Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the University Affiliate grant program, made possible with funding from a five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant. A total of $45,000 in reimbursement grants will fund projects for nine University Affiliates. The selected universities will receive grants for projects focused on recycling and reducing the use of single-use plastics.
Funded projects include:
- Dillard University: Reusable water bottles and campus education
- Grambling State University: Side-by-side terrain vehicle for campus recycling pick-up
- Loyola University New Orleans: Recycling station, tilt truck, and signage
- Northwestern State University: Water bottle refill station and reusable water bottles
- Southeastern Louisiana University: Water bottle refill stations and campus education
- Tulane University: Water bottle refill stations
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Recycling bins and reusable tote bags
- University of Louisiana-Monroe: Water bottle refill stations
- University of New Orleans: Water bottle refill station and reusable water bottles
These projects will result in a reduction of single-use plastic use on campus, a reduction of litter on campus and in waterways, a reduction of waste, an increase in recycling, and an increase in awareness of water quality issues caused by marine debris.
“It’s fantastic to have so many groups around Louisiana pitching in and helping the effort to clean up our state! The commitment and passion for litter prevention from our University Affiliates is something to be proud of,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We need to change the culture and habits in this state so we can let our light shine for all to see the beauty we have to offer. Through this grant, our University Affiliates are on the road to doing just that.”
“The Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate Network goes beyond asking students to serve their community,” said Gretchen Vanicor, Director of Sustainability at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. “The program has created impactful service-learning opportunities for our Louisiana higher education students that create a deeper understanding of the issues that cause litter pollution. Most importantly, the program provides all Affiliates and students with tools and resources to solve the problem.”
“Our University Affiliates are stepping up and modeling environmental stewardship for the rest of Louisiana,” said Cabell Mouton, KLB Community Outreach and Affiliate Services Director. “We can’t wait to see their projects in action this academic year.”
Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director said, “These universities are doing their part to promote recycling and reduce the amount of plastic waste on campus. We can learn from their efforts and adopt similar programs in our communities.”
The KLB University Affiliate program was developed in 2021 in response to a growing interest in sustainability, waste reduction, and litter prevention at the university level. University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with Keep Louisiana Beautiful as a sub-recipient, secured a $500,000 five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant to create and launch the program, develop a litter assessment app, develop educational training videos for campus communities, and fund grant opportunities for University Affiliates.
KLB University Affiliates include Dillard University, Grambling State University, Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana-Monroe, University of New Orleans, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
More information about the program and certification is available on the University Affiliates webpage.