As the year comes to a close, students with WashPIRG from the University of Washington and The Evergreen State College have led impactful campaigns to address some of the most urgent challenges facing our communities.
From helping defeat Initiative 2117 and advocating for landmark policies like the Right to Repair Act and the Recycling Reform Act to raising awareness about orca captivity through a screening of Coextinction and organizing an Earth Day Carnival that brought together hundreds in support of environmental action, WashPIRG students have spent the year driving real change on and off campus.
No on I-2117
In a major victory for Washington’s environmental future, WashPIRG helped stop Initiative 2117, which would have repealed the Climate Commitment Act and reversed hard-won progress on cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Students across both campuses mobilized around this issue by gathering petitions, raising awareness, and encouraging their peers to vote no.
Coextinction Screening
This fall, the Save the Orcas campaign hosted a screening of Coextinction, a powerful documentary that explores the link between orca extinction and the broader ecological crisis facing the Salish Sea. The event created space for conversation about orca captivity, dam removal, and indigenous-led environmental protection, drawing over 300 attendees and significantly expanding our campaign’s presence on campus.
Right to Repair Act
In Olympia, WashPIRG students successfully advocated for the passage of the Right to Repair Act (HB 1483 and SB 5423) a bill that empowers consumers and reduces electronic waste by requiring tech companies to provide access to repair tools and parts. The passage of this bill marks a huge step forward for sustainability and consumer rights in Washington State.
Recycling Reform Act
Students also celebrated the passage of the Recycling Reform Act (HB 1150 and SB 5284) which holds producers accountable for the packaging waste they create and strengthens Washington’s recycling infrastructure. WashPIRG students were part of the coalition that pushed this bill forward, helping make our state a leader in environmental responsibility.
Earth Day Carnival
On Earth Day, WashPIRG organized a vibrant and engaging Earth Day Carnival on campus, transforming the quad into a center of climate action and community-building. The event showcased over a dozen student-led booths and local sustainability organizations, each offering interactive stations on topics like recycling, food justice, clean energy, and sustainable fashion.
WashPIRG is grateful to all our coalition partners and supporters for their invaluable contributions, making this year exceptionally impactful. We also deeply appreciate the ongoing support from our communities. We hope to continue to make a transformative local and global impact!
Best,
Matteah Davis
Board Chair
WashPIRG Students
Stay in touch! Follow us on Instagram at @washpirg_evergreen and @washpirg_uw