Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, dives into the details of the innovative Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program. She explains how the program addresses the long-standing tradition of "can fairies" – students leaving cans on their lawns for others to collect – and the resulting litter problem, the program promotes cleaner, safer, and more sustainable practices within the community. It's a simple but effective solution: fill the box, not the lawn.

Nora describes the program's evolution from a proof of concept on one street to a growing initiative serving over 200 houses, diverting nearly 10,000 pounds of recyclables in just eight weeks. She shares the challenges of changing ingrained habits, the importance of data collection in demonstrating impact, and the program's ultimate goal of creating cleaner, more beautiful neighborhoods. Beyond simply collecting recyclables, the Can Fairy Program empowers residents to take ownership of their environmental impact and participate in a community-wide effort to promote sustainability. Plus, there's the added bonus of weekly prizes!

Episode in a glance

-The Can Fairy Project: A Curbside Recycling Program
-The University District
-Why is Recycling a Problem in the University District?
-The Can Fairy Origin Story
-From Proof of Concept to Pilot Program: How The Can Fairy Started
-Meeting Students Where They Are: Making Recycling Easy
-Data Collection and Program Growth
-The Goal of the Can Fairy Program
-How to Get Involved and Support the Can Fairy Program
-Tips for Sustainable Living from Nora

About Nora Gerber

Nora Gerber is a dedicated community leader and Executive Director of the University District Organization. Born and raised in Columbus, she has a deep passion for creating vibrant and resilient neighborhoods. Her work focuses on improving the quality of life for residents, promoting economic growth, and tackling unique challenges facing the University District. Nora believes in the power of hyper-local initiatives and community engagement to create positive change.

Connect with Nora Gerber and the University District Organization

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/universitydistrict
• Website → https://www.universitydistrict.org/

Send us a message!

Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, shares her journey from growing up in Columbus to leading hyper-local initiatives that are making a real difference. Nora's deep connection to Columbus has fueled her desire to make a positive impact. She talks about her early experiences growing up, her studies in Public Affairs and Spanish at Ohio State, and her involvement in the early days of GiveBackHack and how she found her way to the University District Organization. Nora's diverse background, which includes working in workforce development, community engagement, and even driving Mobile City Hall for the city, has given her a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of urban sustainability. She emphasizes the importance of accessibility and community pride in creating vibrant and resilient neighborhoods.

Episode in a glance

- Who is Nora Gerber?
- What is the University District?
- A Love for Hyper-Local Initiatives
- Studying Public Affairs and Spanish
- An Interest in Community and Sustainability
- Joining the University District Organization
- The Can Fairy Program: A Unique Approach to Recycling
- Parks, Public Art, and Community Outreach

About Nora Gerber

Nora Gerber is a dedicated community leader and Executive Director of the University District Organization. Born and raised in Columbus, she has a deep passion for creating vibrant and resilient neighborhoods. Her work focuses on improving the quality of life for residents, promoting economic growth, and tackling unique challenges facing the University District. Nora believes in the power of hyper-local initiatives and community engagement to create positive change.

Connect with Nora Gerber and the University District Organization

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/universitydistrict
• Website → https://www.universitydistrict.org/

Send us a message!

Tyler Bonner, founder and CEO of Zero Waste Event Productions, takes us behind the scenes of his innovative social enterprise, which is transforming the way we think about waste at outdoor events. He describes the company's unique approach to waste management, highlighting the use of portable conveyor belts for efficient and safe sorting, and the importance of engaging attendees in the process. Since its inception, Zero Waste Event Productions has diverted nearly one million pounds of waste from landfills, demonstrating the significant impact of their efforts.

Tyler discusses the challenges of working with different event organizers and the strategies he uses to maximize waste diversion rates. He also shares impressive statistics on the company's impact, its future plans, and the development of an app and other tools to empower other organizations to adopt zero-waste practices.

Episode in a glance

-Zero Waste Event Productions: Mission and Services
-The Magic of the Portable Conveyor Belt
-Achieving Zero Waste at Events
-The Event Organizer's Journey with Zero Waste Event Productions
-Zero Waste Event Productions Impact and Statistics
-Leading a Team and Managing Multiple Events
-Pivoting During the Pandemic: The Plastic Shop
-The Volunteer Experience
-A Simple Takeaway: Pick Up After Yourself
-The Future of Zero Waste Event Productions

About Tyler Bonner

Tyler Bonner is the founder and CEO of Zero Waste Event Productions, a company dedicated to promoting sustainability at outdoor events. His passion for the environment, cultivated through a degree in ecotourism adventure travel and his work with AmeriCorps, has led him to develop innovative solutions for waste management and community engagement.

Connect with Tyler Bonner & his work

Rural Action Website → http://ruralaction.org/

Zero Waste Event Productions → https://zerowastefest.com/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/zerowaste_ep/

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/zerowasteeventproductions/

Send us a message!