PGC 2024 Day 26: Purpose – Project Green Challenge

Day 26

Purpose

How do the principles of Ikigai relate to your life?

Introduction

Creating a just and equitable future requires communities with diverse skills and interests. We make the greatest impact when we let our passions guide us. Change happens when we all lean in—every discipline, profession, and person has the opportunity to make the world a better place.

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Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.
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Oprah Winfrey, American television talk show host, author, and producer

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Exploring Within Yourself

Before we can contribute to system-wide change, we need to explore what drives us personally. The Japanese concept of “ikigai” is a helpful starting point. It refers to “defining your personal meaning of life in relation to your talents, passions, profession, and what you can give to the world.” Imagine a four-way Venn diagram where what you’re good at, what you love, what you can get paid for, and what the world needs intersect.

It takes time to find where these parts come together, so give yourself patience and allow for change. Our interests may shift, and our purpose can evolve—using the ikigai philosophy can help you navigate these changes and align with new paths.

On a day-to-day level, the concept of Essentialism can guide your actions. It encourages you to choose “the vital few over the trivial many.” Focus your time and energy on what truly matters to you, instead of what others expect of you. Prioritize your “essential intent”—what’s most meaningful to you.

Both philosophies are about finding comfort within yourself and building the foundation for small and large-scale change. There’s no one right takeaway from today’s challenge, so apply these ideas in ways that resonate with you. For example, if you’re passionate about gardening, consider creating a pollinator sanctuary in your backyard or a community space to promote biodiversity.

What Drives Us?

On a larger scale, think about how you could help transform your school into a more just and sustainable place. Schools, like any institution, change because of empowered people, collaborative voices, and collective action. Join forces with others—students worldwide are making an impact, and many organizations are here to support you.

Our partner AASHE (Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education) empowers students, faculty, and staff to promote sustainability across higher education. Check out their resources and events here!

Groups and individuals who find their Ikigai or Essential Intent, even unknowingly, have a greater impact on the world around them. If you’re looking to advance climate goals, Regeneration is a great partner that pairs environmental research with solutions and action. They want to hear your climate goals and help you make a science-backed difference!

Acting with Purpose

When we come together, driven by passion, we become powerful catalysts for social change. Take time to look inward and recognize your purpose. Know that before we can see a resilient future for all, we must start by accepting and empowering ourselves.

PARTNERS

EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Purpose Resources

Finding and embracing your purpose is a journey that involves self-reflection and action. Below are resources to help you explore your passions, align them with the needs of the world, and take meaningful steps toward making a positive impact. Let these tools guide and inspire you as you continue to discover your purpose.

CHALLENGES

Green

20 POINTS

THINK

It’s time to reflect on your Ikigai. This is a lifelong journey, but by starting today, you can begin to identify what is most important—or essential—to you right now.

CHALLENGE

Create Your Ikigai Diagram
Start by checking out this Ikigai diagram. Then, draw your own version on paper or a digital platform, leaving enough space to fill in details from your life. In each circle, write a few words or phrases that represent:
- What you love
- What you’re good at
- What you can get paid for
- What the world needs

Don’t worry if you can’t fill in every section—finding your Ikigai is a learning process, and it takes time to fully discover.

Share Your Reflection
Take a picture of your personal Ikigai diagram and post it on Instagram. Along with the image, write an explanation of Ikigai in your own words. Be sure to tag @TurningGreenOrg and use #PGC2024.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK:

1. Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
2. File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
  eg: kasie_jones_day26_green_2024.pdf
  Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
3. File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
4. Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
5. Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
6. Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page
7. Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
8. Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.

The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greener

40 POINTS

THINK

“Change is the end result of all true learning.” – Leo Buscaglia, American author and motivational speaker. Reflect on the Ikigai diagram you created during the GREEN challenge. Consider what you envision as your Ikigai—your reason for being, your purpose, what you love, and what you’re good at.

CHALLENGE

Begin Your Discovery
Pursuing your Ikigai takes time, so let’s start this journey together. Creativity is a powerful tool for self-exploration, and we encourage you to imagine, create, transform, and inspire.
Create Something Meaningful
Choose a topic that inspires you, brings you happiness, or motivates you—something that matters to you. Your creation should represent a call to action as you envision the future of both people and the planet. What would you share with your peers if you could create something inspiring and transformative? What story would you tell, and how would you share it?

Use any medium that resonates with you—whether it’s a camera, an instrument, your voice, a pencil, or a paintbrush.

