At Clemson University, CFACT Collegian Sophie Waters set out to demonstrate a truth rarely acknowledged in today’s environmental discourse: when it comes to protecting wildlife and preserving natural spaces, the free market is not the problem — it’s the solution. Too often, capitalism is wrongly blamed for pollution or habitat loss, when in reality, it is human nature and poor stewardship—not commerce—that drives environmental harm. Sophie’s event showed students firsthand how innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual action achieve real conservation wins without government mandates or alarmist campaigns.
On November 14th, Sophie hosted a “Free Market Conservation Showcase” in front of Daniel Hall, where she displayed practical examples of market-created tools that help protect wildlife and promote responsible coexistence.
Her table featured deer whistles, which can reduce vehicle–wildlife collisions, as well as bird-safe window reflectors designed to prevent fatal bird strikes—both everyday consumer products created not by regulation, but by innovators responding to genuine conservation needs. These items perfectly embodied her message: that private individuals, non-profits, land trusts, farmers, and consumer choice have long been the real drivers of environmental stewardship.
Sophie distributed flyers, stickers, and conservation tools to roughly 50 Clemson students, many of whom were encountering CFACT for the first time. Her location next to Turning Point USA’s table allowed several club members to assist with photography while she spoke one-on-one with curious students throughout the afternoon. What she found was encouraging: rather than debate, most students expressed genuine interest in learning how free markets promote environmental solutions more effectively than top-down federal interventions.
“I was thrilled with how well the event went, especially seeing so many students eager to learn about free market conservation.”
By the time she wrapped up, Sophie had distributed nearly all the materials she brought and left dozens of students with a new understanding of how innovation—not regulation—drives conservation success. Her work reflects the heart of CFACT’s Conserve & Preserve Campaign, showcasing real, practical stewardship grounded in personal responsibility and free-market ingenuity.
