Nora Gerber - Diverting 10,000 Pounds with the Help of Can Fairies

Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, dives into the details of the innovative Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program. She explains how the program addresses the long-standing tradition of "can fairies" – students leaving cans on their lawns for others to collect – and the resulting litter problem, the program promotes cleaner, safer, and more sustainable practices within the community. It's a simple but effective solution: fill the box, not the lawn.Nora describes the program's evolution from a proof of concept on one street to a growing initiative serving over 200 houses, diverting nearly 10,000 pounds of recyclables in just eight weeks. She shares the challenges of changing ingrained habits, the importance of data collection in demonstrating impact, and the program's ultimate goal of creating cleaner, more beautiful neighborhoods. Beyond simply collecting recyclables, the Can Fairy Program empowers residents to take ownership of their environmental impact and participate in a community-wide effort to promote sustainability. Plus, there's the added bonus of weekly prizes!Episode in a glance-The Can Fairy Project: A Curbside Recycling Program-The University District-Why is Recycling a Problem in the University District?-The Can Fairy Origin Story-From Proof of Concept to Pilot Program: How The Can Fairy Started-Meeting Students Where They Are: Making Recycling Easy-Data Collection and Program Growth-The Goal of the Can Fairy Program-How to Get Involved and Support the Can Fairy Program-Tips for Sustainable Living from NoraAbout Nora GerberNora Gerber is a dedicated community leader and Executive Director of the University District Organization. Born and raised in Columbus, she has a deep passion for creating vibrant and resilient neighborhoods. Her work focuses on improving the quality of life for residents, promoting economic growth, and tackling unique challenges facing the University District. Nora believes in the power of hyper-local initiatives and community engagement to create positive change.Connect with Nora Gerber and the University District OrganizationInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/universitydistrictWebsite → https://www.universitydistrict.org/Send us a message!