University of Michigan
Join Us for
Zero Waste Week
February 16th-22nd, 2025
This campus-wide challenge will teach you, step-by-step, how to produce less waste and support the circular economy in Ann Arbor! Sign up for a chance to win prizes including a bike, gift certificates & more!
HOW IT WORKS
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.
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 with tips to get you started
Zero waste events throughout the week
Led by U of M alums with 9+ Years of zero waste experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you ask us to collect our waste?
What about stuff I bought before the challenge?
Why does recycling count as waste?
I love takeout. Where can I get it zero waste?
Where can I shop zero waste?
What about my pet?
What if people I live with don't want to do it?
What about trash from my job?
What about medical waste?
Sounds hard... what if I can't do it?
Still have questions?
If you cannot find an answer to your question in our FAQ, you can always contact us and we will answer as soon as we can.
UM Zero Waste Week 2025 Team
Anna Epstein
Project Manager
Zippy Memon
Social Media Coordinator
Nya Mays
Partnerships Coordinator
Chloe Tjakra
Technology Officer
Kit Bellovin
Outreach Coordinator (Marketing)
Katya Deckelbaum
Business Partnerships Lead
Challenged hosted by EcoUM
in collaboration with:
The most environmentally friendly product is the one that never gets made.
© 2025 Live Zero Waste Inc.