Athens Services and Global Green Launch Recycling Ambassador Training in LA

Athens Services, one of the leading providers of waste management and recycling services in the City of Los Angeles, and Global Green USA, the American affiliate of Green Cross International, have created an innovative program to help Los Angeles condominium and apartment owners and residents better manage their waste and recycling. About 70 tenants and property managers gathered recently at LA’s First Unitarian Church for the inaugural workshop to become Recycling Ambassadors (RAs) in their buildings. “Recycling Ambassadors are an on-site resource for their neighbors,” said Jessica Aldridge, Sustainability Manager for Athens Services. “They are waste liaisons and educators who want to make their community a more sustainable home through increased recycling programs, composting programs, or waste prevention and reduction.” “We designed this program to train and engage community members to become champions of waste prevention, recycling, and diversion,” said Madisen Gittlin, Director of Global Green’s Coalition for Resource Recovery. Attendees learned the ins and outs of recycling requirements in Los Angeles and were introduced to the RA program. Ambassadors commit to a six-week program that includes initial outreach to landlords, a building survey, distributing outreach materials and signage provided by Athens Services, reaching out to tenants, and conducting waste audits to measure progress. After that, they commit to about an hour per month and one workshop per year to continue the program. “We are excited about this new program, and believe it will be an effective strategy to build strong communities,” Aldridge said. “Recycling Ambassadors have the opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to encourage their neighbors to take action and make a positive difference in the world.” To learn more or find out about future workshops, contact RAmbassador@AthensServices.com.