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Development of a Community-Driven Waste Reduction Education and Action Program
Summary
Researchers developed and implemented a community-driven waste reduction education program along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, incorporating modules on microplastics in watersheds and food waste reduction. The program used hands-on activities and citizen science approaches to engage community members in understanding and addressing local waste management challenges. Evidence indicates that participants showed increased knowledge and motivation to reduce waste behaviors after completing the program.
Mismanaged and excessive waste has adverse effects on natural environments, economies, and human health. To address these waste issues, the Sustainability with Awareness and Prevention Solutions Program was developed and implemented in communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast (USA) with the aim to provide the knowledge and actions needed to reduce or eliminate mismanaged and excessive waste. The program uses four educational modules focused on (1) microplastics in the watershed, (2) food waste, (3) single-use plastics, and (4) involvement in community prevention and removal programs. The program curriculum was written to meet education standards in Mississippi for 5th grade gifted, 6–8th grades, and 9–12th grades, and can be easily adapted to other states’ curriculums. The program provides material incentives to participants so knowledge learned can immediately be translated to behavior change. The program is continually being developed to find the best methods to implement behavior change at multiple scales.