Zero Waste Guru Training

By Michael Catanzaro and Anne Keicher

USD characterizes Zero Waste as a dynamic process that requires a systems approach. While the intent is to become a 100 percent waste-free campus, a diversion rate of 90 percent shall be considered a successful rate of “Zero Waste” diversion during the preliminary stages of the process.

Waste diversion is the prevention and reduction of waste through source reduction, recycling, and composting.

“No burn, no bury”

Zero Waste Definition

What do we waste?

Why is the Zero Waste initiative important?

What do you want to know about?

About Sustainability at USD…

Photo Credit: Google Imageshttp://cache1.asset-cache.net/gc/117451760-energy-saving-light-bulb-x-ray-gettyimages.jpg?v=1&c=IWSAsset&k=2&d=PALEVU7Ain7XDD%2F08FekAppjqBquQu%2BA9oGIlqFUtp4%3D

Over 5,000 solar panels across 11 Buildings

Inside Energy Efficiency at USD

≈ $10 million in conservation measures

Saved over 6 million kWh in one year

More than $1 in annual savings

Over 5,000 solar panels across 11 buildings

Produces almost 2 Million kWh annually (7% of total consumption)

Renewable Energy Overview

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University of San Diego-Historical Water Consumption

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Zero Waste

Diversion90%

Michael: Embed videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqZMTY4V7Tshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdyV5W-9M_w

The Story of Stuff

Waste Stream DataA 2012 waste audit reveals the composition of the USD waste stream. The Zero Waste initiative aims to reduce both overall waste produced and discarded, in addition to capturing a higher percentage of waste that can be diverted from the landfill.

Solid Waste (41%)

Cardboard (5%)

Green Waste (1%)

Conmingled (51%)

E-Waste

Source: Waste Management “Environmental Services Proposal for the University of San Diego,” October 2012

HOW CAN YOU HELP USD BE A ZERO

WASTE CAMPUS?

Green EventRules of Thumb

Marketing • Create a flier to post on social

media and/or electronic displays

• Email event information to the attendees

• Highlight the sustainable features of the event on fliers

Before the Event

Food • Ensure food is packaged in minimal, recyclable

packaging and does not require utensils (examples: burritos, pizza, kabobs, bulk sandwiches)

• Ensure vegan/vegetarian options are available

• Order/buy organic, local, seasonal, and in bulk when possible

• Order only the amount of food needed to ensure little to no left-over food

• Serve beverages in pitchers; avoid single-serving beverages

• If necessary, supply drinks in recyclable containers

Before the Event

Supplies• Use reusable plates, flatware, and

napkins

• Encourage attendees bring their own water bottles or cups; ensure access to a water fountain/filling machine or provide multi-serving beverages

• Provide clearly labeled recycle and compost bins

Before the Event

• Announce the event is Zero Waste; direct attendees to recycle/compost bins

• After the meal, monitor attendees to ensure that waste is being disposed of properly

• Limit the amount of paper distributed at the meeting; email the agenda/meeting items or project materials to avoid printing copies

During the Event

• Ensure waste is properly sorted; pull out incorrectly sorted waste

• Use earth-friendly cleaning products

• Let attendees take home left-over food

• Take food scraps to the compost bin behind Mission Crossroads if applicable (note: meat/dairy cannot go in the compost bins)

After the Event

What did you learn?

What will you do differently?

Conclusion