The Big Green Idea:

Students- we need your ideas to help create a more sustainable NMU.
And... you could win cool prizes.

Watch this page in September 2009 for more details and the prize announcements.

In spring 2008, Andrea Dupras, a junior mechanical engineering technology major from Marquette, was the Big Green Idea contest winner and took home an iPod. Her idea that NMU beginning using compostable, biodegradable trash bags was implemented in 2008-09.

Did you know?

• Since 1973 NMU has more than doubled in space but has been able to reduce its heating requirements by 25 percent.
  
• Since 1992, NMU has recycled more than 5,000 tons of paper, 1,000 tons of metal, 32 tons of fluorescent lamps. 
  
• NMU has reduced its water consumption by a third since 1973.
  
• In 2008 NMU began a battery recycling program.
  
• In 2008 NMU switched over entirely to green cleaning products.
  [view more about sustainability efforts at NMU]
  

Now we need your ideas on how to make Northern Michigan University greener. Prepare a one page summary that explains how your idea will make Northern greener. You may wish to illustrate your idea with an image (drawing, photo or video; saved for web viewing, 5MB limit). E-mail the one-page summary and any supporting material by Monday Feb. 1, 2010 for consideration by the Big Green Idea selection committee.

Competition Guidelines

The competition is restricted to students enrolled at Northern Michigan University, submissions from groups or individuals are welcomed. 

The winning submissions will be selected on the basis of:
1.) originality
2.) feasibility
3.) potential impact

Any supporting image (drawing, photo or video; saved for Web viewing, 5MB limit) submitted must be original and not infringe on any third-party rights.

E-mail summary and supporting image (5MB limit) to: BigGreenIdea/AQIP

Submission deadline: Monday Feb. 1, 2010.

Decisions of the selection committee are final. Winning submissions will become the property of NMU.

If you require any further information about the competition, please contact NMU Communications and Marketing at commark@nmu.edu.