“Zero waste” originated as an industrial concept that encourages the redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused; for example: no waste would be created in the production of a car, and when the car’s lifetime is over, all of the parts are separated and reused to make new cars. It is meant to mimic how resources cycle in nature. Today, the “zero waste lifestyle” has emerged as many individuals and communities attempt to live packaging-free, plastic-free, and minimalist. In this class, we will tailor the principles of ZW to fit the needs and limitations of the average college student.

Learning how a person (or a company, or a city, or an industry) goes about reducing their waste production is only a portion of the curriculum, however. We begin with the science of modern landfills and the history of trash, taking an in-depth look at production and consumption. Following that, we delve into the circular economy, cradle-to-cradle design, the industrialization of modern food, sustainable cities & architecture, climate change & politics, decarbonization, and more. This is an award-winning*, crash-course Everything You Need to Know About the Planet 101, and past students agree that it will invariably change your life and make you see the world differently.

This class is lecture-style, with minimal homework, a weekly bCourses discussion, and a short take-home final.

*Sage Lenier accepted the UC Academics Award at the California Higher Education Sustainability Conference in July 2019 for creating this curriculum.

Enrollment is first come, first served. No prior environmental coursework is required for this class, and students from all majors and colleges are encouraged to enroll. CCNs are below. If you find yourself waitlisted or unable to enroll due to a full waitlist, please contact mlenier@berkeley.edu. Do not be discouraged by a closed waitlist; enrollment for DeCals fluctuates greatly. **Please note that the first lectures are during the SECOND WEEK OF CLASS. There is no class during the first week of school.**