Events

Sustainability Education Campaign

One of Green Athletics' first and most influential projects was the Sustainability Education Campaign. During this campaign, each athletic team was able to become more educated about the topic of sustainability, the ins and outs of recycling, and what each of their own teams could do to become more sustainable.

The campaign consisted of Green Athletics founder Makaylee Kuhn meeting with each athletic team individually, presenting this slideshow, and helping each team brainstorm new sustainable practices that they could implement.

Team Apparel Swap

On November 10th, 2024, Green Athletics held its first ever team apparel swap. Athletes from numerous teams donated old, used gear and were able to swap these items out with other donations. Athletes and staff that did not donate any items were able to participate for the last two hours of the swap. This event helped reduce clothing waste within NMU's athletic department & gave unwanted items a new home. 

Zero Waste Games

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Green Athletics was able to partner with NMU's EcoReps to help host three zero waste games. During these events, these two groups, along with the fans present at the games, were able to help divert as much waste as possible from entering the landfill stream and help lower NMU Athletics' overall carbon footprint. 

Dates:

Volleyball - November 1st

Hockey - January 25th & February 21st*

*The data collected from the Feb. 21st game showed an impressive waste diversion rate of over 80% - the highest diversion rate since 2021!

Campus Clean-up

During the 2024 fall semester, Green Athletics members helped collect waste on the grounds surrounding the NMU Athletics facilities. In just 30 minutes, the group was able to collect and sort over 20 pounds of waste. 

Cats Connect Collab: 

Craft & Movie Night

On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, Green Athletics collaborated with NMU's student-athlete mental health group, Cats Connect, to help host a craft & movie night in honor of Earth Month.

The group provided button-making supplies, items to create recycled vision boards, and tote bags to decorate. Over 45 student-athletes attended the event and were able to enjoy a stress-free night watching The Lorax and crafting with friends and teammates.

Anderton's Earth Week Shoe Drive

During Anderton's Earth Week (April 20th-27th), Green Athletics partnered with Queen City Running Co. to host a shoe drive. During this event, Marquette community members were able to donate any gently used athletic shoes to help reduce waste and give them a second life. All shoes were recycled through Sneakers4Good, a shoe recycling program aiming to reduce landfill waste and redistribute shoes to those in need around the globe. 

Anderton's Earth Week: 

MQT Food Co-op Community Cleanup

On Saturday, April 26th, the Marquette Food Co-op hosted a community-wide cleanup. During this event, Green Athletics, Cats Connect, and numerous other student-athletes helped clean-up the grounds surrounding NMU's Athletics facilities.

Anderton's Earth Week: 

All-Athletics Returnable Can Drive

During Anderton's Earth Week (April 20th-27th), Green Athletics helped host a returnable can drive throughout NMU's Athletic Department. Athletic teams and staff members were able to collect returnable cans in each of their locker rooms, and in two central locations in the PEIF and Dome. Funds from the drive will be used to purchase reusable items for athletic teams to use in the future. 

Tabling Events

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Green Athletics was able to take part in numerous tabling events including Fall Fest, Wildcat Weekend, and Earth Fest. These tabling events helped promote education and outreach regarding Green Athletics and other sustainability efforts around campus, as well as help recruit new group members.

TV6 Sustainability Interview

On September 25th, 2024, TV6's Upper Michigan Today team interviewed a number of NMU's sustainability stewards, including Green Athletics' Makaylee Kuhn.  During the show, Kuhn was able to talk about various initiatives to improve sustainability, communication & outreach efforts, as well as operations within athletics.

Sustainability Summit Student Panel

During NMU's first ever Sustainability Summit on February 18th, Green Athletics founder Makaylee Kuhn was able to take part in the "Student Action for Sustainability" panel with other student sustainability leaders throughout campus.  Kuhn was able to discuss Green Athletics' mission and how the group's goals aligned with the goals and tactics outlined in NMU's own strategic plan.