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The next training will be in June 2026
Learn what can and can’t be recycled, and why, along with how individual actions can make a difference with climate change by becoming a WSU Sustainable Community Steward. Become more engaged in your local community by enrolling in this fall’s training sessions.
Those who sign up will receive university-level training grounded in climate change science relevant both within Snohomish County and globally. The training is designed to help people become informed community educators, preparing for a volunteer commitment of at least 3 events per year A combination of engaging classroom presentations and discussions paired with behind-the-scenes field trips highlight this educational and community engagement opportunity.
Classes take place at the WSU Snohomish County Extension office at Willis Tucker Park, 6705 Puget Park Dr., Snohomish.
The spring training series is 5 – 6 weeks long with weekday field trips and evening classes.
Training includes an overview of environmental sustainability and climate change solutions with a deep dive into waste reduction and proper recycling. Presentations on environmental justice, food waste prevention, and recycling are featured as well as home composting and DIY cleaning product demonstrations. Classes will feature speakers from WSU Extension, Republic Services, Cedar Grove Compost, Zero Waste Washington, and more.
Learn how to apply the new knowledge during volunteer events and be an environmental advocate in your daily life. Field trips to the WM Cascade Recycling Facility, Cedar Grove Compost, and a Snohomish County transfer station are included.
The spring course costs $35, with accommodations and fee-waivers are available upon request. WSU Snohomish County Extension programs are open to all without discrimination.
Community Educators
Once trained, volunteers then give back to the community by sharing what they learned through various events, projects and activities. Sustainable Community Stewards pledge to volunteer a minimum of 30 hours in one year.
One 2023 Sustainable Community Steward had this to say at the end of last year’s training, “I have loved this class! I am so much more aware of my impacts now. I think each day about what changes I can make and have made since I started the training. Great perspective, and new friends. Looking forward to the volunteer opportunities.”
Volunteer opportunities include: Running Repair Cafes, where attendees bring broken items to be fixed; helping event participants sort their trash into the recycling, compost, and landfill bins; special recycling events such as collecting Styrofoam; our educational, quertly newsletter; workshops on household hazardous waste, upcycling and more!
For more info, contact Kellee.byard@wsu.edu or call 425-357-6027
Potential topics covered in the Sustainable Community Stewards training.
- Sustainability 101
- Recycling Right and Waste Diversion
- Zero Waste Legislative Update and Tips
- Food Waste Prevention
- Backyard Composting
- Renewable Energy
- Water Conservation
- Project Drawdown
- Our Plastic Problem
- The Circular Economy and Systems of Reuse
- Environmental Justice
- Communicating with your Community – Graduation!