse network of like-minded peers, academics, leaders, and activists. However you feel — ready for what comes next, uneasy about the unknown, overwhelmed by the state of the world, or just eager to get going — we’ll be here to walk with you, as we have been for hundreds of thousands of student participants over the past eleven years of Project Green Challenge.

Before we dive in, let’s take a moment to talk about your WHY.

Why were you inspired to sign up for PGC? Does it have to do with the environmental challenges we face? Have you become more aware of social injustices and seek to address inequity or prejudice in your community? Do you see a divided and imperiled world that you want to help repair?

2022 has once again presented an opportunity to be the change in a world desperate for justice. The climate crisis wreaks havoc worldwide with increasing frequency and intensity. Fires, floods, droughts, hurricanes and other natural disasters are leaving damage on an unprecedented scale, while millions are forced to flee their homes or remain in life-threatening conditions. And still, younger generations continue to rise with strong voices, clear demands, and a fervent desire to effect change, offering a hopeful glimpse into the better future we can and will co-create.

Thinking about what you, as an individual, can do to make a difference may seem daunting, which is where PGC comes in. This is your platform to learn, to challenge yourself, and to connect with global peers around issues that matter to you, your community, humanity, and our world at large. Every action you take, no matter how large or small, will have an impact, and lead to more.

PGC is not just about points or prizes. You and thousands of fellow participants are being tasked to use the knowledge gained from each challenge to enact tangible change, to amplify stories, and to ground the work locally, at home and on campus.

The paradigm shift that our planet needs will not come from a single organization, country or leader, but rather all of us together. PGC is a launchpad from which you will go forth with the tools, resources, support and empowerment to demand systemic change.

To make a difference, you have to start. Choose proactivity over apathy, and commit to daily action in support of what you believe. Today, on Day 1 of PGC, you begin in one place as one person with one commitment, which will soon be thirty commitments over PGC this month. You will embark on this journey alongside like-minded students, all ready to learn from each other and take action.

We believe in the power of one, the power of us, and the power of youth to bring about meaningful, positive, lasting change. For the next 30 days, you have the opportunity to reflect on wide-ranging environmental and social themes, activate your voice, and mobilize for bold change across campuses and communities.

We utilize social social media platforms to reach exponentially more people and online audiences — and hope to see your posts tagging @TurningGreenOrg and #PGC2022 each day!

Research proves that when we share our work, emotions, struggles, and triumphs with each other, we are better able to not only cope with challenges, but actually foster resilience, connection and growth. Together, we possess the determination, knowledge, and innovative spirit to build a sustainable, just future — with the collective passion and commitment to keep fighting, even when things may feel trying or impossible. 

PGC is proud to stand with movements, organizations, companies and platforms that believe in the power of YOUth. Each day, we’ll introduce you to mission-aligned partners who lead the industry on climate action. Today’s partner, Acure, leads people toward sustainable, healthy lifestyles with body products made from high quality ingredients that are safer for both people and planet. Our nonprofit partner of the day is Friends of the Earth, an environmental advocacy organization working on behalf of our planet, from telling congress to stop funding destructive fossil fuels to getting retailers to remove pollinator-killing toxins. 

Inspired people inspire people! We can’t wait for you to experience the twelfth annual Project Green Challenge with global peer changemakers. Let the journey begin!

• A beautiful collection of products from our partners at Acure Organics. Acure sources the highest quality ingredients for your skin. No parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, paraffin, mineral oil or animal testing allowed! 
• A copy of the book “Project Drawdown edited by Paul Hawken,” which is “the most comprehensive plan ever proposed to reverse global warming.” It has influenced university curricula, city climate plans, commitments by businesses, community action, philanthropic strategy and more.

Greenest