The Watergoat project was created as a way to combat pollution in the USF St. Petersburg’s waterways.
Courtesy of Elizabeth Olsen
By Audrey Ward
The Watergoat project is a unique and effective approach to mitigating plastic pollution in waterways. The project involves installing a specially designed collection device, known as the Watergoat, in streams, rivers, and other waterways.
The Watergoat collects and traps plastic debris, preventing it from flowing downstream and entering the ocean. By removing plastic from waterways, the project helps protect marine life and ecosystems, as well as the human health risks associated with plastic pollution.
“SGEF is all about sustainability and promoting sustainability on the campus. So, installing a Watergoat on campus is something that perfectly aligns with suggested goals” said Nathan Poinsette, President of SGEF.
For a campus like the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, that cares about sustainability, the Watergoat project represents an excellent opportunity to make a real impact. By installing Watergoats in campus waterways, universities can reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices on their campuses.
The project provides an excellent opportunity for students and staff to learn about the importance of environmental stewardship and the impact of plastic pollution on the environment. Additionally, the project can serve as a model for other organizations and communities, inspiring them to take similar steps to promote sustainability.
“Challenges are normally due to permitting and city municipalities with the locations but that was very streamlined because it all went through USF St. Pete and this is your guy’s property. It might be an ongoing challenge here for this particular Watergoat to collect debris because the debris might already be too waterlogged to resurface,” said Jenna Byrne, president of Water Warrior Alliance.
This sustainable project is an effective approach to reducing plastic pollution in waterways. The project provides an excellent opportunity to make a real impact and promote environmental awareness. With supporting initiatives like the Watergoat project, university clubs will spread the awareness of having clean waterways for the communities drinking water.
“The future of Watergoat projects is having six that are being put throughout the state this year surfing evolution and preservation foundation love Watergoats, they are a great design. We will continue to work with Keep America Beautiful, Keep Florida Beautiful affiliates, as it will allow for us to expand a lot further,” said Byrne.
