Sustainability Poster Contest

Students at plant it forward event

Voting Has Closed

The voting period has ended.

The 2026 Sustainability Poster Contest is competition hosted by University Residences that offers Western students an opportunity to visually explore how sustainability impacts their lives, communities, and future.

Posters must promote an understanding of sustainability within the Western Washington University community. Submissions should reflect the shared responsibility of protecting both people and the planet, while encouraging students to think critically about environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Any submissions described as offensive, harassing, or targeting any specific group will not be tolerated. 

This Year's Theme

People & Planet: Our Shared Future

This year’s theme invites students to explore the connection between environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

At Western, sustainability is more than environmental action it includes equity, justice, and community well-being. From renewable energy leadership to student-driven initiatives, our campus reflects a commitment to building a future that is both sustainable and just.

  • Guiding Question: What does it mean to protect both people and the planet at Western?

The first-place winner will have their poster displayed in University Residences beginning Fall 2026. 

Prizes!

1st Place: $500, 2nd Place: $200, 3rd Place: $100

Submission Guidelines

All submissions should be submitted electronically to Residence Life at reslife@wwu.edu. No physical submissions or photos of designs will be accepted.

Poster Requirements:

  • Poster must be 11" wide by 15.5" high (portrait orientation)
  • Must include the theme title: “People & Planet: Our Shared Future”
  • File must be submitted as a PNG or PDF
  • Minimum resolution of 300 dpi 

Artist's Statement

Each submission must include a short statement addressing the following:

  • What is the title of your design?
  • Why did you create this poster for the Sustainability Poster Contest?
  • How does your design represent this year’s theme, People & Planet: Our Shared Future?
  • How does your poster promote awareness and action around sustainability at Western? 

Contest Timeline

  • Submission Deadline: 5pm on Monday, May 4, 2026
  • Committee Review & Selection: By May 11, 2026
  • Community Voting Period: May 5-May 11, 2026
  • Winner Announced: By May 18, 2026
  • Poster Displayed: Fall 2026 in University Residences 

History and Philosophy

University Residences has a long-standing commitment to student engagement and leadership through creative expression.

Building on Western’s legacy as a national leader in sustainability from establishing the first College of the Environment to achieving carbon neutrality in electricity usage this contest reflects an evolving understanding of sustainability as both environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Sustainability at Western is not just about reducing impact it’s about creating a world that is equitable, resilient, and community centered. This contest provides students with the opportunity to visually represent that vision and inspire others to take part in shaping for a more sustainable future. 

Sustainability Poster Committee

This year’s Sustainability Poster Committee consists of student leaders from:

  • Residence Hall Association (RHA)
  • National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH)
  • Inclusion Assistants
  • Residential Programming board members  

Each member is committed to ensuring that every submission is thoughtfully reviewed and that the selected poster best represents this year’s theme and the values of sustainability at Western. 

Ordering a Poster

After the winner is announced, copies will be available at the Res Life office in Edens 113.

2026 Contest Launch

As this is the first Sustainability Poster Contest, it marks a new chapter in University Residences programming expanding from diversity-focused expression into a broader vision that connects community, justice, and environmental responsibility.

Winning and selected posters will be displayed throughout University Residences to inspire ongoing conversation and action.