A photo of the group of students that participated in the beach cleanup hosted by EPC and PEACE. Photo courtesy of Hayden Randolph.
On April 4, 2026, the University of Tampa Environmental Protection Coalition partnered with PEACE for a beach cleanup at Gandy Beach. The cleanup was sponsored by Garnier and provided supplies for students to pick up garbage.
–
By Hayden Randolph
TAMPA, Fla. — On April 4, 2026, the University of Tampa Environmental Protection Coalition (EPC) partnered with PEACE for a beach cleanup at Gandy Beach.
The cleanup was sponsored by Garnier, a company committed to making “Green Beauty accessible to all, from sustainable sourcing of ingredients to being globally approved by Cruelty Free International,” according to its website.
The UTampa EPC organized two other beach cleanups this semester on Feb. 21, 2026, and March 28, 2026. The cleanup on March 28 featured a beach day following the community service.
According to its website, “the PEACE Volunteer Center is the University of Tampa’s volunteer office for Tampa’s volunteer office for students, faculty, and staff.” The organization has a mission “to increase volunteerism at the University of Tampa by providing a variety of service opportunities that empower students through community outreach and leadership.”
Mahek Malik, senior environmental studies major, is the marketing coordinator for the UTampa Environmental Protection Coalition.
“Beach cleanups are important because they are the way to bring communities with shared beliefs together for a joint cause,” Malik said. “It’s important that environmental advocacy and stewardship is completed not only individually, but as a team.”
Malik said taking care of the things we use is the least we can do to give back to what provides for us.
“Other ways to help the environment are by getting people outside. People can’t have empathy for a thing that they can’t relate to or understand,” Malik said. “The only way for people to truly want to help the environment is by bridging the gap between society and the natural world, especially when we so often view ourselves as separate.”
Caroline Teto, junior environmental studies major, is the public outreach coordinator for the UTampa Environmental Protection Coalition.
“It helps us kind of spread the word, and it is like a public way of showing our purpose,” Teto said. “It is important to help the community because it shows we care.”
Teto said it is important for organizations to get involved in the community because it will promote more involvement amongst students.
Isabella Zagotta, junior environmental studies major, is the volunteer coordinator for the UTampa Environmental Protection Coalition.
“Beach cleanups are important to protect the ecosystems in that area,” Zagotta said. “It helps prevent trash harming the species in those ecosystems and helps keep beaches clean and appealing to ensure tourism stays profitable.”
Zagotta said that conducting beach cleanups can create a sense of community in Tampa Bay.
“Giving back to the community builds a sense of belonging to the area you live in,” Zagotta said. “Giving back to the environment is also beneficial because, in a way, it allows us to return the favor of all we take from it for our lives.”
The UTampa Environmental Protection Coalition hosts biweekly meetings on Tuesdays at 8 p.m.