This report features work completed in collaboration with the Sage Project at San Diego State University and the City of La Mesa, focusing on the implementation of a new “zero-waste” curriculum for the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, while also providing a Composting Action Plan that outlines a pathway to successfully starting a composting program for the City of La Mesa The creation of this educational curriculum is primarily focused on children in grades 6–12, in which they will learn diverse recycling and composting practices, the significance of waste reduction, and the importance of zero waste. The development of a Composting Action Plan was designed to educate and guide small businesses, specifically restaurants located in the Village, by implementing a seamless transition from normal waste disposal to composting. Participants in the proposed curriculum will learn how they can deposit food in designated receptacles and become a composting-friendly community. Recommendations in this report include the development of a zero-waste curriculum for students in La Mesa and conducting a pilot survey to understand students’ existing exposure to the idea of zero waste. We also recommend examination of educational programs that are currently in place in schools around the nation. La Mesa city officials can improve the effectiveness of their zerowaste initiatives by understanding what has made other cities and communities successful in becoming more sustainable. Further research and application of these recommendations may benefit the environmental health of La Mesa and its residents.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
The Sage Project Contact Info
Kristofer Patron
Program Administrator
kpatron@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-0103
University Faculty Contact
Local Government / Community Contact