MTU Sustainability Crew member Ellie Rizk directs junior statistics major Claire Melancon toward the compost bin during last year's Zero Waste Hockey event.

HOUGHTON — Michigan Technological University is gearing up for the 2nd Annual Zero Waste Challenge during the January 17 home hockey game against Minnesota State.

The Zero Waste Challenge, which asks fans to help the Huskies reduce waste during the game against Minnesota State, is a partnership between MTU Athletics, Husky Eats Dining Services, and the Office of Sustainability and Resilience.

The Zero Waste Hockey Game demonstrates how large-scale sporting events can significantly reduce their environmental impact while maintaining an exceptional game-day experience. Michigan Tech sends more than 750 tons of waste to the Ontonagon landfill each year. Hosting zero waste events helps to build awareness, and represents a small step in the university’s commitment to waste reduction and environmental stewardship.

“With Americans generating approximately 1,700 pounds of waste per person annually — triple the global average — we have an opportunity to showcase practical solutions for waste reduction,” says Alan Turnquist, director of Sustainability and Resilience at Michigan Tech.

Following the game, a dedicated team of volunteers will ensure proper waste separation, partnering with Partridge Creek Compost to divert materials from landfills. These materials will be processed for recycling and composting, keeping them out of landfill and giving them a second life.

Game attendees will see several sustainability-focused improvements throughout the arena, including:

• Compostable packaging replacing standard disposables at concession stands

• Strategically-located waste collection stations to make proper disposal simple and convenient

• Clearly marked recycling and composting bins

• Volunteers and informational signage to assist attendees with proper waste sorting

The Zero Waste Hockey Game is the latest initiative in a series of waste reduction efforts on campus. These efforts include Waste Not 2.0, a comprehensive food waste reduction program that tracks and reduces food waste across residential, retail, and catering services. Additionally, a campus collaboration called Upcycled Food Operations (UFO) repurposes dining hall leftovers into ready-to-eat meals provided free of charge to students through the Husky Food Access Network (HuskyFAN) food pantry. Pilot composting programs and innovating recycling initiatives are also helping mitigate waste on campus.

“This event is a partnership between MTU Athletics, Husky Eats Dining Services, and the MTU Office of Sustainability and Resilience,”Director of Sustainability and Reliance Alan Turnquist said.