, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
2A. Greening (Skills assessed: research, public event planning, project planning, integration
of ideas)
Project Title:
“Zero-Waste Neighborhood Challenge: A Public Event to Address Household Food Waste and
Climate Change”
i. Background to the Problem
Household food waste is a significant environmental problem that directly contributes to climate
change. When food waste is sent to landfill, it decomposes anaerobically and produces methane, a
greenhouse gas (GHG) that is more than 25 times potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period
(IPCC 2018). According to Villavicencio Calzadilla (2021, p. 17), current consumption and
production patterns are major drivers of GHG emissions, yet SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
Production) fails to address the need to reduce excessive consumption in wealthy countries. In my
community, young people are affected by this issue not only through the climate impacts of food
waste (e.g., extreme weather events, heatwaves) but also through the economic burden of wasted
food in their households. Many young people feel powerless because they lack the resources or
knowledge to intervene in household purchasing and disposal habits. This project aims to address
that gap by empowering youth as leaders in reducing food waste at the neighborhood level.
ii. A Physical Intervention / Interdisciplinary Public Event to Address the Problem
What is it?
The project is a one-day “Zero-Waste Neighborhood Challenge” – a physical, hands-on public event
held in a local community center or school gymnasium. The event combines environmental science,
behavioral psychology, and creative arts to reduce household food waste. It includes:
A food waste audit station where participants weigh and categorize their weekly household
food waste (brought from home in labeled bags).
A meal preparation workshop led by a local chef, teaching how to use “ugly” vegetables, stems,
and leftovers.
A DIY composting demonstration using small indoor bins with worms (vermicomposting).
A commitment wall where families sign a pledge to reduce food waste by 50% over one month,
with follow-up support via text reminders.
What does it entail?
The event entails direct physical intervention in the waste stream (auditing and composting) as well
as behavioral change strategies (pledges, reminders, cooking skills). It addresses the root cause of
food waste at the household level rather than simply calling for efficiency improvements, which
Villavicencio Calzadilla (2021, p. 18) argues are insufficient without transforming overall
consumption patterns.
2A. Greening (Skills assessed: research, public event planning, project planning, integration
of ideas)
Project Title:
“Zero-Waste Neighborhood Challenge: A Public Event to Address Household Food Waste and
Climate Change”
i. Background to the Problem
Household food waste is a significant environmental problem that directly contributes to climate
change. When food waste is sent to landfill, it decomposes anaerobically and produces methane, a
greenhouse gas (GHG) that is more than 25 times potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period
(IPCC 2018). According to Villavicencio Calzadilla (2021, p. 17), current consumption and
production patterns are major drivers of GHG emissions, yet SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and
Production) fails to address the need to reduce excessive consumption in wealthy countries. In my
community, young people are affected by this issue not only through the climate impacts of food
waste (e.g., extreme weather events, heatwaves) but also through the economic burden of wasted
food in their households. Many young people feel powerless because they lack the resources or
knowledge to intervene in household purchasing and disposal habits. This project aims to address
that gap by empowering youth as leaders in reducing food waste at the neighborhood level.
ii. A Physical Intervention / Interdisciplinary Public Event to Address the Problem
What is it?
The project is a one-day “Zero-Waste Neighborhood Challenge” – a physical, hands-on public event
held in a local community center or school gymnasium. The event combines environmental science,
behavioral psychology, and creative arts to reduce household food waste. It includes:
A food waste audit station where participants weigh and categorize their weekly household
food waste (brought from home in labeled bags).
A meal preparation workshop led by a local chef, teaching how to use “ugly” vegetables, stems,
and leftovers.
A DIY composting demonstration using small indoor bins with worms (vermicomposting).
A commitment wall where families sign a pledge to reduce food waste by 50% over one month,
with follow-up support via text reminders.
What does it entail?
The event entails direct physical intervention in the waste stream (auditing and composting) as well
as behavioral change strategies (pledges, reminders, cooking skills). It addresses the root cause of
food waste at the household level rather than simply calling for efficiency improvements, which
Villavicencio Calzadilla (2021, p. 18) argues are insufficient without transforming overall
consumption patterns.
