Do you know how much energy you use on a daily basis? 

DU’s Center for Sustainability is hosting a February “Energy Challenge” on-campus and digitally to raise awareness of energy consumption and conservation. 

The Energy Challenge, led by Ireland Dunlap and Victoria Alarcon and supported by members of the engagement team at the center, is a way to get students involved in activities that use less energy. In past years, they have focused the challenge primarily on the “Walk-a-thon” and “Open Mic Night” events, but this year they are adding even more challenges that go throughout the entire month of February. 

The challenge started strong with coffee and donuts on the bridge Monday, Feb. 1 where the centers’ engagement team talked to students about getting involved. 

Feb. 5-11 is the screen time challenge, a new concept in this tradition, where students can track the amount of time they spend on their devices and send their screenshots to the Center For Sustainability’s Instagram. 

“We hope that it will force people to consider how much time they are spending on their phones and recognize that scrolling on social media actually takes a lot of energy to power,” Dunlap said. 

While most people think of energy as electricity running through our homes, energy also fuels our bodies in the form of food, songs and more. The Center for Sustainability hopes to bring that energy to fruition through the “Energizing Playlist” challenge, Feb. 12-18.

“I have a lot of playlists that I use to maintain my mental health including my energizing playlist,” Dunlap said. “I figured other people have similar playlists and it would be fun to share those songs that amp you up.” Students participating must create a playlist with at least five energizing songs. 

For the last full week challenge, students can track and submit their steps in the “Walk-a-thon.” Students are asked to submit screenshots of their step-count to the Instagram. 

The challenge wraps up with an “Open Mic Night” in the Green Suite (CCOM 1100) on Feb. 29, where the challenge winners will receive prizes and everyone can celebrate a wrap-up to an energy-conscious month. 

Dunlap acknowledges the collaboration between the music community at DU and the sustainability space. “Open mic nights are also just a fun way to bring people together, and while they are there they can learn more about energy consumption,” Dunlap said. 

“Art constitutes to environmental sustainability because it can foster people’s connection to nature, invoke emotions that inspire action around environmental issues, contribute to a cultural shift towards sustainability and encourage artists to adopt sustainable practices,” Dunlap explained.  

Some might argue that the best part of this month-long challenge are the prizes. The center partnered with on-campus Cotopaxi ambassador Ethan Blitz to provide sustainable bags to each first-place winner at the end of the month.

The energy challenge may be a month long, but those behind it are hoping to continue the mindset after it’s over. 

“Students can continue to stay involved in sustainable practices beyond the month of February by walking instead of driving, buying a bike, spending less time on electronics, turning off their lights, unplugging devices and opting for natural light during the day,” Dunlap said. 

Whether you are participating in the energy challenge or not, the Center for Sustainability hopes that students will continue to be aware of their choices and how they impact energy use. 

It’s not too late to sign up for this challenge. Follow @sustainableDU on Instagram to keep up with the month-long fun and to stay updated on other Center for Sustainability events.