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. Beginning this month we will provide you with monthly educational programs on topics ranging from biking to food choices. We can also send you monthly e-mail tips.

Just for taking the 5-minute online Footprint Challenge quiz, you are entered into a drawing this Fall, for a Solio Universal solar charger OR a $100 gift certificate to the Spartan Bookstore!

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

So, take a few minutes to register now, find out what your footprint is, and begin living more sustainably today!

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

sustainability@sjsu.edu     (408) 924-6348

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 a printable worksheet you can 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.

Eligibility & Prizes

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

All entries for October prize drawing must be received online by midnight PST October 31st, 2009. All entries for March prize consideration must be received online by midnight PST March 31, 2010. Offer void where prohibited or restricted by law. October prize winners will randomly selected from all eligible entries during that month.

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.