G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps digs into trash

Two weeks after its official launch in September, the Guam Green Growth (G3) Local2030 Conservation Islands Network Conservation Corps (G3 Local2030 Conservation Corps) has already rolled up its sleeves, conducting a waste audit at the residence halls.  

Building on the success of the G3 Conservation Corps initiative, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant introduced the first-ever G3 Local 2030 Islands Network Conservation Corps at the university dorm this month. 

The ten members of the G3 Local 2030 Conservation Corps, representing a diverse group of students from the region, currently reside in the campus residence halls. The waste audit is just one of the capacity-building activities on their agenda. 

A waste audit is typically conducted by a group or organization to assess the types of waste generated in a particular area. The data collected from the audit is then used to address and improve waste practices within the group and inform the development of a comprehensive waste management plan. 

Joseph Certeza, G3 Local2030 coordinator, explained that the goal of the waste audit was to provide an in-depth look at what is being disposed of in the residence halls. “Through this audit, we challenged the team to explore ways to divert waste from landfills to streams, such as through composting, upcycled projects, or recycling initiatives on the island,” Certeza said. 

He emphasized that the waste audit fulfills one of the circular economy goals and encourages the UOG residence halls to adopt a more sustainable approach to waste management.  

“We plan to conduct a couple more audits to obtain a clearer picture. By the end of this semester, our aim is to propose a waste management plan for the UOG residence hall and its residents,” Certeza added. 

He outlined the steps involved in the waste audit process. First, the group has to identify the need and desire to conduct the process. Afterward, they need to consolidate and sort the trash in the dorms into categories, including food waste, recyclables, compostables, and landfill items.  

Then, they weigh all the sorted materials. Data analysis and collection follow, all of which will be used for developing the next steps and evaluating progress 

Certeza stressed, “The waste audit is crucial for us to understand our consumption patterns and challenge ourselves to do better for our island.” 

In tandem with G3 program’s accomplishments, participants in the G3 Local 2030 Conservation Corps are embarking on an immersive journey of instruction and practical training across various sustainability themes. 

These areas of focus include island beautification and circular economy practices.. Additionally, the inaugural cohort will engage in activities supporting civic involvement and leadership development.