From March 10 to 24, Dalhousie’s residences are going head-to-head in fierce competition during the 4th annual Ecolympics. Gerard, O’Brien, Mini-Rez, Howe, Risley, and Shirreff will attempt to fill their hallways with green energy, while raising environmental consciousness and improving sustainability at Dalhousie.
“Our target this year is a 5 per cent reduction during the two-week period,” says Melissa Mackay, Dal’s residence education coordinator.
The Ecolympics competition is hosted by Dalhousie’s Green Residence Forum (GRF) each March. Just like Earth Hour, the premise is simple: small changes can make a big difference. With that in mind, students in residence take steps to use less power, heat, and water. At the end of the two weeks, the winning residence is the one that’s reduced its energy and water consumption the most.
Events in previous years have included the water taste test (can you tell the difference between bottled and tap water?). There’s also the Phantom Power energy detector competition, designed to give students an idea of how much energy they use with the plethora of their electronic products: iPads, computers, phones, TVs, straighteners, blow-dryers.
There are rumours that some residences have even installed shower timers to cut down on their water consumption. So really, it’s anyone’s game. And to keep them motivated and in the competitive spirit, students can watch their energy and water reduction in (almost) real time.
The winning residence will walk away with $500 to be donated to an environmental charity or cause of its choice. But MacKay stresses it’s not all about the money.
“Deep down, it’s really about having conversations around issues of sustainability and learning more about how we can help our environment while having fun at the same time,” she says.
For a full list of events visit the Sustainability News blog or join the Ecolympics Facebook event.