We all work hard to engage our communities and educate them on best practices and local programs for recycling and solid waste management. But have you ever considered asking community members to educate and encourage each other?

That is just what Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) did for its Organics Recycling Program. Soon after the program was implemented, CMSD worked with local doctoral candidate Sally Geislar at the University of California, Irvine to conduct a behavioral study examining the separation of food scraps.

"The study showed that residents are more likely to participate in separating food waste into a designated waste bin if they know that their neighbors are doing so as well," said Gina Terraneo of CMSD. As a result of the study, CMSD now works to integrate this concept into its public communications. Gina adds, "By sharing tips and strategies used by actual community members, we are providing practical guidance while reinforcing the concept that this green behavior is in fact a norm that the community has adopted."

Read more about CMSD's efforts below and find the link to read the great responses they received from neighbors in Costa Mesa. Eco Partners would love to work with you to help make green behavior the norm and spread the word about your programs and education efforts like those used by Costa Mesa. Please give me a call.
Keep on educating and engaging!

Elizabeth Roe
Eco Partners Inc.
317-450-3346 
eroe@ecopartnersinc.com
Neighborly Food Recycling Tips
After learning that residents are more likely to participate in separating food waste if they believe their neighbors are too, Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) asked the community to share tips to help neighbors recycle food waste. This input was solicited via their community newsletter, Living Green, a publication produced by Eco Partners, Inc. for CMSD. Readers were asked to submit their ideas via email to the District. CMSD also received some input from community members on social media posts promoting the Organics Recycling Program.

According to Gina Terraneo of CMSD, "Neighbors who respond typically provide detailed information and sometimes photos depicting how they store their food waste until collection day." Thanks to the success of this effort, CMSD is continuing to solicit more tips and suggestions from residents.

CMSD also implemented a “Sustainability Hero of the Month” program to feature environmentally friendly businesses, public figures, and community members on social media. "Heroes" are nominated by a neighbor so CMSD can shine a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to protect the environment.

Read the great food waste ideas Costa Mesa neighbors shared with each other here.

Photo credit: svetikd | E+ | Getty Images Plus
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