PUBLIC EDUCATION

Zero Waste Humboldt’s public education and outreach is informed by behavioral science research. Our goal is for Humboldt County residents to adopt new, less wasteful habits. We strive to apply the behavioral change tools from the fields of Innovation Diffusion, Social Marketing, Environmental Psychology, and Climate Change Communications.

ZWH emphasizes waste prevention strategies and reusable materials in all communications channels:

• Presentations to business and community groups, along with guest lectures to Cal Poly Humboldt and local high school classes

• Annual social media campaigns, such as “We Choose to Reuse”

• The annual countywide Zero Waste Day, which we created, to draw attention to waste reduction and “how-to” zero waste methods

• News articles and op-ed essays in Humboldt newspapers and publications

• Social media: Instagram and Facebook

• eNewsletters and emails

As a primarily volunteer-run organization, ZWH welcomes volunteers who are trained to serve on a speakers bureau for presentations and display booths.

ADVOCACY/LEGISLATION

ZWH regularly conducts research and provides written information and oral presentations to municipal, county and government agencies of Humboldt County. ZWH encourages local government to adopt Zero Waste practices and implement local ordinances that will support waste reduction.

ZWH coordinates with other organizations for the passage and implementation of California waste reduction and climate change legislation that supports:

• Domestic/local end-use recycling market development

• Increased manufacturer responsibility and product stewardship

• Proactive waste prevention methods

Zero Waste Humboldt assisted the Humboldt Waste Management Authority in its 2012 strategic planning process and requested that its public meetings be televised. In 2017, Zero Waste Humboldt worked with the City of Arcata staff to develop its ten-year Zero Waste Action Plan. Later in 2019-2020, we also assisted the City of Eureka staff in developing its Zero Waste Action Plan. These plans include the guiding core values of the city and measurable goals to monitor waste reduction progress.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONSULTING AND TRAINING

One of the hallmarks of the zero waste approach is increased attention to measurement and monitoring in developing baseline data. ZWH has provided training to more than 50 Redwood Coast businesses and organizations committed to waste reduction in their operations. We consult on-site with local businesses, school districts, and community organizations to assist them in establishing a simple, practical system for measuring and monitoring progress in waste reduction.

Zero Waste Humboldt conducted packaging research, led by Dr. Julie Layshock, for the North Coast Co-op prepared foods section that has been a reference tool for several businesses.

For more information on technical assistance and training, please contact us!

Contact@zerowastehumboldt.org or click the link below.