Proposal

Textile Recycling Center Research Cohort: Be Looped In 2025

Community partner: Evening Star Bazaar

Supervisor: Eclypse Armstrong

Beginning date:
2025-09-22

Ending Date:
2025-10-30

Project Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer This proposal presents a 6-week, 30-hour student cohort program beginning Monday, September 22, 2025, and concluding Thursday, October 30, 2025. The cohort, called Be Looped In, is part of a broader research initiative to establish the Eau Claire Textile Recycling Center. This cohort focuses on the Ground Level—the warehouse and intake system where textiles are received, sorted, inventoried, and processed. Students will work collaboratively to research how physical systems can be built and supported to drive sustainable textile recycling. Rather than full implementation, the program emphasizes research, systems mapping, and proposing actionable infrastructure concepts for a real-world facility. The structure encourages student leadership, civic engagement, and creativity.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer The mission of Evening Star Bazaar is to bridge sustainability, innovation, and education through circular economy practices. By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, businesses, and community leaders, the organization seeks to redefine waste as an opportunity for economic growth, material innovation, and environmental sustainability.

3.

What skills are required for this project?

Answer While no prior industry related skills are needed, interest or passion in this initiative is appreciated.

4.

What are the objectives for the student learning and service?

Answer - Understand intake and processing systems for textiles in warehouse-style centers. - Research successful waste handling logistics through case studies and interviews. - Develop conceptual blueprints and process models based on local needs. - Contribute student-led media or event content that shares findings publicly.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer Commitment: 6 weeks, 30 hours total (5 hours per week) Structured Sessions: Mondays & Wednesdays, 2.5-hour meetings for research, discussion, development, and theoretical application. Days: Mondays and Wednesday Time: Mid-afternoon - TBD Location: The Coven 131 S Barstow St Suite 202, Eau Claire, WI 54701 UWEC Campus. Location varies

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer This program is a research-first initiative, meaning students are not expected to execute solutions fully but rather develop structured, research-backed proposals. The cohort is multi-disciplinary, welcoming students from business, engineering, sustainability, leadership, and design backgrounds. Opportunities exist for students to present findings to UWEC faculty, community leaders, and sustainability organizations. This initiative aligns with UWEC’s mission of community-based research and economic sustainability innovation.

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Proposal

Textile Recycling Center Research Cohort: Be Looped In 2025

Project Proposal Description

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