Zero Waste Schools Presented by Virginia Walton Mansfield

Zero Waste Schools Presented by Virginia Walton, Mansfield Recycling Coordinator December 12, 2019

Tonight’s Presentation What is zero waste ¡ Why is it relevant ¡ How are Mansfield schools’ doing ¡ Next steps to become zero waste ¡ Endorsement by Board of Education ¡

What is Zero Waste? ¡ Conservation of all resources by means of responsible l l l ¡ Production Consumption Disposal Managing products, packaging and materials in a way that does not threaten the environment or human health Source: Zero Waste International Alliance

Zero Waste Hierarchy New Elementary School Double Side Printing Washable Cups Sustainable CT Silver

Zero Waste Means Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Consumption & Greenhouse Gas Emissions 40% of U. S. emissions are a result of: ¡ Extracting ¡ Producing ¡ Transporting ¡ Disposing materials

Material Consumption Runs Parallel to Carbon Emissions 80, 000 10000 9000 70, 000 8000 7000 Thousand Metric Tons MIllion Metric Tons 60, 000 50, 000 6000 40, 000 5000 4000 30, 000 3000 20, 000 2000 10, 000 1000 0 1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2009 Total Global CO 2 Emissions - million metric tons Total Global Materials Use - thousand metric tons -

Hidden Behind That Can of Trash n o i ry t c e a r ev t x d e n e f i g o h a e s b b n r ca ials f ga 87 ter n o a ca m

Reuse Reduces GHG Emissions 120% 100% 80% 60% Plastic bottle, disposed Reusable bottles reduce GHG emissions by 90% Plastic bottle, recycled 40% 20% Tap water, reusable bottle 0% Relative Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Water Consumption Options Source: A study commissioned by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Mansfield Schools Are Ahead of the Curve! Washable trays & silverware ¡ Chrome books instead of printouts ¡ Electronics reuse & recycling ¡ Lunchtime share tables ¡ Low waste school events ¡

Mansfield Schools Compost

Mansfield Schools Recycle

Mansfield Sustainable CT Award Silver award fall 2019 ¡ School composting was part of the application ¡

What More Can Be Done?

Continuing on the Zero Waste Path Create a paper reuse center. Set up a box where people can use paper with a blank side. ¡ Change copiers to two-sided default ¡ Adjust printers to eliminate extra pages ¡ Incorporate zero waste principles into curriculum ¡

Continuing on the Zero Waste Path Convert to washable bowls and cups ¡ In emergencies, replace Styrofoam trays & bowls with compostable paper and cutlery ¡ Reduce single-serve packaging when available ¡ Institute mechanism for using leftovers from lunch ¡

Continuing on the Zero Waste Path Use washable bulk dispensers for all condiments ¡ Incorporate no/low waste practices into school functions ¡ Retrofit water fountains with water bottle dispensers ¡ Discontinue sale of bottled water ¡

No/Low Waste School Functions

Town’s Actions Solid Waste Advisory Committee ¡ Pay As You Throw trash service ¡ Celebrate Mansfield Festival ¡ 2015 Near Zero Waste Resolution ¡ Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance ¡ Will the Board of Education consider endorsing continued actions that move the school district to zero waste?

Virginia Walton Mansfield Recycling Coordinator 4 South Eagleville Rd, Storrs, CT 06268 860 -429 -3333 waltonvd@mansfieldct. org www. mansfieldct. gov/trash