NCU Responds to Earth Day with 100 Participants in the “5-Day Earth Power Challenge”

During the week of Earth Day 2025, the Office of Sustainability and Social Responsibility at our university launched the “5-Day Earth Power Challenge” in response to the global theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” The campaign invited faculty, staff, and students to start from their daily routines and take part in five specific low-carbon actions, putting into practice a relationship of mutual support between people and the planet.

Over 100 participants took part in the challenge with great enthusiasm. During the 5-day event, participants were asked to complete the following tasks:

Walking Day: Commute and move around campus only by walking or biking — no scooters, electric vehicles, or elevators.

Plastic-Free Day: Avoid all single-use plastics for an entire day.

Plant-Based Day: Eat at least 1 vegan meal during the day.

Seasonal Cleanup Day: Sort out and donate at least 3 unused clothing items.

Lights-Off Reflection Day: Turn off all lights for 1 hour and reflect quietly on our relationship with the Earth.

Participants documented their actions by uploading photos. The flexible format and accessible tasks made it easy for sustainability to become part of everyday campus life.

According to the latest carbon emission factors published by Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Council of Agriculture, each person completing all five challenges helped reduce approximately 19.96 kg of CO₂e. With over 100 participants, the event collectively reduced nearly 2 metric tons of CO₂e, equivalent to the emissions generated by manufacturing about 1,500 PET bottles.

To encourage consistent sustainable habits, participants who completed all five tasks received a reward of TWD$500 campus meal vouchers. Many shared that the challenge inspired them to reflect on their consumption habits and realize that “carbon reduction” is not just a slogan—it can be achieved through small choices every day.

NCU will continue to promote diverse sustainability initiatives, deepen environmental education, and encourage the entire campus community to put “Earth Power” into practice in daily life.