UWSP project to become community project

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT — A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point class project aimed at reducing litter has grown into a community-wide environmental cleanup effort, with organizers inviting residents to join a series of volunteer events throughout the summer.

The Crazy Waste Project began as a classroom assignment involving just two students in a UWSP waste resources course. Since then, it has expanded to seven student participants and evolved into an initiative focused on litter removal, environmental education and community engagement.

Project organizers said the effort is designed to help residents better understand the impact litter has on local parks, waterways and neighborhoods while encouraging responsible waste management practices.

“The goals of these events are to inform participants about the efforts of the Crazy Waste Project, educate them on proper waste management in the city of Stevens Point, and explain how litter can impact the community,” student participant Josh Curwen said.

The project hosts cleanup events that combine hands-on litter collection with discussions about waste management and environmental stewardship. Organizers hope the program will inspire residents to take an active role in keeping public spaces clean.

Summer cleanup events are open to students and community members and run from 10 a.m. to noon on select Saturdays throughout June and July.

Remaining events include:

• June 13 at Mead Park, 1201 W. Whitney St.

• June 27 at Iverson Park, 4201 Main St.

• July 11 at Zenoff Park, 1001 Second St. N.

• July 25 in downtown Stevens Point

Participants will help collect litter while learning about local waste management practices and the environmental consequences of improperly discarded trash.

Organizers said they plan to continue the project this fall and next spring and expect participation to grow as more students become involved.