Turning Trash Into Triumph: North Tahoe Students Win Big With Eco Art

What happens when passion for the planet meets creativity? At North Tahoe Middle School, it leads to award-winning environmental art—and a powerful message.

As part of the Shane McConkey Eco Challenge, North Tahoe's EcoAction Club partnered with Clean Up The Lake to take on the growing problem of litter in Lake Tahoe. But rather than just collecting trash, these students did something extraordinary: they turned it into a sculpture that speaks volumes.

Eco Action students from North Tahoe learn about the importance of the work and mission of Clean Up The Lake.

From Pollution to Purpose

After helping sort through debris pulled from the lake, students saw firsthand the impact pollution is having on our beloved “Big Blue.” That experience inspired them to take action in a creative way—by transforming the trash into a meaningful art installation. The result? A bold, thought-provoking sculpture made entirely from lake debris, designed to spark conversation and promote environmental awareness.

“We wanted to do more than clean up—we wanted to make a statement,” said one EcoAction Club member. “Art gave us a way to show how serious pollution is, but also that change is possible.”

🏆 First Place & A Public Display

Eco Action's innovative piece took first place in the Green Circle Division of the Eco Challenge!

You can view the sculpture this summer at the Gatekeepers Museum in Tahoe City, where it will be on display as a testament to youth-led environmental action and creativity.

Eco Action wins the Shane McConkey Eco Challenge! Students celebrate their innovative environmental advocacy project, earning top honors in this year’s Green Circle Division competition, dedicated to sustainability and creative eco-solutions. 🌍🏆

Why It Matters

This project reflects North Tahoe Middle School and SWEP Sustainability Club's' strong commitment to sustainability and student empowerment. It’s a reminder that with teamwork, creativity, and care for our planet, students can lead the charge for a better future.

Let’s take our lead from Eco Action students and our nonprofit partners at Clean Up The Lake and keep working together to keep our lakes clean, our communities inspired, and our planet healthy.

Don’t miss your chance to see it in person — visit the stunning, student-created eco sculpture on display at the Gatekeepers Museum in Tahoe City this summer!

Many thanks to our partners at Clean Up the Lake for collaborating with SWEP to bring this art-as-advocacy project to life. We’re also deeply grateful to the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District for its continued support of SWEP’s Sustainability Club programming. We couldn’t fulfill our mission to promote environmental stewardship without partners like you—thank you!