February 16th - 20th, 2026

The Zero Waste UMich Challenge

Join your fellow Wolverines in reducing waste, earning points, and winning incredible prizes. Small actions, big impact.

How It Works

The Challenge

Do your best to avoid trash and recycling for one week and collect any waste you do create to review at the end of the week.

What Counts as Waste?

Any new thing you acquire during the week, including wrappers, bags, containers, receipts, and food scraps (if you don't have access to a compost).

Exceptions

Waste from your work and waste associated with medical needs don't count. Keep yourself healthy and continue taking any medication you need to feel your best, without worrying about the trash.

Upcoming Events

Join us in person or online and earn bonus points!

Feb 15, 2026 • 2:00 PM

Zero Waste Week Orientation

Zoom

+10 points

Why Zero Waste?

Learn how to take concrete action on waste and climate issues

Waste isn't just about trash. From extraction to disposal, our materials economy sits at the root of climate change and environmental breakdown. Learn what you can do in your own life to reduce waste and build momentum for a zero waste future at the university and in Ann Arbor.

5 Resource-Packed Emails

Tips to get you started on your zero waste journey

Zero Waste Events

Join us throughout the week for hands-on activities

Expert-Led

U of M alums with 9+ years of zero waste experience

Featured Prizes

Comet Coffee $15 Gift Card

Available to Win

Meet the Team

The Zero Waste Club students making this challenge possible.

Zippy Memon

Zippy Memon

Co-President

Sophia Taylor

Sophia Taylor

Co-President

Annissa Sisson

Annissa Sisson

VP Events

Chloe Tjakra

Chloe Tjakra

Co-VP Technology

Cindy Htar Nwe

Cindy Htar Nwe

VP Business

Ella McIntyre

Ella McIntyre

VP Membership

Grace Kulmac

Grace Kulmac

VP UM Departments

Grace Ogunji

Grace Ogunji

Co-VP Technology

Maisie Weyhing

Maisie Weyhing

VP Marketing

Reaghan Higgins

Reaghan Higgins

VP Outreach

Siddharth Desai

Siddharth Desai

VP Finance

Join Zero Waste Club

Get involved!

Why We're Doing This

Hear from our community members about what motivates them.

L
Lydia

"Because Samuel made me."

S
Samuel

"It's something I can do!"