Course Descriptions
The courses for the RRM program provide first-hand experience on how to conduct a waste assessment or audit, and instruct students in how to promote behavioral change in multiple venues. These courses also focus on governmental and organizational policies, practices, and procedures, while identifying best management practices to facilitate operational improvements.
ENVS G100 - Introduction to Environmental Studies (3.0 units)
An interdisciplinary course designed to give the student a general overview of the environmental studies field. A basic understanding of issues related to the environmental compartments of air, soil and water; historical events, economic, political, and cultural concepts, regulations, and technology will be presented. An overview of career opportunities and paths within the environmental industry will be presented.
Course Outline
ENVS-G141 Introduction to Recycling and Resource Management (3.0 units)
This course introduces general terminology and principles regarding recycling, resource management and zero waste. The history of waste and resource management in California, including residential, commercial and institutional reuse, recycling, and composting programs, is addressed. An overview of national, state, and local legislation and regulations related to resource management and recycling is presented and explained. The course covers the original 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), plus recovery, remanufacture and repurchase.
Course Outline
ENVS-G142 Culture and Zero-Waste (3.0 units)
This course will provide an overview of our "throw-away" culture and the motivations behind the economics of consumerism. Key issues of the course include carbon footprint, plastics in our environment, consumer laws and mindsets. It will identify key government agencies and policies and how to collaborate and obtain funding for outreach. Environmental educational skills, programs, and methods will be reviewed. Case studies of successful youth campaigns will be explored and the basics of establishing strong youth educational programs will be examined.
Course Outline
ENVS-G143 Resource Management and Zero-Waste for Communities (3.0 units)
This course will provide hands-on applications and tools for students to design, implement and oversee waste reduction and resource management programs as they relate to business and industry. This course will study the zero waste business principles, detailing how businesses can implement those principles to achieve zero waste. Examination of case studies demonstrates how different companies have addressed and resolved issues in pursuing zero waste. This course will also provide students with an understanding of how to plan and implement commercial food and organic programs.
Course Outline
ENVS-G144 Resource Management and Zero-Waste in Business (3.0 units)
This course will identify how resource management and zero waste policies and programs are developed within a community, what type of planning and facilities are needed, and how to finance the systems. Students will also review sample zero waste community plans and will discuss different approaches communities have taken in developing zero waste plans. Students will also learn business recycling tools for local government, best practices for RFPs (Request for Proposals) and contracts, understanding enforcement options, design of resource recovery parks, performance reporting and financial records, Extended Producer Responsibility and Local Producer Responsibility policies and programs, bans, rules and incentives, and developing local markets and uses.
Course Outline
ENVS G190 - Recycling and Resource Management Practicum (3.0 units)
Designed to provide environmental studies learners with a practicum cooperatively planned by a private, public or non-profit agency and the environmental studies faculty.
Focus is on providing students with an opportunity to apply environmental studies theory in a realistic work setting. The course includes classroom/online discussion of issues directly related to the practicum. This course may be taken 4 times. Student's practicum can take place locally, nationally or internationally. This course can be repeated and taken for a maximum of 12 units. One and one half hours lecture, ten-thirty hours non-lecture per week.
Course Outline