Emma Gibbons receives Prairie Springs Environmental Leadership Award

Emma Gibbons receives Prairie Springs Environmental Leadership Award

Student leadbehind clothing reuse efforts receives Prairie Springs Environmental Leadership Award

A simple but powerful mantra informs Emma Gibbons' approach to living sustainably: Rather than buy something new, extend the life of what already exists.

This belief in the rejuvenation of everyday items, particularly clothing, is at the core of Gibbons' academic interests in environmental science, as well as her extracurricular efforts to promote sustainability.

In the classroom, she studies how the textile and fashion industries contribute to pollution and biodiversity loss in our oceans, and how those trends can be reversed.

In the community, she spreads awareness by organizing events such as clothing swaps, mending circles and used-clothing fashion shows.

And in all she does, she strives to translate her personal, scientific understanding of sustainability into practical, behavior-driven solutions.

"I lead best by bridging science and creativity to find solutions that are effective and sustainable," says Gibbons, a senior majoring in environmental science with a biology concentration. For her efforts, Gibbons was selected to receive the 2026 Prairie Springs Environmental Leadership Award, given each spring to one student and one staff or faculty member who lead by example in promoting sustainability.

"Clothing is a basic human need that is often misunderstood and disconnected from its broader impacts," Gibbons explains. "Rather than using emotion to change behavior, my leadership prioritizes education, transparency and practicality to help people understand how their choices fit into larger systems and empower them to act thoughtfully."

Originally from Waukesha, Gibbons says she was drawn to sustainability after initially pursuing a career in healthcare. She noticed how environmental challenges - such as smoke inhalation, poor air quality and exposure to harmful chemicals - affected physical and mental health in the hospitals where she worked.

UWL's strong environmental science program proved a natural fit, supporting her passion for bringing sustainable solutions to the community.

She is also highly engaged outside the classroom.

Gibbons is the fundraising coordinator for UWL Students for Sustainability and a student manager for Campus Thread, UWL's free used clothing closet. At Campus Thread, Gibbons has led reuse initiatives such as No New November, Declutter December and the Spring Fashion Show.

Often, Gibbons' work requires collaboration and creativity. For No New November, she partnered with UWL's Recreational Eagle Center to host a Zumba class where free clothing was available, and she teamed up with several local businesses to establish popup shops offering thrifted clothing.

Her impact extends beyond sustainable fashion.

Gibbons is also passionate about strengthening community access to food. She attended community dinners to better understand the benefits of sharing meals, resulting in a zine exploring food access and justice, as well as food's ability to bring people together.

"Emma is dedicated to sustainability and the environment, as shown by her degree choices and her involvement on campus," says Joan Bunbury, professor of geography and environmental science, noting Gibbons' extensive work in sustainability initiatives. "In my biogeography class last semester, Emma presented on the impact of microfibers from textiles on marine environments, and she and I have discussed the overall impact of the fashion industry on the environment.

"Emma is an obvious choice for and very deserving of the Prairie Springs Environmental Leadership Award, and I could not be happier for her."

Gibbons has continued her strong engagement during her final semester on campus, helping organize the Campus Thread Spring Fashion Show, and helping launch the "Don't ditch it, stitch it" clothing repair initiative supported by the UWL Green Fund.

As she prepares to graduate and begin a new chapter, Gibbons looks forward to expanding her work in sustainability, using the skills and experiences she gained at UWL.

"I am grateful for the passion faculty and staff have inspired in me and the encouragement and support they have provided," she says. "Through coursework, mentorship and hands-on opportunities, I have been empowered to explore sustainability not only as an academic concept but as a lived practice. I am graduating with a strong sense of belonging, purpose and ambition that will guide my future career and personal growth."

About the award

The Prairie Springs Environmental Leadership Awards recognize a student and faculty member who are taking environmental action in the community, and inspiring others to do the same. Recipients are selected by the Prairie Springs Endowment Fund Advisory Subcommittee, which considers the impact, scope and sustainability of each candidate's accomplishments.

The awards are funded through the endowment fund created by Prairie Springs: The Paul Fleckenstein Trust. The fund also supports undergraduate student research, CSH Dean's Distinguished Fellowships and internship opportunities that focus on environmental education, conservation and wildlife habitat protection.