Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, the Enactus program at Walla Walla University has developed a glass recycling system and worked to open a community garden available to all residents of College Place.
Enactus is a team-based program that works to improve living conditions and sustainability all around the world. This year, the local WWU chapter has eight active members. “While the faculty advisor plays a crucial role in the club, it is predominantly run by student volunteers who lead operations and manage the project,” said Josh Beaudoin, junior in business management and president of Enactus.
“I find it impactful to work with other students. It is amazing to see what we can accomplish by working together. While we all have things in common, it’s the different things we bring to the table that make our team great,” said Madlyn Ellis, junior in business administration. “I joined Enactus because I want to make a difference in the community of College Place and Walla Walla. Even though I am a student and I won't be here forever, I appreciate the community here and I want to give back.”
This year, the WWU Enactus team has been working on two separate projects. With support and donations from several businesses and organizations around College Place, the Enactus team has set up a community garden located at 629 S. College Avenue behind the city hall and beside the fire station.
The local Home Depot donated 12 tons of cinder blocks for raised beds along with gardening equipment such as wheelbarrows, shovels, and more. The City of College Place is leasing the garden property to Enactus for $1 per year. WWU Facility Services has provided soil, and the WWU School of Business has provided seed funds for the organization.
The garden currently has 12 raised beds completed and can lease space to community members for $50 per bed per season. This money will be put toward garden upkeep and if that money exceeds the garden’s needs, the rest will be put toward other Enactus projects and club expansion.
The team has also begun collecting glass bottles and recycling them by crushing and smoothing the glass into fine sand. Community member, Chris Lueck, purchased a glass-crushing machine and helps the team by processing the glass at his house. This sand is currently being used in the community garden to fill in paths.
“Once we have a higher volume of incoming glass, we plan to explore options to market it for specific products to local businesses so that the project is financially sustainable,” says Beaudoin. Glass recycling bins are set up behind the Village Housing building on N. College Ave.
To learn more about Enactus visit wallawallaenactus.com. Community members can register for a slot in the community garden by filling out a form.
Posted May 4, 2021
