Sort & Save Campaign
A dynamic branding campaign aimed at raising awareness about recycling at Winona State University. Highlights what can and should be recycled on campus, fostering a more sustainable community.
Client
Winona State University
Year
2025 Executed
Campaign In Action
1. Green Action Project
Green Action Project Funding
The Sort & Save Campaign was approved and funded by the Green Action Project.
Green Guide Event
Our first event, the Green Guide, featured Ross Dunsmoor from Winona County teaching ambassadors about local waste systems. This training equipped ambassadors to answer recycling questions and support campus sustainability efforts.
2. Collaboration
AMA & Environmental Club Collaboration
Creative Labs united students from the American Marketing Association and Environmental Club, combining marketing skills with environmental expertise to build the Sort & Save Campaign.
Ambassador Recruitment & Training
Rachael Paggen and Taylor Dietz, Presidents of AMA and Environmental Club, recruited 15 student ambassadors to spread Sort & Save’s mission. These ambassadors attended trainings and events and became peer educators for recycling at Winona State.
T-Shirt Party
To kick off ambassador engagement, we hosted a t-shirt making party. Students thrifted shirts and ironed on the Sort & Save logo, creating a fun, sustainable icebreaker.
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Matthew Mulderink
Labs Executive Director
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Alyssa Neistadt
Project Director
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Jadyn Bennett
Creative Director
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Stephanie Dasbach
Creative Director & Lead Designer
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Jeanne Franz
Director of Sustainability Studies
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Lexi Koelsch
Ambassador
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Rachael Paggen
Ambassador
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Sierra Gudel
Ambassador
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Corbin Olson
Ambassador
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Olivia Lechnir
Ambassador
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Gavin Kellen
Ambassador
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Taylor Dietz
Ambassador
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Emma Valek
Ambassador
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Sydney Skarie
Ambassador
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Samantha Krohn
Ambassador
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Elly Herrick
Ambassador
3. Launch Day!
Poster Hanging Day - Launch Day!
In their custom thrifted shirts, ambassadors launched Sort & Save by posting signs around every building and residence hall. They engaged students with recycling trivia and handed out stickers to promote campus-wide awareness.
4. Publicity
Marketing & Outreach
Sort & Save used a multimedia approach—word of mouth, social media, and newspaper features—to share our mission and encourage recycling habits across campus.
Social Media Countdown
Both AMA and the Environmental Club hosted a 5-day Instagram countdown, highlighting the issue of bin contamination and promoting Sort & Save as a solution through awareness, education, and culture change.
Sort & Save Fashion Show
Our first large event, chaired by Mirra Swenson and Alyssa Neistadt, celebrated thrifting and intentional shopping. Students from every college joined to support sustainability and learn more about recycling at WSU.
4
EVENTS
70+
PARTICIPANTS
250+
STICKERS
CAMPAIGN LEGACY
Sort & Save established a lasting movement with a clear mission, professional materials, and a framework for future student leaders to host sustainability events and continue recycling education.
Photos taken by Elly Herrick
“Creative Labs serves as a hub that connects visionary students with passion projects that allow them to bring their ideas to life and create something new.”
— Mission Statement