Outreach Education and the SD Earth Outreach Education and the SD Earth FairFair

Earth Fair at Balboa ParkEarth 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-familysingle-family homes only– No incentives to recycle more/better

City of San DiegoCity of San Diego

City of San DiegoCity 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 2019

• Diversion rate at 64%

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

• 7.57 average lbs/person

Zero Waste San DiegoZero Waste San Diego

• Started 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 DiegoZero Waste San Diego

Mission 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 2008Earth Fair 2008

• Organics only in the food court

• 40 volunteers sorting through the black bins

• 60% diversion

Earth Fair 2009Earth Fair 2009• 25 “Zero Waste

Zones”• Include green bins

throughout park• 2 volunteers at

eachzone

• Clear signs and guides for attendees

Zero Waste ZonesZero 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

ChallengesChallenges•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!!!

ObstaclesObstacles•Vendor Sabotage

•Frito Lay

•Styrofoam

•Outside Material

•Park Vendors

•Attendee Sabotage

•Outside food packaging

•Baby Diapers

•Plastic Bags

•Bio-degradable…What?

•PLA Food Packaging

OverallOverall•80% Diversion

•100+ Volunteers

•Navy

•High School Students

•Online Volunteer Websites

•Social Media (ie. Listervs, Facebook)

•Obtain Great Partnerships

Next YearNext Year•90% Diversion

•Canopies

•Better Signage

•No PLA

•Recruit•Partners

•Sponsors

•More Volunteers

•Eliminate Challenges

•Diminish Obstacles

Thank You!Thank You!

Laura AnthonyZero Waste San Diego

lauraa@zerowastesandiego.orgwww.zerowastesandiego.org

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