The Office of Sustainability recently concluded its Fill it Forward Challenge, part of a broader initiative to promote the use of reusable water bottles and reduce plastic pollution. The challenge took place in April, aligning with Earth Month celebrations.
Kitoko Melton, an undergraduate psychology major, emerged as the winner by recording 214 refills. They received a free Ocean water bottle and custom “Be Sustainable” stickers from the Office of Sustainability as a reward.
Overall, participants recorded 813 refills on campus. According to data from the Fill it Forward app, this effort equates to saving nearly 789 pounds of carbon emissions, diverting 24 pounds of waste, and preventing almost 5 pounds of ocean pollution due to reduced single-use plastics.
Erin Kluge, sustainability coordinator for Stony Brook’s West campus, noted that the challenge gained popularity among students. “I did not have a refill number in mind,” Kluge said. “I was merely hoping to reach a range of students to increase awareness of single-use plastics.”
Each refill also contributed $0.02 to charities focused on enhancing water infrastructure in underserved communities. Most funds raised were directed towards the Access to Water in Bolivia Project by Water for People Canada. Other proceeds supported initiatives in Madagascar and provided resources for schools in Latin America, East Africa, and Nepal.
Despite the conclusion of April’s challenge, Fill it Forward efforts will continue next semester with new campaigns planned by the Office of Sustainability. “We are hoping to have challenges for residence halls, class years, departments, and employees,” Kluge mentioned.
Students are encouraged to keep reducing their plastic usage through various personal actions such as using reusable cutlery at dining halls and supporting zero-waste plans at home.
— Rachel Lea
