Whole School Approach to Zero Waste
Track
Schools
Session Description
It takes a collaborative effort across all aspects of school operations to achieve a zero waste campus. Whole school operations can be represented by the 4C’s Framework: Curriculum, Campus and Operations, Community Engagement, and overall Institutional Culture. When schools adopt the 4C’s Framework and apply it to zero waste, these initiatives become operationalized and lead to long-term waste reduction and diversion. RethinkWaste, The County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability, and San Mateo County Office of Education will discuss tried-and-true strategies they have used to engage stakeholders in all of the 4C’s. San Mateo County teachers, students, and school administrators will join virtually to share their experiences bridging the gaps between school operations and community education to develop and maintain waste reduction programs. Whether you are a seasoned zero waste schools veteran or just starting out, all participants will leave with practical next steps to jumpstart (or add a little “oomph!”) to enhance their zero waste initiatives in schools and districts in their local areas.
Speakers
Gerald Schwartz, The County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability
Title
Resource Conservation Specialist III
Speaker Abstract
Gerald Schwartz from the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability will open the session by introducing the complexities of working with schools in San Mateo County. He will walk participants through the 4C’s Framework (Campus, Curriculum, Community Engagement, and Institutional Culture) and theories of change that relate directly to school zero waste initiatives. Session participants will consider which “stage of change” their school communities are currently at and different ways governmental agencies and haulers can support zero waste changes at schools and districts. This support includes technical assistance, award, and funding programs such as the County of San Mateo Office of Sustainability 4R’s Grant Program. Participants will finish this portion of the session with knowledge and resources to bring a whole school approach to their zero waste initiatives.
Teresa Montgomery, South San Francisco Scavenger Company and Blue Line Transfer
Title
Sustainability Manager
Speaker Abstract
A key part of a whole school's approach to zero waste initiatives is knowing the roles and responsibilities of all school stakeholders. Teresa Montgomery, from South San Francisco Scavenger (a local waste hauler/processor), will discuss each stakeholder group and effective strategies for engaging them in a zero waste initiative. Later on in this presentation Teresa will share how community partners, like South San Francisco Scavenger, has approached supporting schools that are taking a whole school approach to zero waste initiatives. Teresa can share examples and tips for other community partner agencies on where to get started with schools, and how having a whole school mindset has helped her understand the complexities of school waste initiatives.
Reyna Oceguera, RethinkWaste – SBWMA
Title
Environmental Education Associate
Speaker Abstract
When it comes to implementing waste diversion programs in schools there are three recommended project management phases: stakeholder buy-in with strategic planning, program and curriculum implementation, and sustained success (a.k.a. lots and lots of follow-up!). There are embedded tools within each stage that include waste assessments, Green Champion recognitions, supplemental education, and more. It is critical to pair student and staff education with new waste infrastructure which improves access and reach of informational resources. Laura Wessberg will walk through these best practices for developing new waste diversion programs and refreshing or re-booting existing initiatives. Additionally, case studies from schools in San Mateo County will be sprinkled in throughout the session via video recordings, images, and shared stories.