Zero Waste Education Workshops
Registration Now Open for 2024/25
Since 2017, AWARE has delivered FREE Zero Waste Education Workshops in classrooms throughout the region on behalf of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD). The workshops are designed to be interactive, fun and engaging, with students learning practical waste reduction and sorting skills that can be easily integrated into everyday routines.
The presenters cover important topics including plastic pollution, composting and Extended Producer Responsibility. Often the most exciting and engaging part is the zero waste challenge, where students and teachers work together to create as little waste as possible over the course of several days, and often many classes setup new systems and signage to improve waste diversion within their classroom.
The Zero Waste Education Workshops aim to:
- Increase knowledge and awareness of what ‘Zero Waste’ is and its importance.
- Highlight the current scale of waste issues globally and in students’ local communities.
- Build understanding of key actions we can take to reduce waste and keep items out of landfills.
- Empower students to become zero waste champions in their homes, schools, and communities.
“We loved the two-part workshop. My class was very motivated by the challenge and it prompted rich, meaningful conversations about waste and caring for our planet”
– Grade 4 Teacher, Garibaldi Highlands Elementary
As of September 2024, we have delivered workshops to 339 school groups, engaging over 7800 students in zero waste action in the communities of Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, D’Arcy, Mount Currie and Lillooet.
Workshop Registration
We prioritize bookings for Grade 4, 7, and 10 classes, as we believe this targeted approach will enhance the program’s long-term impact. However, we welcome bookings from other grades as space permits. Workshops are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so please register early. If you can’t find a date or time that matches your availability, we encourage you to sign up for the waitlist to be notified about any new workshops that become available.
Formats
OPTION 1: One Full-length Workshop + Interactive Activities. A one-time 45-60 minute presentation with interactive components and discussions. Follow-up activities are available by request to help students digest key messages.
OPTION 2: Two Shorter Workshops + Zero Waste Student Challenge. A two-part workshop consisting of two shorter sessions (30-40 minutes each) with a teacher-led ‘Zero Waste’ challenge for the class to complete between the two workshops. The Zero Waste Educator will provide instructions and materials for the challenge, with results followed up in the second session. Please note: Option 2 has limited availability due to the additional travel commitments required and is not available in the Lillooet area at this time.
How To Register
To register, click the community your school is located in, select a date and time, and then your preferred format.
If booking the two-part workshop, the Zero Waste Educator will book the second workshop with you directly. We aim to deliver the second workshop approximately two weeks after the first.
Squamish Whistler Pemberton & Electoral Area C Lillooet & Electoral Area B
For Lillooet: dates will be released in the New Year – please register your interest through the waitlist.
Teachers whose classes are not Grade 4, 7, or 10, but are interested in a workshop please sign up to be added to our waitlist.
This Is Why We Do What We Do
When we asked students what they will do to reduce their waste, they responded with the following pledges:
“Say ‘no’ to things I don’t need.”
– Garibaldi Highlands Elementary Student, Grade 2/3 Classroom
“Eat less things with plastic packaging.“
– Ecole de Pemberton Student, Grade 4/5/6 Classroom
“Use reusable bags, straws and containers.“
– Ecole de Pemberton Student, Grade 4/5/6 Classroom
“Make sure everyone in my house recycles properly.”
– Spring Creek Elementary, Grade 7 Classroom
It’s a success story with the teachers too:
“I really enjoyed the graphics, photos and the questions throughout for students to answer. Students who have trouble concentrating said that they never lost attention because they were so interested.”
– Garibaldi Highlands Elementary Teacher
“I love having this presentation as it gives our class lots to talk about after the presentation and how we can reduce waste in our class.“
– Ecole de Pemberton Teacher
“My students were so engaged and had so many questions about which items are and are not recyclable or compostable. They were motivated to bring change to their families and educate their parents.“
– Spring Creek Elementary Teacher
Questions? Get in touch.
Please email: slrdzerowaste@gmail.com
