Outreach Education and the SD Earth Fair

Earth Fair at Balboa Park• Largest free annual

earth fair in the world

• Draws over 70,000 visitors

• Features more than 300 exhibitors

• Over 400 volunteers

• Population of 1.2 million• Provides free waste and recycling

collection to single-family homes only• Budget Problems = Poor Recycling

Program

City of San Diego

City of San Diego

Paper37%

Putrescibles19%

Plant Debris10%

Textiles4%

Polymers11%

Soils1%

Wood4%

Reuse3% Chemicals

0.3%

Metals6%

Glass3%

Ceramics2%

• San Diego landfill is due to close in 2012

• Just meeting AB 939 mandate at 52%

• Recently implemented a Business/Multi-family & C&D Mandatory Ordinance

Zero Waste San Diego• Found in January 2007• Became an official 501(c)3 March

2009• Agenda Driven

– Education– Special Venues– Grassroots Organizing

• Comprised of volunteers, no staff

Zero Waste San DiegoMission Statementto create, promote and implement programs that maximize management and conservation of resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming, and persuade citizens, businesses, and governments in the San Diego County region to adopt a zero waste philosophy.

Earth Fair 2008

• Organics only in the food court

• 40 volunteers sorting through the black bins

• 60% diversion

Earth Fair 2009• 25 “Zero Waste

Zones”• Include green bins

throughout park• 2 volunteers at

eachzone

• Clear signs and guides for attendees

Zero Waste Zones• 3 Bin System

• Black – Trash• Blue – Recycling• Green – Food Discard

• 2 volunteers at eachzone• Guides

• Factsheet• Clear signs and

guides for attendees• Tables at each zone for teachable moments

Challenges• Galvanized bins will be

taken away. At least most of them

• Cement bins will be not be serviced• ~100 throughout park

• Heat…it’s hot!!!

Obstacles• Vendor Sabotage

• Frito Lay• Styrofoam• Outside Material• Park Vendors

• Attendee Sabotage• Outside food packaging• Baby Diapers• Plastic Bags

• Bio-degradable…What?• PLA Food Packaging

Overall• 80% Diversion• 100+ Volunteers

• Navy• High School Students• Online Volunteer Websites• Social Media (ie. Listervs,

Facebook)• Obtain Great Partnerships

Next Year• 90% Diversion• Canopies • Better Signage• No PLA• Recruit

• Partners• Sponsors• More Volunteers

• Eliminate Challenges• Diminish Obstacles

Thank You!Laura Anthony

Zero Waste San Diegolauraa@zerowastesandiego.org

www.zerowastesandiego.orgTwitter: zerowastesd

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