Danna Lotz - Second Graders, Cereal Boxes, and Landfill Tours

Danna Lotz, a lifelong educator with 18 years of experience, is now the School Programs Administrator at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). Her story is a powerful example of how a passion for teaching and a commitment to resourcefulness can lead to a career in sustainability, making a lasting impact on students and communities.Danna shares her journey from a small-town upbringing, where collecting bottles and cans with her dad sparked an early interest in recycling, to her 18-year career as an elementary school teacher. She recounts how the practical needs of the classroom led her to embrace upcycling and waste reduction long before it was a formal part of her job description. From turning cereal boxes into book holders to salvaging markers, Danna's classroom was a hub of creative reuse.Her path took a pivotal turn when she discovered SWACO's free landfill tour program. Initially hesitant, she was captivated by the eye-opening experience and the powerful questions it sparked in her students. This annual field trip became a catalyst for countless student-led projects, transforming her classroom into a space for environmental action and problem-solving. Danna discusses her transition from teacher to her current role at SWACO, a move that felt like a "full circle moment," allowing her to leverage her deep understanding of the education system to support schools across the region.Episode in a glance- From Tutoring to Teaching- An Early Spark for Recycling- A Teacher's Path to SWACO- What a Landfill Tour is Like- Bringing a Teacher's Perspective to SWACO- How School Green Teams Get StartedAbout Danna LotzDanna Lotz is the School Programs Administrator at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). With 18 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, she brings a deep understanding of the education system and a passion for empowering students to her role. Danna is dedicated to creating engaging and impactful programs that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.Connect with Danna Lotz and her workWebsite → https://www.swaco.org/201/SchoolsApply to be a School Recycling Champion → https://www.swaco.org/324/School-Recycling-Champion-ProgramEmail → [email protected] → https://www.linkedin.com/in/danna-lotz-09aa99327/GreenPrint → https://www.swaco.org/502/Greenprint-For-a-Sustainable-FutureSend us a message!