At Life U, our commitment to environmental sustainability is more than a mission; it’s a way of life. Recently, our dedicated students, especially those from the Environment and Sustainability bachelor’s degree program, showcased their commitment through an impactful river cleanup event. This initiative not only earned us the prestigious Adopt-A-Stream Award in April but also highlighted the critical role of environmental education in fostering real-world change.

 

During the most recent cleanup, our students made significant discoveries that paint a vivid picture of the environmental challenges we face, even within the serene surroundings of our campus. Near the Center for Athletics and Sport Health Science (SHS), students collected numerous candy wrappers – a clear indication of on-campus littering habits. Despite the tireless efforts of our exceptional grounds crew, it’s evident that changing the mindset on littering remains a crucial task.

 

As the students ventured further down the river, they encountered different types of trash. Notably, around the gazebo area, they found bait containers and even a fishing reel, suggesting that our campus water bodies are being used for unexpected activities. The most surprising find was a piano, or rather, the remnants of one, which required the strength of eight students to remove.

 

 “Our river cleanup efforts extend beyond mere trash collection. They are integral to citizen science projects that help track and analyze pollution sources,” shared Dr. Deidre Meiggs, Associate Professor of Natural Science at the College of Graduate and Undergraduate Studies (CGUS). “Students work in groups to document every piece of trash collected, contributing valuable data to the Rivers Alive and Adopt-A-Stream databases. This data helps our community partners understand and address pollution patterns in Cobb County.”

 

These cleanups are not isolated events but part of a continuous effort to use the environment as our classroom. By engaging directly with nature, our students gain a deeper understanding of environmental conditions and the importance of sustainability. Each cleanup provides hands-on learning experiences that align with our university’s mission and promote the Environment and Sustainability program.

 

“A special shoutout goes to the Men’s Wrestling team, led by Coach Omi Acosta. Their participation in the cleanup was instrumental, demonstrating the spirit of collaboration and dedication that Life University stands for. We also extend our gratitude to all participating students for their hard work and enthusiasm,” said Dr. Meiggs.

 

Service activities like this are scheduled once per quarter, with the river cleanup being a highlight of the fall season. Stay tuned for more updates on their ongoing environmental initiatives. The goal is to maintain momentum and ensure that the positive impact of these efforts continues to grow.

 

If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a program that truly integrates environmental stewardship with academic learning, consider enrolling in our Environment and Sustainability bachelor’s degree program. Together, we can create a sustainable future.

 

For more information about the program and how you can get involved, visit Life U’s Environment & Sustainability degree page.