About Plan: the post-landfill action network
Plan: The Post-Landfill Action Network - Creating a World Without Waste
PLAN, or the Post-Landfill Action Network, is a network of student leaders working towards creating a world without waste. With the increasing amount of waste generated every day, PLAN aims to reduce, reuse, recycle, repair and compost everything possible.
The organization was founded in 2013 by Alex Freid and his team at the University of New Hampshire. They started with a simple idea - to create an event that would help students learn about sustainable living practices. This event was called "Trash 2 Treasure" and it aimed to divert reusable items from landfills by collecting them from students moving out of dorms at the end of each academic year.
Since then, PLAN has grown into a national network with over 300 member schools across North America. The organization's mission is to empower students to take action on their campuses and in their communities towards creating zero-waste systems.
PLAN's approach is unique because it focuses on empowering student leaders rather than just providing solutions. The organization provides resources such as toolkits, webinars and mentorship programs that help students develop skills in areas such as project management, community organizing and public speaking.
One of PLAN's flagship programs is its "Beyond Waste Student Summit". This annual event brings together hundreds of student leaders from across North America for three days of workshops, keynote speeches and networking opportunities focused on zero-waste solutions.
Another key program offered by PLAN is its "Zero-Waste Campus" certification program. This program helps colleges and universities implement comprehensive waste reduction strategies that go beyond just recycling. It includes initiatives such as composting food waste, reducing single-use plastics and promoting sustainable transportation options.
PLAN also works closely with businesses and municipalities to promote sustainable practices beyond college campuses. For example, they have partnered with cities like Boston to launch campaigns aimed at reducing plastic bag usage or promoting composting programs for residents.
In addition to its various programs aimed at creating zero-waste systems across North America, PLAN also conducts research on best practices for sustainability initiatives in higher education institutions. Their research has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Sustainability: Science Practice & Policy.
Overall, Plan: The Post-Landfill Action Network is an innovative organization that empowers young people to take action towards creating a world without waste through education initiatives focused on reducing consumption while promoting reuse/recycling/composting efforts wherever possible!