Learn how you can make a difference in the impact you have on the earth and the impact that others have as well, by becoming a waste wiser! In the Waste Wise education and volunteer training program, you will:
- Understand how our waste production contributes to global climate change
- Gain a better understanding of our global and local waste situation
- Explore where our products come from, our natural resource use, and manufacturing responsibility
- Learn what happens to our trash and recycling
- Know how to recycle right and why it is so important
- Learn ways to live with lower impact
- Find out about food waste
- Learn how to compost your kitchen and yard waste
- Understand the dangers of household hazardous waste and how to dispose of it properly
- Learn about and make alternative cleaning products
- Get ideas for reducing and reusing
- Be able to share your knowledge with others
Waste Wise training content is grounded in credible climate change and natural resources science relevant globally and locally within Island County, designed to equip each participant as an informed community educator. Participants will receive 20+ hours of *University-level training as well as additional hands-on and field trip opportunities.
*No previous university education required.[textblock bgcolor=”blue-lighter” title=”Application s and Fees” ]
Registration Instructions
- Please notify us so we can add you to the registration list. You will be sent a zoom link and additional information.
- Applications can be photocopied and emailed (ic.wastewise@wsu.edu) or mailed (406 North Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239).
- Course fees (which can be waived based on circumstances) can be mailed (406 North Main St, Coupeville, WA 98239). The $40 course fee which can be waived upon request.
Course Goals
Attendees will:
- Understand the relationship between consumption, waste production, and climate change
- Acquire tools to reduce consumption and impact
- Be inspired to share this vital knowledge with others
Training Schedule
This 8-week-session-series will run 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and offer an engaging format through virtual learning via Zoom. (Session titles are subject to change).
- 10/5 – Welcome Waste Wise students!
- 10/12 – The Crucial Point: Lowering your Impact
- 10/19 – What is Happening Outside our Sphere: Zero Waste Update
- 10/26 – Nature’s Bounty and Nature’s Recycling: Focus on Food Waste & Composting
- 11/2 – Recycling Right and the Problem with Plastic
- 11/9 – Recycling Pro Tips & Recycling Beyond the Curb
- 11/16 – Lighten the Footprint: Sustainable Travel & Eco-Fashion Tips and Trends
- 11/23 – No class this week due to Thanksgiving Holiday on 11/25
- 11/30 – Communicating With Your Community – Graduation!
Field trips may include tours of Island County Transfer Stations, Island Recycling, Lenz Compost, Recology, 21 Acres, and Cascade Recycling
The course fee for Waste Wise is $40, which helps to cover material costs.
To Volunteer or Not to Volunteer
There is no volunteer requirement for these classes as we prefer to have them available to all, and not everyone has the ability or desire to engage in volunteer activities. Additionally, whether a person is an active volunteer or not, they are sure to share their new knowledge, either directly or indirectly, with others. That said, we joyously welcome any who might wish to help support our Waste Wise activities throughout Island County by joining us as a volunteer.
Sustainability and Waste Wise Training
Contact us for more information and to be added to the registration list.
360-639-6062
Application Forms
2021 Application Main Form (pdf)
Volunteer Agreements 2021 (pdf)
Please complete and email to ic.wastewise@wsu.edu or mail to 406 N Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239