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Cougars clean up campus before move-in

cleanup teams

90 volunteers came together Aug. 7 to remove fliers, weeds, and trash from campus. Altogether they collected 805 pounds of waste.  |  Courtesy of Sarah Kelly

A total of 90 volunteers picked up 805 pounds of waste across campus at the second annual Cleanup Day Aug. 7. The Office of Sustainability hopes to continue this annual tradition to show its appreciation for and pride in the UH campus.

Volunteers formed seven teams and competed to gather the most trash and recyclables. The winning team, Team B, was able to gather 159 pounds of waste.

“This year we had 90 total volunteers sign up for the event; in the past we’ve had 50 to 60,” said Program Manager for the Office of Sustainability Sarah Kelly. “Everyone worked diligently to clean up the campus and had fun doing it. We hope to have an even bigger turnout next year!”

This day-long event raised awareness about maintaining a clean and environmentally friendly campus by picking up trash and recyclables, removing fliers and pulling weeds.

“Cleanup Day is a gratifying opportunity for everyone to come together and give back to the campus that we all love and share,” Kelly said. “By working collaboratively to beautify the University, we’re not only helping the environment but also building a sense of community and ownership.”

Volunteers dressed in Cougar red cleaned both the inside and outside perimeters of the campus.

“You now have invested your own sweat into this campus,” said Team B leader Jerry Bogna. “You individuals are the keys to a cultural shift here — to get every student to feel ownership of this place where we live part of our day. So take that sense of ownership and try to pass it on.”

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