It’s a class project with an impact beyond classroom walls: Marketing Management students at BCIT created a social media initiative to encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.
The idea behind the project is similar to the altruistic version of NekNomination, which we wrote about in our latest issue – except the challenge is to remove wasteful habits from one’s life. This inspired the name ‘weXit’; according to the creators of the project, it symbolizes “how the world should come together to remove certain issues from the checklist of problems.”
weXit promotes making daily activities, such as getting a cup of coffee or printing out a work sheet, more carbon neutral. The next steps involve sharing these sustainable practices through social media, and challenging others to do the same.
The project is part of the Sustainable Destination class in the Marketing Management curriculum. BCIT students have teamed up with colleagues in INHolland University in the Netherlands to bring the idea to life. The group was in the Great Hall on Monday, March 17, to spread the word about the initiative, and challenge fellow BCIT students to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Students sign a pledge to reduce their carbon footprint in the Great Hall at BCIT Burnaby campus. (Courtesy Twitter/@weXit_)
To promote the initiative off-campus, the organizers started a Twitter account and a hashtag #weXit to help track the challenges. In the first few days since its inception, the project gained traction on social media, with many creative ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle.
@weXit_ @TriciaJTucker @ashleyk_paulsen lights are off and candles will be our source of light in the dining room until it’s too dark!
— Earls StrawberryHill (@EarlsStrawHill) March 12, 2014
@weXit_ i recycled my paper towel so it can be composted. I diverted waste @JessicaBindisch what will you do? #weXit pic.twitter.com/lhP1G7dMa6
— Kat Mac (@Katmaacc) March 13, 2014
@ashleyk_paulsen PERSINALLY, I saved a ton of water today by using dry shampoo to clean my hair! Haha #weXit @weXit_ pic.twitter.com/x9q2q99HM3
— T Tucker (@TriciaJTucker) March 12, 2014
Check out weXit and meet the team at the Great Hall from 11AM to 2PM on Tuesday, March 18.
