SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Course Outline

West Valley College

2015

 

 


Introduction

Welcome to the Introductory Course on Sustainable Resource Management. This course covers the 25 principles, or student learning outcomes (SLO’s), identified by the National Standards Certification Board of the NRC. More information can be found at: https://nrcrecycles.org/national-standards-certification-board/.

The Introduction to Sustainable Resource Management (SRM) course has been designed to provide information on the policies, programs and infrastructure that support Zero Waste. Dependence on natural resources continues to grow at an unsustainable pace. Through SRM, both communities and businesses can support the reduction of wasted resources and materials and work to create a green economy.

The goal of SRM is to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost as a means to achieving Zero Waste. But, Zero Waste is not just about preserving precious resources. The implications of landfilling and incineration go far beyond just burying valuable resources. These practices also contaminate the air, water and land, and they contribute significantly to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

In 1970, the phrase “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” was coined during the first Earth Day. Despite the fact that this phrase is highly recognized, not all aspects of the phrase are well understood or well practiced. Yes, Americans recycle! Yes, many Americans participate in reuse! But the fact is, that the “reduce” part of the phrase has been neglected to the point that most don’t even realize it is the first and most important part of the equation. This Country consumes and produces more now than ever. Much of these products contain chemicals, toxins and heavy metals that pollute the environment and our bodies. The good news is that through effective SRM strategies, businesses and communities can begin to look upstream at new practices and product redesign, that: reduce toxins; reduce the extraction and dependence of resources; reduce disposal; and reduce the harmful impacts to animals, people and the planet.

This course will look at upstream practices that reduce waste during the manufacturing and distribution of products, as well as downstream practices to collect, reuse, recycle and compost materials once they have been discarded. Additionally, the course will look at the impacts to the economy and job creation connected to SRM. According to a report by the Centers of Excellence (CoE), as well as numerous other national studies, Recycling and Resource Management (or Materials Management) is a field of high job growth. The report by CoE estimates 14,000 new jobs could be created over the next two years in California alone. A national study estimates 1.5 million new jobs by recycling 75% of all waste. These jobs depend on reducing disposal and returning more materials back into the economy through reuse and recycling.

David, so you want something in here to tie to:“Doing What Matter for Jobs and the Economy”.

 

Lesson #1: Introduction to Sustainable Resource Management (SRM) – PART 1

Lesson Description

Understand how and why Sustainable Resource Management (SRM) is the foundation for solving the issue of resource depletion facing our planet.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #2: Introduction to Sustainable Resource Management (SRM) – PART 2

Lesson Description

Learn the various technical terms associated with Sustainable Resource Management (SRM) and identify the hierarchy of existing systems needed to achieve Zero Waste

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #3: History of Solid Waste Management

Lesson Description

Understand the practices and laws that have led to the establishment of the modern-day waste management systems in California.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #4: Collection Systems

Lesson Description

Gain insight into the various systems needed to collect resources from residential, commercial and industrial establishments.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #5: SRM System Infrastructure

Lesson Description

Understand the infrastructure, design, and systems needed to process waste and recyclables, maximize diversion and reduce material disposal.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #6: Understand the Basics of Commodities and Their Markets

Lesson Description

Understand the basics of how facilities sort, process and market commodities to secondary markets.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:


Lesson #7: Conducting a Waste Audit

Lesson Description

Learn the steps to conduct a waste analysis

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #8: Tracking, Measurement, and Analysis

Lesson Description

Understand why developing baseline data, measurement and tracking are critical to effective strategies to reduce waste and save businesses money. Learn the steps to right-size waste and recycling services. Be provided basic information on how to analyze the captured data and create action plans for businesses based on the information.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 

 

Lesson #9: Introduction to Zero Waste

Lesson Description

Zero Waste Businesses are leading the way to Zero Waste and have diverted over 90% of their waste from landfill and incineration. Zero Waste Communities have adopted Zero Waste goals and plans to implement those goals. Through lecture, group discussion and interactive activities students will be introduced to:

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #10: Developing Zero waste Community Plans

Lesson Description

Through lecture, group discussion and activity, students will learn how communities working to pursue Zero Waste often develop Zero Waste Plans to identify an approach that is embraced by residents, businesses, service providers and other stakeholders in the community. This lesson will discuss key elements of the Zero Waste planning process, including:

 

This class will review sample Zero Waste Community plans and will discuss the basic approach communities have taken to developing Zero Waste Plans.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #11: Zero Waste Market Development

Lesson Description

Through lecture, group discussion and activities students will learn:

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #12: Introduction to Zero Waste Businesses

Lesson Description

This lesson provides an introduction to developing Zero Waste plans for businesses. Students will focus on leadership, total participation and increasing efficiency and the bottom-line. Understand why businesses pursue Zero Waste (history and background)

 

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #13: Introduction to Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility

Lesson Description

Learn the various definitions and recognize the importance of Product Stewardships and Producer Responsibility policies and programs for achieving Zero Waste

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #14: Zero Waste Economics

Lesson Description

Understand various economic issues required to successfully implement Sustainable Resource Management and how Zero Waste can work to grow local economies, including:

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #15: Introduction to Organics

Lesson Description

This lesson provides an introduction to the organic fraction of the waste stream which comprises a third of all disposed materials. Through lecture, slides and group discussion students will:

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #16: Organics Programs and Facilities

Lesson Description

This lesson provides an overview of organics collection programs and composting facilities. Through lecture, slides, group discussion, and hands on activities, students will:

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #17: Commercial Organics Programs

Lesson Description

This lesson will describe a variety of commercial organics collection and processing programs. Through lecture, group discussion, and slides students will:

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #18: Construction Debris Best Management Practices

Lesson Description

Learn about the various material types and systems which are classified as Construction and Demolition or more commonly referred to as “C&D”.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #19: U.S. Zero Waste Business Council and Facility Rating Systems

Lesson Description

The USZWBC has developed a Zero Waste Business Facility Certification. This lesson will share important information about the different business certification programs and how the definition of Zero Waste is key to creating a true Zero Waste business model.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #20: Greenhouse Gas Connections to Sustainable Resource Management

Lesson Description

Through lecture, group discussion and activity students will:

 

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Lesson #21: Developing Outreach Strategies to Enhance SRM Programs and Practices

Lesson Description

Learn about the various forms of outreach activities and how to use these activities to create effective campaign strategies aimed at enhancing individual sustainable actions and habits

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: