LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan State University sorority and fraternity members got their hands dirty cleaning up rivers in the state’s capital region on Sunday.
The student volunteer initiative partnered with Michigan Waterways Stewards, a nonprofit conservation organization that advocates for the protection of waterways throughout the state.
Madelin Elkoow, a member of Sigma Kappa, one of the participating Greek organizations, says that the initiative has inspired her to do more.
“It takes 2 seconds to pick something up, and like it’s really sad how like people have little to no care about the environment. Especially, I feel like in more of a city where everyone’s in a rush, and it just makes me want to go help other people more and help the earth.”
Delta Kappa Epsilon member Drew Vartanian says the event allows him to shed light on the effects of pollution.
“To help clean up our city and where we live because it’s one planet. And we all have to live on it. So we got to do our part to make sure it’s clean and safe for everybody.”
Mike Stout, president and founder of Michigan Waterways Stewards, says the cleanup gives young people the opportunity to broaden their horizons.
“Especially college students, where they come and g,o and they have so many activities they kind of pass through. So it gives them a great opportunity to actually be a part of the community and meet.”
Elkoow hopes that the efforts from her and Greek life sisters inspire others to get out and clean up.
“Pollution’s at a high in the world, so I feel like everyone should do something to help the earth.”
