Rethinking Waste. Rethinking Waste

Transcription

1 Rethinking Waste Rethinking Waste

2 Waste what is it? Webster s 1913 Dictionary definition: lying unused; unproductive; worthless; valueless; refuse; rejected Oxford 2017 English Dictionary definition: eliminated or discarded as no longer useful or required

3 How much waste?

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5 Rethinking Waste What happens to waste when we eliminate, discard or throw it away? What impact 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?

6 Will it ever go away? 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. Instructions: 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 month - 2 years

7 Next steps: create a waste timeline in lunchrooms or cafeterias Waste Timeline

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

9 Waste Sorting Tools Bad Things Happen Posters Next Steps: order posters to help with proper sorting practices of waste, recycling, and organics.

10 Importance of sorting waste

11 Impacts of waste disposal Degradation of land, water and air Methane & transportation impacting climate change Leachate - water pollution Biodiversity loss e.g., plastic and microbeads, toxins Location of landfills and other waste streams social/economic costs Muncipal Taxes - sorting, labour, transportation, long term care of landfills

12 Impact of waste production

13 Facts Change Facts alone don t change minds Facts can lead to paralysis Advocacy for facts unintentionally can lead to hostility and polarization

14 How can we change our waste practices?

15 1. Identify incentives and barriers

16 Incentives and Barriers Changing Waste Practices Driving Forces The world becomes what we teach We all have a unique capacity to contribute to a sustainable future Waste has social, ecological and economic implications for individuals, schools and communities Waste is a real world problem - an opportunity for real solutions Restraining Forces Cause and effect are far apart Waste systems are complex and Waste system ever is complexchanging ever moving People target, have difficult fundamentally to make different progress perspectives, interests and mindsets Consumption is based not only on needs but wants - e.g., social status Individuals have limited control on production, procurement and disposal systems

17 2. Addressing Barriers Moving from current state to desired state Mindset Motivation Mobilization Mainstream

18 Mindset How do we move forward together? Successful change comes from a real understanding another s needs so fully that you can reshape the future together. ~Peter Senge Understanding mental models

19 Mindset - using a diversity wheel Begin with understanding oneself Recognize and respect similarities and differences. Avoid thinking of others as enemies Suspend personal perspectives temporarily to understand fears, concerns and what truly matters to others

20 Mindset strategies Understanding what matters Build trust and relationships - everyone has something of value to contribute Hold our beliefs lightly- suspend our story to deeply listen Ask How do you see this situation, what matters to you? Have a real conversation, not a sales pitch

21 Motivation How do we start new behaviours? What will genuinely motivate other people, our schools, our community? How might we start or move our waste programs forward?

22 Motivation Starting new behaviours Make it understood Do we know what to do? Do we believe its relevant to us? Are our fears and concerns acknowledged? Make it rewarding Do we get some sort of reward (recognition) for doing it? Do costs of not doing it motivate behaviour? Make it desirable Does this fit with our actual or aspirational self image? Does it fit with how we relate to others? E.g., Responsible people recycle Make it easy Do we know what to do and feel confident doing it? Does it work with what is already successful?

23 Mobilization How do we move from individual to whole school and community participation?

24 Mobilization Ways to help others stick with the new behaviours Be a coach Help people make easy, small changes that lead to bigger successes Nudge, prompt and encourage Build participants habits and confidence Make commitments to goals Get commitments and pledges Build networks and supports Link participants to others, internal and external resources and supports Give feedback Tell them when its working. Coach participants so they can get it right Celebrate Celebrate and reinforce ongoing successes

25 Mainstream In what ways can we rethink waste and do better with less?

26 Mainstream Making responsible waste practices part of the culture Learn about the issues Global Competencies STEM Action projects Participate in local and global initiatives Waste reduction week Clean Toronto Earth Day Upcycle and reclaim Convert nonrecyclable materials into new productsit s not waste until its wasted. Use reusable and durable Avoid single use items. Make dishes and cutlery available at all events. Use recycled products E.g., Husky 100% recycled paper Encourage use of GOOS paper. Share, repair and reuse Promote clothing, book, and costume, swaps. Promote use of Arts Junction, Trading Post etc.

27 Change takes time Waste is a complex, dynamic system that is ever changing. Change requires a shared vision and mission. Next steps: 1. Identify your barriers - change one small step at a time 2. Decide which strategy to apply: explore mindsets increase motivation support mobilization make responsible waste practices mainstream 3. Plan strategically

28 Thank-you