Sweater Day means turning down the heat while turning up the fun

TRU will be turning down the temperature while turning up the fun during National Sweater Day on Feb. 5.

Sweater Day illustrates in a simple and practical way that wearing a sweater to ward off the chill can be just as effective as turning up the thermostat. Reducing the heat by just two or three degrees reduces fossil fuel consumption and shrinks our carbon footprint.

“Put on a sweater if you’re cold”

This age-old advice will be in full force on Thursday, when the Office of Environment and Sustainability knits up TRU’s annual event. The heat will be turned down by two to three degrees in all campus buildings, so put on a sweater and take a stand against climate change. Enjoy activities and free food on Student Street in Old Main from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All students, faculty and staff are invited to participate.

Elizabeth is among those who will be volunteering her time during National Sweater Day. This photo is from Environment and Sustainability’s Facebook account — facebook.com/TRUsustainability/photos

Last year’s event had the most contest participants ever—102—and 120 is the goal this year.

Four parts to the event

1. Sweater Portraits Photo Booth
Everyone is encouraged to come alone or with friends to get a photo taken in their favourite sweater. All photos will then be shared through social media.

2. “The Sweaties” Sweater Photo Contest
Any TRU community member can enter, and there will be great prizes to win in three categories:

• Coziest Sweater
• Coolest Sweater
• Craziest Sweater

To enter, get your photo taken at the photo booth, or send in your photo via email ([email protected]), Facebook (Facebook.com/TRUSustainability), Twitter (@TRUSustain), Instagram (@TRUSustain) or share online using #TRUSweater. Online voting is open to all.

Prizes include a gift package for the winner of each of the three categories, plus one for a lucky person who voted online (as an incentive to vote).

3. Snacks
Come out for free, fresh popcorn (with real butter), and fruit smoothies made on Environment and Sustainability’s bicycle-powered blender.

4. Donations of sweaters and clothes
TRU community members can drop off clean and gently used items which will be donated to a local charity.

More information
James Gordon
Environmental Programs and Research Coordinator
TRU Environment and Sustainability
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 250-852-7153