MSU is launching a student competition to generate bold, practical ideas to reduce waste in residence halls and campus dining spaces. Campus waste audits show that more and more items are being thrown away that could be reused, recycled or avoided altogether, highlighting that real progress depends on our everyday habits and shared responsibility, alongside infrastructure improvements.  

Students are invited to build on past and current efforts to propose scalable, cost-aware strategies that reduce waste, improve participation, and help shift campus culture. Submissions may focus on behaviors, infrastructure, communication, or a combination of approaches. Winning ideas will explore how to make sustainable choices easier, more visible, and more engaging, turning everyday student behavior into meaningful action.

February 15: Registration deadline
February 16: Prompt shared with registered teams
February 27: Proposal submissions due
March 8: Finalists notified
March 23: Final presentations due. NO EXTENSIONS WILL BE GRANTED
March 27: Finalists present at the Fate of the Earth Symposium. 5 minute presentations with 5 minutes of Q&A.  
 

• Students can participate individually or in small teams. After team registration closes, participants will receive:
• The full prompt/problem statement
• Guidance on what to include in submissions
• Q&A opportunities for the competition
   

Prize money will be awarded to the top teams in the following amounts:

First Place: $1,000 total for the team
Second Place: $500 total for the team
Third Place: $250 total for the team 
 

• Ability to create positive, visible change on campus 
  Selected projects may be considered for pilot implementation in residence halls or dining spaces, helping shape a more sustainable MSU experience for thousands of students.  
• Opportunity to work with the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  Finalists will have the chance to connect with resources from the Burgess Institute to further develop, test or even launch their idea, regardless of whether their proposal places in the top three.