Reflect on Your Experience
After completing your creation, take some time to reflect on what you learned during the process:
- What intersections did you discover in your life?
- How can you apply the ideas from your creation to your everyday life?
- Are there others you want to connect with? How can your community support you, and how can you support them?
Share Your Creation
Nothing needs to happen immediately—give yourself time and understanding. Once ready, take a picture of your creation and share it on Instagram. In your caption, describe one emotion you felt while making it or one emotion you feel when thinking about living your purpose. Tag @TurningGreenOrg and use #PGC2024. Let’s inspire each other!

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
eg: kasie_jones_day26_greener_2024.pdf
Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page.
Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.

The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

Greenest

60 POINTS

THINK

Student leaders have often been at the forefront of change throughout history! From advocating for racial justice in higher education to leading movements that ban herbicides on campuses, young leaders like you are rising up to support safe, healthy, just, and resilient communities—both locally and globally.

CHALLENGE

Reflect on Your Passions and Skills
First, answer these three questions:
- What environmental topics are you most passionate about?
- What are you good at?
- What do you love doing?
Assess Your School’s Environmental Performance
Now, put your answers into the context of your campus:
- How is your school performing environmentally?
- In what areas does it excel?
- Where is there room for improvement?
- Where do your skills, passions, and aspirations intersect to form a course of action to address your school’s sustainability?
Choose an Area for Improvement
Pick one area where your school needs to improve and where you’re motivated to work toward positive environmental outcomes. It’s time to plan!
Develop Your Proposal
In writing or through visuals, answer the following questions:
- What is the environmental focus you have selected?
- Why does your school need to improve in this area?
- Who would you need to work with or call on to make change happen?
- What are three or four specific recommendations for how this might improve?
- Can you find examples of schools, campuses, or localities that do this well?
- How can you use your skill sets to create this change?
Write Your Proposal
Compose a proposal for your school addressing the issue. Clearly state the problem, your plan of action, rationale, and proposed solutions. Keep it under 250 words.
Share and Inspire
Get the ball rolling by posting your proposal on Instagram! Tag your school (any and all relevant accounts), @TurningGreenOrg, and use #PGC2024.

SUBMIT YOUR WORK

Create a PDF: Combine your deliverables and a screenshot of your social media post into a single PDF. Ensure your name (or team name), username, and school are included.
File Naming: Save your PDF as firstname_lastname_challengeday_challengelevel_year.pdf
eg: kasie_jones_day26_greenest_2024.pdf
Avoid using symbols (including #) or spaces in the file name.
File Size: Ensure the file size does not exceed 5 MB.
Submit: Upload your PDF. A green confirmation message will appear if your submission is successful. If you don’t see this, please try again.
Points: If your total points don’t update, your submission may not have uploaded correctly—please retry.
Score: Points can be checked by going to Edit Profile on the bottom navigation bar. Your score is at the top of the page
Questions: Direct any inquiries to info@turninggreen.org.
Social Media: Share your challenge activities on social media, tagging us on Instagram @TurningGreenOrg, Facebook @Turning Green, and using #PGC2024.

The deadline for entering this challenge has past.

PRIZES

Up to 10 Greener and 10 Greenest outstanding submissions will be selected as winners.

Each Greener Winner will receive:

A Lunch Bag from our partner U-Konserve, a certified B Corporation and 1% for the Planet member, the company is using business for good by creating a positive impact for employees, communities and the environment.
Bamboo Utensils and a Sling Tote Bag from ChicoBag, a Certified B Corporation and 1% for the Planet member, who everyday looks for new ways to do things a #littlebitbetter, and align processes to evolve and grow in tandem with improvements in sustainable manufacturing and technology.
An 8 oz. Insulated Tumbler from our partner, Klean Kanteen, a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp committed to sustainability and to making high-quality, durable, reusable stainless steel products.
Hand Sanitizer from Dr. Bronner’s, a family-owned Certified B Corp committed to socially and environmentally responsible practices using the purest organic and fair trade ingredients.
A jump rope made from recycled milk jugs and 100% cotton from Green Toys. Their toys are geared toward one purpose: making products that are good for the earth, as well as safe and fun for the kids who call it home.

Each Greenest Winner will receive:

A 20 oz. Insulated Water Bottle with Twist Cap and 32 oz. “Turning Green” Food Canister from our partner, Klean Kanteen, a Climate Neutral Certified B Corp committed to sustainability and to making high-quality, durable, reusable stainless steel insulated water bottles, mugs, cups, tumblers, food containers and steel straws.
A “surprise” book from the Turning Green library.