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  • Photo courtesy of the Wagner Free Institute of Science

This century-old Philly institution is a leader in Zero Waste

The Wagner Free Institute of Science is leading the way in Zero Waste education and creative waste diversion

To promote Zero Waste best practices and knowledge-sharing across the city, the Zero Waste and Litter Cabinet is sitting down with members of the Zero Waste Partnership Program to discuss their goals and achievements.

Recently, we sat down with Don Azuma, site manager at the Wagner Free Institute of Science in North Philadelphia. Founded 165 years ago, the Institute is one of the earliest free adult science education programs in the United States. The Institute’s main attractions are its over 100,000 natural history specimens and a broad selection of science education programs. However, thanks to Don, the Institute is also a case study in creative waste diversion.

Don enrolled the Wagner Free Institute of Science in the Zero Waste Partnership Program as a Silver Partner in September of 2019. We had the opportunity to speak with Don about the myriad of ways he diverts waste away from the landfill – including tricky materials like bound books and bike frames – and hear his vision of Wagner’s role in Zero Waste education.

Site manager Don Azuma holds up an old bike frame, which he will bring to Neighborhood Bike Works in West Philadelphia for repair and reuse.
Photo courtesy of the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

What motivated you to join the Partnership Program?

Years ago, I received a directive from the Wagner’s Director, Susan Glassman and the Board to implement more sustainability initiatives at the Institute. The directive happened to coincide with the beginning of the City of Philadelphia’s recycling program, and so our commitment to waste diversion began to grow. I have a degree in environmental science, and I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors. I love Philadelphia, and so it’s upsetting to see our city so littered, particularly here in North Philadelphia where the Wagner Free Institute of Science calls home. As the site manager, I’m dedicated to making our property an ‘island of clean’ in the neighborhood. It’s clear to me that litter stems from both how much waste we’re producing, and how we manage our waste. I’ve been tracking Wagner’s waste diversion rates and finding creative ways to dispose of our “junk” for years; in essence, we’ve had the mindset of a Zero Waste Partner this whole time.

What are your goals as a new Partner?

The Institute has served as a free educational resource in Philadelphia for over 150 years, and so we believe that it has an important role to play when it comes to waste and litter. Waste is a societal problem, and for many kids in Philadelphia, single-use items and litter is the norm. Our goal is to teach by doing: teach kids in Philadelphia that our litter problem is solvable by creating a Zero Waste and zero litter environment. Becoming a Zero Waste Partner also gives us the opportunity to show our support for the City’s various programs addressing waste and litter. We want to collaborate with and learn from our community, and now we can say we’re part of a network with this exact goal.

What are some Zero Waste Actions you’ve implemented or are working towards?

We’re focused on diverting a variety of items away from the landfill, which is at the core of the Zero Waste Actions and helps us check-off many of them each month. I’m particularly interested in finding ways to partner with other groups in Philly that share our goals of waste reduction and community building/enhancement – that’s why I send used and unusable items to groups like The People’s Paper Co-Op and Neighborhood Bike Works. Both groups share the skill of reducing waste by giving old materials new life, with the greater mission of supporting Philadelphia’s often overlooked communities. Donating unusable books and bike frames to groups that can cycle resources back into the community has an impact far greater than our Zero Waste goal alone.

Learn more about the Wagner Free Institute of Science

Photo courtesy of the Wagner Free Institute of Science

The Wagner Free Institute is one of the earliest free adult science education programs in the United States.
Photo courtesy of the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

The Zero Waste Partnership Program is a new way for the City to collaborate with local businesses and organizations on achieving Zero Waste in Philadelphia. Partners take the extra step to report on their Zero Waste practices, including several Zero Waste Action Items and monthly waste diversion rates. Not only does this program encourage Zero Waste practices throughout the city, but it encourages knowledge sharing between the City and Zero Waste Partners: the Partnership will give the City access to additional waste diversion data and give Partners the opportunity to share their best practices with the City and influence future goals. Plus, Partners will earn special incentives for implementing Zero Waste practices, such as eligibility for the Sustainable Business Tax Credit, and exclusive marketing tools from the City.

Visit the official Zero Waste Partnership Program website to learn more
Explore other Zero Waste Partners in Philadelphia

Partners are added to an online directory of all Zero Waste Partners across Philadelphia. Recognition of Partners should not be construed to mean that the City of Philadelphia favors Partner businesses or organizations in any way or recommends patronage or tenancy at these properties over non-partner properties. Recognition, whether in the form of a directory, blog, or social media post by the City of Philadelphia, serves to promote the Zero Waste Partnership Program, not individual Partners.

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