Model Programs

School Waste Reduction Programs
Are you interested in promoting education about air, water, toxic substances, and school waste reduction in California’s schools? Check out these model school waste reduction programs for success stories that will inspire you.

School Diversion and Environmental Education Law (DEEL)
In 2001, legislation passed that mandated a one-time grant program for school districts. The mandate resulted in two programs known as the School DEEL. The School DEEL generated many opportunities and partnerships with school districts throughout the state. Several noteworthy projects and products were outcomes of this effort, which ended in Spring 2005.

Instructional Materials
The California Education and the Environment Initiative (California EEI) is a cooperative, statewide effort to help K-12 students learn about their relationship with the environment and how humans interact with natural systems. This innovative, 85-unit curriculum is being developed by the CIWMB’s Office of Education and the Environment in collaboration with the California Environmental Protection Agency, various education partners, and school districts throughout the state. The EEI Curriculum is an environment-based curriculum that will offer a comprehensive approach to teaching select California Academic Content Standards to mastery. It is not an instructional supplement. If interested in draft units as they are available, please visit us online at www.calepa.ca.gov/education/eei.

In addition, the CIWMB maintains a downloadable version of the popular classroom educational product, Closing the Loop (CTL). This curriculum is out of print. However, due to teacher requests, we are happy to offer the material as an excellent resource for incorporating waste prevention, recycling, and composting concepts into a hands-on classroom experience. CTL was originally adapted from an Ohio-based curriculum and was modified to align with California’s academic content standards. It was last updated and current through 2000.