students get to the bottom of improving recycling methods with VCPWA for America Recycles Day
The Californer/10052553

VENTURA, Calif. - Californer -- Small changes make a big difference in the environment, especially with regards to waste management and the way the community recycles. In preparation for VCPWA's participation in America Recycles Day, Nov. 18-19, students from an Ojai-based enrichment program visited the Integrated Waste Management Division to learn about ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

As a way to reduce waste in schools, students went about measuring their waste and taking steps such as composting and recycling to reduce waste. As they researched, they became more curious and concerned that their efforts may be pointless if a large proportion of their recycling is just thrown into landfills. This led them to reach out to environmental resource analyst, David Goldstein, for the truth on where Ventura County's recycling goes and how we can maximize our efforts to conserve resources.

Students filmed and interviewed VCPWA's David Goldstein, asking questions such as what systems are in place to help the community understand the importance of recycling, what items can be recycled, and what other schools do to improve recycling efforts.

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"This process was not only insightful but also empowering for the young environmental activists," said Natasha Efross. "Goldstein provided answers to our questions that were not always simple or what we expected, but they gave students clear next steps to take on their path to completing a relevant environmental project for their community."

Additionally, students were guided through a vermicompost demonstration at VCPWA's compost demonstration site. They learned an effective and environmentally friendly way for the community to recycle food scraps.

"It's so important to educate our youth about the importance of recycling, and I enjoyed the opportunity to be interviewed by the students at the Ojai Charter School. We encourage small changes to make a difference in our community," said David Goldstein, Administrator of Ventura County Recycling Market Development Zone, coordinated by the VCPWA.

As part of America Recycles Day, VCPWA is coordinating a collection event, Nov. 18-19 at the Hall of Administration during normal business hours to encourage the community to incorporate better recycling habits into daily routines. Residents can drop off gently used shoes, prescription eyeglasses, non-expired car seats and twin-size blankets where they will be donated to Soles4Souls, Lions Recycle For Sight Program, and RAIN Transitional Living Center. An electronic waste recycling event, sponsored by General Services Agency, will also be held during that time.

For more information about how to recycle and reduce your carbon footprint, visit https://www.vcpublicworks.org/wsd/iwmd/.