What I’ve learned: Sara

Ultimately, I’ve learned that it is much easier to ask: “Why don’t they simply implement a composting program?” or to say “everyone should compost and recycle,” than it is to actually make it happen. A great idea isn’t a great idea until it is feasible, scalable, and actionable. It requires context, an opportunity, and unfortunately, most importantly, capital. It is hard to get an idea off the ground, and with so many people trying to find solutions to our global social issues, it has become a competitive field. I find this ironic.

I also learnt that support and stakeholder engagement are critical factors in the success of a program or initiative. We assume, as students who are taking a course on social innovation, that everyone will want to be on board for positive change. Unfortuantely, this is not true. MANY MANY people do not understand the issues our world is facing, in my case, particularly, those issues that are environmental. I don’t understand why there is such an information gap, but there is, and it’s large. Support is very hard to achieve, but it’s because people’s values and beliefs are even harder to change. Watching Annie Leonard’s video, “The Story of Stuff,” taught me to look at the supply chain in an entirely different way. I think twice before I buy something, and three times before I throw something away. I am so aware now of the mass consumption in the the world, that I have an acquired a sixth sense. I hope to use my business skills, and my passion for sustainability, to fast forward the adoption of environmental awareness and change.

I have learned that everyone has something valuable to offer. You may think you know something, until you get someone else’s opinion on it. There are often a lot of underlying reasons and factors behind our social issues, and each time I talked to an individual or professional in the field, I gained a new perspective and insight. I appreciate everything I have taken out of this course; if you truly want to learn something, or to make a difference, the world is begging you to do just that.

What I’ve Learned: Kelly

In participating in this project, I’ve discovered how many people are willing to give up the fancy office and yearly bonuses in order to bring some light into such growing problem. And it wasn’t as easy as I thought. Even when trying to find solutions ourselves, I learned that there really is a lack of education out there; I myself learned a few- make that a lot of things that I didn’t know about before, especially about the effects of waste and the ease of composting. It really makes me wonder why the government, the media, and the corporations have not done more to expose this problem and try to get the general community to contribute to the solution. Yes, we hear about global warming and the lack of adequate food sources in the third world countries, but do we really hear about the true ways of mitigating this problem?

I’ve learned that waste is everywhere- more than I’ve ever noticed before. I begin to think twice about grabbing extra napkins, using straws in my drinks, and using non-recycable take out containers. I’ve even caught myself throwing recyclable containers away, only to have the guilt eat away at me and as a result, I’ve gone back into the garbage to take them back out.

I’ve learned that there are over 163 items that are compostable, many of which I throw out each and everyday. Laundry lint and fur- who knew? I do now- and rest assured, I will be starting my own backyard compost soon.

Lastly, I’ve discovered just how close we are in getting SFU to participate in novel programs to reduce waste. Audits are already in place for our own composting program, and many seem to really like the idea of food rescue. It’s possible, and it’s hopefully going to be put into action. And in the end, I hope that I can say that I was part of the soltution.

What I’ve Learned: Amanda

Waste Management is not something i even thought of before my third year of University. Now, I am not only concerned for my future, but for the future of my future children and grandchildren. As the population grows, the landspace grows smaller and the waste accumulates, it makes me fear the future and sparks so many unanswered questions in my mind.

I have learned that most people are lazy. Waste reduction, composting and recycling will never become prevalent unless it is made really simple and easy for all to use. Whatever solution society comes up with for managing our trash, it must be simple, accessible and an easy transition for all members of society for it to be successful. I never thought i would feel guilty when unnecessarily using a straw, taking an extra napkin, or purchasing pre-packaged cheese. However, i know this guilt is for the better. I now go the mall with a big purse, this way when purchasing an item i can ask for “No Bag, please” and simple shove the item into my purse- savings one plastic/paper bag at time!

Since we went down the Composting path, i became even more aware of my trashy ways. My family does not have a garberator, which is one way to eliminate trash and we took down our rat infested compost box years ago. As a family of five we are contributing more than our fair share of curbside trash and we need to think seriously about how we are affecting our planet.

This project has taught me some fantastic research techniques, has introduced me to the world of blogging, and has given me insight on how i can live the rest of my life and feel good about reducing, reusing and reycling.

What I’ve Learned: Zain

Over the past 6 weeks we’ve tossed around a lot of ideas about what to do to make a difference in our community. One of the first things that I learned was that it’s not as easy as people think…..especially when you are trying to think of a novel solution. It’s also interesting to see what type of problems people put the most weight on. We all had a different idea of what we could do to solve the problem of waste management, and we evolved from a simple recycling idea that may not have gained much ground, to a more substantial composting plan that is easy enough for everyone to do and beneficial enough for businesses to adopt. We also learned how to balance our time such that we would be able to maximize our production when we met up. Speaking to different people taught me that I’ll also have to think outside of the box when I start my own career. There are many issues to be dealt with (such as waste management) that may be outside of the scope of the job description. I’ve also noticed that I’m caring a lot more about what’s going on in the environment. I’m noticing little things…things that can be recycled, things that can be composted….and I’m also starting a compost in my own back yard. It has been an enlightening experience, and while it was more work than I thought it would be, it was worth it because I can now say that I have not only helped the planet by starting my own compost, but I have the knowledge to educate others and help them do what I am already doing now.

Trash-talkin’ Take-aways

Are we running out of space? Is this even safe? Where can we put the rising amounts of garbage in the centuries to come? How are we going to change people’s actions, let alone their perceptions?

This kind of thinking has fuelled our interest in the topic of waste management, and has pushed us to learn in ways we would have never imagined. Through interviews, videos, extensive reading and research, we “Trashbusters” have developed a sixth sense – one that spots waste, and sparks solutions (although, not always feasible), everywhere we go.

With a newfound knowledge, from resource extraction, to manufacturing, to the eventual act of packaging (who really needs goods wrapped in plastic, then put in a container, then wrapped in plastic again, and THEN put into a plastic bag?!?!), our guilt for consumption has become unanimous. “Trashbusters” never knew (let alone thought), that a lot of our recycling efforts (literally) go to waste: Tetrapaks are not truly recyclable, computers and e-waste often get shipped to landfills in China, and the recycling process still requires significant amounts of energy and valuable resources to work.

All of these misconceptions have led us to believe that putting our waste to an end means putting  our consumption to an end. Cutting back on waste is not hard, if everyone pools their efforts; so why aren’t we all reducing our waste already?

A solution isn’t the answer until it becomes “more effective, efficient, sustainable, or just than existing solutions and for which the value created accrues primarily to society as a whole rather than private individuals” (Phills et Al, 2008). We never knew all the criteria necessary to make it work – opportunity, people, and capital, in the right amount, at the right time. As we’ve spent the past weeks talking to people in the areas of food courts, recycling depots, compost facilities, and innovation councils, “Trashbusters” looks forward to your feedback and support in transforming our concept (see our “Solutions” page), into a successful and sustainable practice!