Internship: Zero-Waste K-Ville Coordinator

Timeline

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

Description

Affiliated programs: Green Devils Intern Program

Summary: Managed by student interns, Zero-waste K-Ville is an engagement initiative meant to connect the K-Ville and basketball community with responsible personal waste management skills. Coordinators work with fleets of volunteers during basketball tailgates to help basketball supporters sort compost and recycling from landfill waste and infuse sustainability into the culture of K-Ville tenting.

Goal: 1) Divert compostables and recyclables generated from K-Ville tenting and games away from landfills. 2) Engage with tenters to build a culture of responsible personal waste management and shift culture towards sustainable practices.

Experience and Learning Outcomes: This project was part of the year-long paid Green Devils internship managed by Sustainable Duke. Student leaders developed resources to communicate responsible personal waste management and educate community members about how to utilize compost, recycling, and trash streams effectively. They also worked with teams of volunteers to educate and engage with students directly, thus significantly reducing the amount of landfill waste generated during the tailgates before the games. Additionally, volunteers and tailgaters gained new skills in waste management.

Recommendations: The student interns recommend improving collaboration with line monitors and Duke Athletics staff to streamline waste sorting efforts. Another recommendation includes potentially expanding the program to divert more types of tenting materials from the landfill at the end of the season and collaborating with Durham organizations to rehome items like tents, chairs, etc.

Student Interns: Emily Nagamoto and Bianca Wertheimer

Intern Supervisor: Sophia Masciarelli, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator (Sustainable Duke)