California has been a leader in developing effective waste and recycling policies since the landmark Assembly Bill 939 in 1989 that required jurisdictions to divert 50 percent of their waste from landfill. Fast forward over three decades later, our state stands at a 37 percent recycling rate.
 
In this course, you will learn about the history of waste and recycling laws in California, identify key recycling challenges we face today, and explore various policy tools to achieve zero waste. The legislative process will be demystified as you learn about the various stakeholders and catalysts for change.
 
Take this course and learn where we came from, where we are, and most importantly-where we are going as we explore local examples and success stories from communities in California and across the world.
 
This course is led by Angela Vincent.  Angela Vincent is a zero waste advocate committed to public service and passionate about educating and inspiring others to take personal and collective action to combat climate change. After obtaining a certificate in Recycling and Resources Management from Golden West College, she worked for California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) for 8 years in various roles. She worked on initiatives related to environmental justice and youth environmental education and served as the Legislative Manager from 2019 to 2021. She currently works for the City of Alameda as a Zero Waste Program Specialist. Angela has a Master’s Degree in Urban Sustainability and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Political Science. She combined her background in theatre and music with her passion for the environment to create a children’s book and album, Save Queen Green! Mother Nature’s Eco-Rhymes. She performs as the children’s character, Queen Green, at events, festivals, and schools using music to teach kids about what they can do to protect the planet.