Rethinking W aste Rethinking Waste W aste w hat is it? Websters - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Rethinking Waste

Rethinking W aste

Webster’s 1913 Dictionary definition: “lying unused; unproductive; w orthless; valueless; refuse; rejected” Oxford 2017 English Dictionary definition: “elim inated or discarded as no longer useful or required”

W aste – w hat is it?

How m uch w aste?

• W hat happens to waste when we eliminate,

discard or throw it away?

• W hat im pact does waste have on social and

ecological systems of which we are a part?

• Is it possible to change and rethink our waste

practices - and how?

Rethinking W aste

Determine the amount of time for waste to break down into simple elements or compounds that can be returned to the atmosphere, water and/ or soil. I nstructions:

• Match each waste item card with a

time card

• Time cards represent the

approximate time for that item to degrade or decompose under ideal conditions.

• Use the answer sheet to check your

results.

1 mo mont nth - 2 y 2 yea ears rs W ill it ever go aw ay?

Next steps: create a waste timeline in lunchrooms or cafeterias

W aste Tim eline

Using the same waste item cards, sort items into their proper waste stream, e.g., recycling, organics, landfill or special diversion program

Sorting W aste

“Bad Things Happen” Posters

Next Steps: order posters to help with proper sorting practices of waste, recycling, and organics.

W aste Sorting Tools

I m portance of sorting w aste

I m pacts of w aste disposal

Degradation of land, w ater and air Methane & transportation impacting clim ate change Leachate - water pollution Biodiversity loss e.g., plastic and microbeads, toxins Location of landfills and other waste streams – social/ econom ic costs Muncipal Taxes - sorting, labour, transportation, long term care of landfills

I m pact of w aste production

• Facts alone don’t

change minds

• Facts can lead to

paralysis

• Advocacy for facts

unintentionally can lead to hostility and polarization

Facts Change

How can w e change our w aste practices?

1 . I dentify incentives and barriers

Waste system is complex- ever moving target, difficult to make progress

I ncentives and Barriers

Changing W aste Practices Driving Forces Restraining Forces The world becom es what we teach Cause and effect are far apart We all have a unique capacity to contribute to a sustainable future Waste systems are com plex and ever changing Waste has social, ecological and econom ic im plications for individuals, schools and communities People have fundamentally different perspectives, interests and m indsets Consumption is based not only on needs but w ants - e.g., social status Waste is a real world problem - an

• pportunity for real solutions

Individuals have lim ited control on production, procurement and disposal systems

• Mindset
• Motivation
• Mobilization
• Mainstream

2 . Addressing Barriers

Moving from current state to desired state

“Successful change comes from a real understanding another’s needs so fully that you can reshape the future together.” ~ Peter Senge Understanding mental models

Mindset

How do w e m ove forw ard together?

• Begin with

understanding oneself

• Recognize and respect

similarities and

• differences. Avoid thinking
• f others as enemies
• Suspend personal

perspectives tem porarily to understand fears, concerns and what truly matters to others

Mindset

• using a diversity w heel

Hold our beliefs lightly- suspend

• ur story to

deeply listen Ask – “How do you see this situation, w hat m atters to you?” Build trust and relationships - everyone has something of value to contribute Have a real conversation, not a sales pitch

Mindset strategies

Understanding w hat m atters

• What will genuinely m otivate other people,
• ur schools, our community?
• How might we start or move our waste

programs forward?

Motivation

How do w e start new behaviours?

Make it rew arding

Do we get some sort of rew ard (recognition) for doing it? Do costs of not doing it motivate behaviour?

Make it desirable

Does this fit with our actual or aspirational self im age? Does it fit with how w e relate to

• thers?

E.g., Responsible people recycle

Make it understood

Do we know what to do? Do we believe its relevant to us? Are our fears and concerns acknowledged?

Make it easy

Do we know what to do and feel confident doing it? Does it w ork w ith w hat is already successful?

Motivation

Starting new behaviours

Mobilization

How do w e m ove from individual to w hole school and com m unity participation?

Nudge, prom pt and encourage

Build participants habits and confidence

Build netw orks and supports

Link participants to

• thers, internal and

external resources and supports

Be a coach

Help people make easy, small changes that lead to bigger successes

Give feedback

Tell them when its

• working. Coach

participants so they can get it right

Celebrate

Celebrate and reinforce ongoing successes

Make com m itm ents to goals

Get commitments and pledges

Mobilization

W ays to help others stick w ith the new behaviours

Mainstream

I n w hat w ays can w e rethink w aste and do better w ith less?

Participate in local and global initiatives

Waste reduction week Clean Toronto Earth Day

Use reusable and durable

Avoid single use

• items. Make dishes

and cutlery available at all events.

Share, repair and reuse

Promote clothing, book, and costume,

• swaps. Promote use
• f Arts Junction,

Trading Post etc.

Use recycled products

E.g., Husky 100% recycled paper Encourage use of GOOS paper.

Learn about the issues

Global Competencies STEM Action projects

Upcycle and reclaim

Convert non- recyclable materials into new products- it’s not w aste until its w asted.

Mainstream

Making responsible w aste practices part of the culture

Change takes tim e

Waste is a complex, dynamic system that is ever changing. Change requires a shared vision and mission.

Next steps:

1 . I dentify your barriers - change one small step at a time 2 . Decide w hich strategy to apply:

• explore mindsets
• increase motivation
• support mobilization
• make responsible waste practices

mainstream 3 . Plan strategically

Thank-you