- I pledge to turn off lights when I'm the last to leave a room, either on campus or at home.
- I pledge to shut down my computer and monitor after 10 minutes of inactivity.
- I pledge to take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever I can.
- I pledge to use natural daylight, when possible, instead of overhead lighting.
Sustainability Pledge Challenge
TRU Sustainability Pledge Challenge
October 19–30 and November 2–6, 2026
Join the movement! Make a pledge, win cash and gift cards, and help protect our planet — one action at a time.
Why should you care?
Because the small choices we make every day add up. Every light switched off, every bike ride instead of a drive, every reusable bottle filled instead of bought — they all move us closer to a healthier planet and a more sustainable community here at TRU.
Change doesn't happen because one person does everything perfectly. It happens because enough people decide to do something. This is your chance to be one of them! Together, let's see just how much of a difference we can make.
Need inspiration? Watch this 90-second clip about the Forest Man of India — proof that one person really can make a huge difference.
Here's the deal
This year, we're aiming for 25% of TRU students and employees to take the pledge because every person who joins makes a real, measurable difference to our campus and our planet. Plus, there are great prizes to be won!
Prizes and rewards
$25 Gift Cards
TRU Food Services gift cards. One student and one employee winner each week.
Submit your pledge form by October 30 to enter the weekly draw.
$200 Cash Prizes
Grand prize draw for four winners: two students and two employees.
Submit proof of your pledge by November 6 to remain eligible.
Get a Pledge Buddy
Pledges are easier to keep with backup. Ask a friend, classmate or coworker to be your Pledge Buddy.
Your Pledge Buddy can remind you of your commitment, check in on your progress and help make sure you submit your proof on time.
Sustainability is better together!
What's a pledge and why take one?
A pledge is a personal commitment to do something sustainable — big or small. Whether it's biking to campus, reducing food waste or switching to reusable items, every action counts.
It's not about perfection. It's about progress.
Choose between 1 and 5 individual pledges from any combination of categories, or make up your own pledge.
Pick something meaningful to you. Make it SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. Then go for it!
Getting involved is as easy as 1-2-3
Step 1
Make a pledge — the sooner the better!
- Choose a sustainability action that matters to you.
- Make up your own or choose from the examples below.
- Select up to five individual pledges.
- Complete the pledge form to be eligible for prizes.
- Make it SMART and get a Pledge Buddy.
Step 2
Show us your pledge in action
- Snap a photo or video showing that you've followed through with your pledge.
- Submit your proof by email to sustain@tru.ca .
- Send your proof by November 6 to remain eligible for the grand prize draw.
Step 3
Celebrate your success (details TBA)
Great job — you did it! Join us for cake and coffee (details to follow). See what others pledged and accomplished, and feel great about making a difference.
Sustainability pledge examples
Need ideas? Explore the examples below. You can choose pledges from different categories, with a maximum of five individual pledges in total.
Energy
Waste
- I pledge to use a refillable water bottle on campus, so I don't have to buy bottled water.
- I pledge to fully read and try to understand the posters at TRU Zero Waste Stations so that I can manage my waste responsibly.
- I pledge to donate anything that is still usable instead of throwing it into the landfill.
- I pledge to dramatically cut back on single-use bags by keeping reusable bags in my home and vehicle.
Clean Transportation
- I pledge to take the bus to campus at least once a week.
- I pledge to walk to campus at least once a week.
- I pledge to bike to campus at least once a week.
- I pledge to carpool to campus at least once a week.
Biodiversity
- I pledge to educate myself on the Secwépemc use of wild plants in our area.
- I pledge to help protect pollinators by not using pesticides such as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides in my garden or lawn.
- I pledge to support pollinators by planting pollinator-attractive plants. See the City of Kamloops website for planting guidance.
- I pledge to support pollinators by making a water and nesting site to enhance pollinator habitat.
Food and Water
- I pledge to conserve water by not letting the tap run unnecessarily while brushing my teeth or washing my hands.
- I pledge to drink tap water instead of bottled water.
- I pledge whenever possible to limit the amount of packaging my food comes in.
- I pledge to make a conscientious effort to buy seasonal and locally available foods to support local farmers and reduce transport emissions.
Volunteer and Advocacy
- I pledge to make my community a better place by doing at least one small act of kindness each month.
- I pledge to volunteer in my community at least one day per month.
- I pledge to join and volunteer for a not-for-profit society working on social issues I care about.
- I pledge to donate regularly each month, with any dollar amount, to a sustainable cause.
Research Purchases
- I pledge to use my purchasing power to support companies, organizations or causes working toward a sustainable society.
- I pledge to research how carbon offsets work to make informed decisions about high-emissions travel.
- I pledge to pay attention to eco-labels and certifications when purchasing goods or services.
- I pledge to purchase energy from renewable energy sources whenever possible.
Make Your Own Pledge
Have another sustainability idea? Create your own personal pledge.
Make it specific, achievable and measurable so you can track your progress.
You can enter your custom pledge directly in the form below.
Take the Sustainability Pledge
Ready to make a difference? Complete the form below and select between one and five individual pledges.
Maximum of 5 Pledges
You've already selected five sustainability pledges. To add another pledge, please uncheck one of your existing selections first.
