The Waste Wise page is available as a resource and point of connection for all community members. The Waste Wise Program offers education to all, on the topics of sustainability and waste reduction, including climate and waste, composting, household hazardous wastes, proper recycling, and more. Community members can participate in classes for their own infromation and use, or they can become volunteers to share their new knowledge with others. Waste Wise Volunteers come from all walks of life and share the conviction that we must care for these beautiful islands to protect our quality of life. That includes keeping our reducing our climate impact, keeping our water clean, and generating less waste. We do this by learning to reduce, re-use, and recycle our garbage, and composting as much yard waste as possible, returning the nutrients to the soil. Waste Wise was formed in 1992 and originally called Waste Warriors. It is a program administered by Washington State University Extension for Island County. In its 29 years of operation, the program has educated many community members and trained many dedicated and talented volunteers from a rich variety of backgrounds. They include airline pilots, medical doctors, students, retirees, construction workers, chemists and caterers. What does Waste Wise teach:
The Climate and Waste Connection
Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Rot, and Recycle
Household Hazardous waste safe management
Alternative cleaning options
Composting and Vermicomposting
Zero waste living
Waste Wise Volunteers share ideas and techniques with the community in a variety of educational and practical ways, including:
Annual training sessions on Camano and Whidbey Islands
Classes – community education and schools
Displays
Hard-to-Recycle Collection and Exchange events
Booths at fairs and festivals
Recycle bins at community events
Composting demonstration sites at Admiralty Head Lighthouse
School programs
Presentations to businesses
Service-club speakers
Articles
Brochures and educational materials
Contact WSU Extension Waste Wise Island County to learn more about how you can preserve and maintain our beautiful islands.
