Initiatives

Beach Cleanups

Since August of 2018, The Reduce Single-Use Project has hosted several campus beach cleanups, and has plans to continue these cleanups throughout the coming school years. The Project hosts about 1 cleanup per month in partnership with other departments and student organizations on campus to increase student engagement. 

Each cleanup targets both Eckerd's coastline and inland areas. Waste around campus is easily transported to the Bay via storm drain discharge. By comparing results from both areas, we can begin to assess the magnitude of direct impact that the Eckerd College community has on the surrounding water. 

These cleanups are a fun way to engage with the marine environment, gives students an opportunity to witness first-hand the amount of debris that accumulates on and around campus, and serves as a community service activity. 

A detailed description of the items collected can be found on our Beach Cleanups Page.

Plastics in Tampa Bay Course at Eckerd

During Eckerd's January 2022 Winter Term, a Plastics in Tampa Bay Course was offered. This interactive course encouraged students to examine the impact of their actions through plastic reduction challenges, beach cleanups as well as visits to local waste management facilities. This included the Waste Management MRF, South Cross Bayou Water Reclamation Facility, and a virtual meeting with the Pinellas County Solid Waste and Incineration Facility.

Plastic Reduction Challenge

Our project challenges the Eckerd community to reduce their single-use plastic consumption. Challenges run by using our app Remora will vary in length from a week to a month, and are very effective! They are a fun way to engage the community in plastic reduction initiatives. These challenges are a way to get students and community members to reduce their plastic consumption and keep making conscience decisions on their plastic usage>

Quantifying Plastic Use on Campus

Observations at Tritons Pub, the campus bookstore, the cafeteria, and the campus Starbucks were conducted to collect data on campus plastic consumption. The types and amounts of plastic are being recorded in hopes of finding reusable alternatives that can be implemented in these spaces. Data were used to convince the Eckerd College administration to sign and implement the Break Free from Plastic Commitment in January 2019.

Water Bottle Filling Stations

10 BRAND NEW water bottle filling stations have been purchased and have been installed around Eckerd's beautiful campus. A map of all campus filling stations can be found here.

DIY Alternatives 

Several DIY reusable alternative college series programs have been hosted at Eckerd college and taught students about the impacts of plastic consumption, how to make their own reusable alternatives, and what items can be properly recycled. Click here for a full list of minimal waste recipes and DIY projects. 

Reusable Giveaways

Utensils, bamboo plates, cups,  toothbrushes, and other reusable alternatives are given out by the Reduce Single-Use project through giveaways that involve and engage the Eckerd community. 

Art Show - Used Once, Lasts Forever:

Details: 

The first competition was held on November 13, 2019 at the Eckerd College James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences. The Art Show was a one-evening exhibition of art created from recycled or found single-use plastic waste. This community-wide event aimed to increase awareness of the environmental impacts of abundant and unnecessary single-use plastic consumption while offering a creative way to repurpose discarded items. The show was part of the College Program Series, and submissions were judged by a panel of artists invited from the St. Petersburg community. 

The Used Once, Lasts Forever Art Show made a return on April 17, 2024 at the Eckerd College James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences. Several community members, students, and faculty came to the event to show off their artwork and admire the art made as the art show was a kick-start to Earth Week this year. The RSU team hopes that this will continue to be an annual event and can't wait to see what will be made next year! 

Art Contest Guidelines: