Project Clearinghouse

SVC Food-Waste Diversion Program

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

The SVC Food-Waste Diversion Program will purchase and deploy six indoor food-waste bins to establish a sustainable alternative to dumping food-waste in trash that leads to the landfill. This program will also measure the tonnage of waste diverted to evaluate how much demand exists at SVC, and determine if long-term funding is cost-effective at SVC's location.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | How to Join | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Buildings & Facilities
Awareness, Education & Engagement
Project Status: 
In Progress
Project End Date: 
05/02/2018
(estimated)
Campus Organization: 
Sustainability Office
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
Financial Affairs
Project Location: 
Off campus

Scotts Valley Center


Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressContact NumberDepartment
Scott Morley
smorley@ucsc.edu
831-459-1686
SBS
Cynthia von Bargen
cavonbar@ucsc.edu
831-459-4195
EMF
How to Join: 
Please email financialaffairsgreenteam@ucsc.edu to get involved.
Funding Sources: 
Carbon Fund
Sustainability Office

Project Description: 

This project would give everyone the opportunity to participate in the common goal of improving the environment. Due to the expensive housing situation in Santa Cruz, many renters (particularly students and those in poorer areas) have no way to compost at home; most landlords do not allow on-property composting. Starting a food-waste stream at SVC would give 400+ staff and students--no matter their race, financial position, or gender--a meaningful way to participate in a just and purposeful cause: helping save the environment.

1. Bulk purchase of goods. Designating FOAPALs for continued withdrawal of labor costs. Administrative coordination to pay involved parties (1 month following funding)
2. Installation of bins throughout building. (1-2 months following funding)
3. Education campaign about the bins, as well as continued measurement of amount of diverted food-waste. (3 months following funding)

Metrics for Success: 

We will weigh the waste that we offset to discover how much landfill diversion we are accomplishing.

Result Categories: 
Infrastructure/Built Environment
Behavior Change
Education/Outreach
Data Collection & Analysis
Results: 

Once our metrics from the full program are measured, we can present them to senior leadership to make the case for permanent operational funding.

Resources
Related Websites: 
Financial Affairs Green Team