Local Projects

Campaign for Clean and Fair Elections (UW Madison)
The health of our democracy in Wisconsin is threatened by a campaign finance system that is desperately in need of an overhaul. Wisconsinites, who could once take pride in their state as a shining example of clean government, are now unable to open a newspaper without reading about scandals, investigations, trials and convictions, all involving misconduct in campaign financing.

Unfortunately, candidates interested in holding public office have little choice but to walk an awfully fuzzy line in order to remain competitive. They are always free to take the high road and refuse special interest contributions; however, unless they have the wealth to fund their own campaigns, they are often rewarded by being outspent by competitors willing to open their pockets to the almost endless supply of special interest money.

In order to clean up Wisconsin state politics, we need to remove both the supply of special interest money as well as the demand for it. Wisconsin’s public financing system is completely under funded. Public financing of elections hasn't been adjusted for inflation in twenty years. This lack of public financing has lead to much greater incumbent advantage. The percent of legislative races that lack opposition has risen from 14% in 1982 to 49% in 2002.

A properly functioning public finance system will increase competition in elections as well as remove the need to accept special interest contributions. Strict ethics laws and enforcement of them are also needed to restore public confidence in the integrity of the Wisconsin legislature.

Conservation and Recycling Efforts (CARE) - UW Madison
According to a recent study done by the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), “If everyone around the world lived as those in America, we would need five planets to support us.”  The report goes on to establish the U.S. as having the second largest ecological footprint in the world.  Finally, the report’s startling conclusion states that by the year 2050, humans worldwide will need two planets worth of natural resources every year if we continue current trends in the way we produce and consume materiel goods.

Despite these harrowing statistics, many people feel powerless to change general societal trends on their own.  By working to create change at the local level, CARE can have an effect on the overall impact that America is having on the world.  Specifically, by improving waste management practices at UW-Madison, we can not only reduce our impact on the environment, but also serve as a model for how other universities and communities across the country become more sustainable.

Through WISPIRG, CARE will complete research on recycling, composting, and waste prevention in order to offer a solution to our current environmental problems.  We have several projects running including a compost program on State Street, a revamping of recycling on campus, and a promotion of biodegradable products in place of Styrofoam.  Along with our projects, we are always planning events to publicize our efforts such as trash-sorting, organic picnics, and tabling events.  CARE proves that students really do care about the environment and are willing to action to improve it!