Thanks to the Keep Louisiana Beautiful initiative
Louisiana Tech University, located in Ruston, Louisiana, is the newest member of the KLB University Affiliate Network, which is hosted by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB).
With 13 affiliates, the program is the biggest and most effective of its kind in the United States, encouraging college students to practice sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The following universities have joined Louisiana Tech University: Tulane University, University of Louisiana Monroe, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Xavier University of Louisiana, Dillard University, Grambling State University, Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and University of Louisiana Monroe.
According to Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, these 13 Louisiana universities are setting the standard for sustainability and waste minimization in higher education. With these young changemakers leading the way, our state’s future is bright. I’m eager to see what improvements they’ll make to Louisiana and the rest of the world.
“We are immensely pleased to witness the ongoing expansion of our network of University Affiliates,” stated Cabell Mouton, Director of Affiliate Services and Community Engagement at KLB. Supporting these committed students and universities as they set the standard for sustainability and environmental stewardship is an honor, and this program is genuinely unique in the country.
“At Louisiana Tech, we are committed to cultivating a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility,” stated Wes Cavin, Director of Student Activities and Student Programs. A major step in our dedication to trash reduction, recycling promotion, and involving our campus community in worthwhile environmental projects is our enrollment in the Keep Louisiana Beautiful University Affiliate program. We’re excited to work with other organizations throughout the state to make Louisiana greener and cleaner for coming generations.
Louisiana Tech University had to participate in Love the Boot Week, form an Affiliate leadership committee, design an Affiliate logo, complete a trash audit, litter survey, and assessment, as well as develop a work plan, in order to be eligible to become an Affiliate.
In the fall of 2025, a new cohort of University Affiliates will start. Two- and four-year institutions dedicated to fostering student environmental stewardship and involvement, promoting sustainability and environmental challenges, and measuring strategic outcomes are encouraged to apply. Visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org to learn more about the Affiliate application process.
Growing university-level interest in sustainability, waste reduction, and litter prevention led to the creation of KLB’s University Affiliate program in 2021. In order to establish and launch the program, create a litter assessment app, produce instructional training videos for campus communities, and finance grant opportunities for University Affiliates, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, along with KLB as a sub-recipient, was awarded a $500,000 five-year EPA Gulf of Mexico Trash-Free Waters Grant.
Universities gain access to KLB tools and resources, staff support, educational training, data collection procedures, and membership in the KLB University Sustainability Coalition as Affiliates. Additionally, University Affiliates can apply for funding to help with litter prevention efforts, sustainable practices, and the decrease of single-use disposables. The University Affiliate grant program has disbursed $112,972 in just two years.
According to Susan Russell, Executive Director of KLB, the University Affiliate program helps college students develop their abilities in ArcGIS, policy analysis, strategic planning, and community service while encouraging them to think critically about non-point sources of pollution. Giving our future leaders the tools they need to take action and empowering them is crucial.
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Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) is a state initiative run by the Department of Culture, Recreation, & Tourism and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor that encourages individual, business, and community responsibility for a beautiful and clean Louisiana. By providing tools and programs for litter education, prevention, removal, enforcement, beautification, recycling, trash reduction, and sustainability efforts, KLB helps local communities. KLB is backed by a strong statewide network of Community Affiliates and University Affiliates and is associated with the national group Keep America Beautiful. Visit KeepLouisianaBeautiful.org to find out more.
