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About Waste Wise Volunteers

Posted by Joyce Crosthwaite | February 26, 2014

Filling a Need

Waste Wise Volunteers come from all walks of life and share the conviction that we must care for these beautiful islands to protect our quality of life. That includes generating less waste and living more sustainably.  We do this by learning to reduce, re-use and recycle our garbage, and by composting as much yard waste as possible and returning the nutrients to the land.

Waste Wise was formed in 1992 and originally called Waste Warriors. It is a volunteer organization administered by Washington State University Extension for Island County. Volunteers receive classroom training and field trips, learning techniques for reducing solid waste. In return, they agree to give back 25 hours of community service in sharing what they’ve learned.

In its 24 years of operation, the program has trained many dedicated and talented volunteers from a rich variety of backgrounds. They include airline pilots, medical doctors, students, retirees, construction workers, chemists and caterers.

What Waste Wise Volunteers Do

Waste Wise Volunteers share ideas and techniques with the community in a variety of educational and pratical ways, including:

  • Annual training sessions on Camano and Whidbey Islands
  • Classes – Adult and general community outreach education
  • Educational Outreach Displays
  • Booths at fairs and festivals
  • Waste Reduction support at community events
  • Composting demonstration sites at Admiralty Head Lighthouse and Good Cheer Garden
  • School programs
  • Presentations to businesses
  • Service-club speakers
  • Brochures and educational materials

Classes and Demonstrations

Waste Wise training is conducted on Whidbey Island and Camano Island. For dates and details, please contact Sara Bergquist, program manager and educator at (360) 678-7974 or by email at ic.wastewise@wsu.edu

Composting demonstration sites are located next to the Admiralty Head Lighthouse on the grounds of Fort Casey State Park and at the Good Cheer Garden in Bayview. The public may view several types of composting systems in service and consider the pros and cons of each.  For an educational tour of the Admiralty Head Lighthouse Compost Trail contact ic.wastewise@wsu.edu

Log in for volunteer hours reporting 

To learn about volunteer opportunities happening in 2018 go to the Waste Wise Volunteer Page