Climate & Sustainability
UC Santa Cruz pledges to become a “Clean California Community,” expands commitment to statewide beautification and environmental stewardship
The Clean California initiative is an effort to remove litter, restore public spaces, and inspire community engagement across California.
Sustainability Office student workers Branden Reynaga and Julia Poole, aka “Trash Talkers,” sort waste at Wastefest.
UC Santa Cruz is proud to announce that it has taken the pledge to join the statewide Clean California Campaign and become a Clean California Community, reinforcing the university’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, civic partnership, and campus pride.
The Clean California initiative, led by the state Department of Transportation, is an effort to remove litter, restore public spaces, and inspire community engagement across California. Both the County of Santa Cruz and City of Capitola have the Clean California Community designation.
“Our campus is shaped by its extraordinary redwood landscape, abundant wildlife, and a deep commitment to sustainability,” said Chancellor Cynthia Larive. “Becoming a Clean California Community affirms our responsibility to care for this place we share. We are proud to join our local partners and the state in advancing a collective vision of environmental stewardship and community pride.”
In alignment with this commitment, the university will once again participate in Pitch-In’s “All-Santa Cruz County Clean Up Day.” On May 9, faculty, staff, and students are invited to come out to the Squiggle at Porter College for Campus Clean Up Day and to celebrate our new Clean California Community status. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram for updates.
If you would like to participate in Pitch-In’s clean up in your neighborhood, or host your own, keep an eye out for additional meet-up spots that will be populated on Pitch-In’s website in the coming months.