MANDEVILLE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) have awarded $43,722 through the University Affiliate Grant Program to eight Louisiana universities to support student-led recycling initiatives and reduce single-use plastics.
Funded by a five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant, the program supports projects at Dillard University, LSU, Louisiana Tech, Loyola New Orleans, Nicholls State, Tulane, ULM, and UNO.
“These students are shaping the next generation of environmental leaders,” said Lieutenant Governor Nungesser. “Investing in campus programs today ensures cleaner communities and waterways for tomorrow.”
Selected projects include:
- Expanding recycling infrastructure and operations
- Installing water bottle refill stations
- Reducing single-use plastics in dining services
- Adding equipment like tilt trucks and cardboard balers to improve recycling
“Our University Affiliates are leading by example,” said Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “These efforts will reduce waste, increase recycling, and protect Louisiana’s waterways.”
The University Affiliate Program, launched in 2021, promotes sustainability and litter prevention across Louisiana’s colleges and universities.