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On a Saturday morning outside Â鶹AV’s Mortgage Center, students direct cars into a line. Trunks pop open to reveal bags of bottles, stacks of cardboard and piles of plastic containers. Volunteers move quickly, sorting items into bins, turning what could have been landfill waste into a small but steady contribution toward a more sustainable campus and community. 

This is the work of LU’s Green Squad, a student-led organization that has been growing steadily since its relaunch a year and a half ago. Once nearly dormant, the group is now reshaping itself into a hub for environmental action at Â鶹AV. 

For junior George Godsi, an honors biology major, it started with a gardening event. 

“I was immediately drawn to these earth-beneficial activities that help care for our one and only home,” Godsi said. “When I saw the opportunity to help revitalize Green Squad, I jumped at it. My hope is to make our campus more sustainable through better methods and innovative technology.” 

Godsi, who serves as president of the Green Squad, sees sustainability not only as an environmental cause but as a matter of efficiency. 

“It’s about keeping things alive longer and helping both ecosystems and human communities work more efficiently in the long term,” he said. “It’s not just about the environment; it’s about creating systems that benefit everyone.” 

The group’s efforts reach beyond the LU campus. Its monthly recycling drives bring in participants from across Southeast Texas, some traveling from nearby cities to drop off materials that otherwise have no local outlet. 

“People are always so grateful that there’s recycling in Beaumont,” Erica Callahan, the Green Squad’s social media coordinator said. “We’ve had folks drive 30 minutes to an hour just to bring their items here. That shows there’s real demand for it.” 

Callahan, a physics and civil engineering student, admitted she didn’t know much about sorting when she first volunteered. But she quickly learned to distinguish between No. 1 water bottles, No. 2 milk jugs and the more complex thermoform plastics, like berry containers. Now, she finds herself teaching newcomers. 

“A lot of people are intimidated by recycling, but we walk them through it,” Callahan said. “If plastics aren’t your thing, you can sort metals, break down cardboard or just direct traffic. There’s a role for everyone.” 

Beyond recycling, the Green Squad is also active in LU’s community garden, which provides student organizations with the chance to cultivate produce. Much of the harvest, over 100 pounds in one year, has been donated to local food banks. 

“It’s gorgeous out there,” Callahan said. “Gardening is underrated hard work, especially in the heat, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You’re feeding people, you’re planting pollinators, and you’re beautifying the space for everyone.” 

The organization has aided in hosting creative projects in the past, such as “solar smoothie” events, and its annual Earth Day celebration draws attention to broader sustainability efforts. Officers say they want to expand with more unique initiatives in the coming year. 

Partnerships have been key to that growth. Green Squad has collaborated with student organizations like Helping Hands and hopes to connect with energy-focused groups as well. 

“We believe that partnership amplifies our impact,” Godsi said. “The more voices we have working together, the more lasting change we can create.” 

For students, the group provides more than just volunteer hours, it offers a way to turn personal values into visible action. 

“We have people bringing their kids to recycling events, teaching them how to sort plastics,” Callahan said. “That’s how you build a culture of sustainability, through education and community.” 

Green Squad leaders encourage anyone interested to join through LU Hub or follow the group on social media. 

“It doesn’t matter your background,” Godsi said. “If you want to make a difference, there’s a place for you here.” 

To learn more about LU Green Squad events, visit .