The university will begin its 15th annual participation in the Campus Race to Zero Waste Sunday, a nationwide event where students aim to reduce waste across their university.

Running from January 28 to March 23, students are encouraged to focus on waste minimization, Kent State sustainability manager Melanie Knowles said. In addition, students will learn more about the redirection of waste to recycling systems, food composting, and electronic drives. 

“If you’re a student here, you’re a participant in this race,” Knowles said.

Numerous categories pertain to this event, including Diversion, Per Capita, Zero Waste, and Food Organics. A Campus Race to Zero Waste sustainability report shows that Kent State has ranked among some of the top-performing universities in this competition’s past years. 

“It might seem like a small thing to reuse one bottle or recycle one can,” she said. “But when we all do it together, it has a huge impact.” 

According to a Kent State Today story from 2021, Kent won the Zero Waste category. The race to reduce waste will continue for eight weeks of competition.

Learn more about the nationwide Campus Race to Zero Waste event here.

Learn more about donating used electronics here.

Morgan Hoover is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].