San Jose Conservation Corps
Zero Waste East Side Recycling Program
For thirty years, the San Jose Conservation Corps has provided a positive environment for job training, education and work experience for at-risk youth. In 2017, the organization won a three-year contract with the East Side Union High School District to provide waste diversion and recycling services with a goal to achieve zero waste to landfill at all 16 campuses within that period. Covive developed a program identity and communication materials to support these efforts.
Brand Identity
With the straight-forward name “Zero Waste East Side” Covive developed a simple brand to identify and unify the program. Building on the existing identity of the school district, the program logo adapts the colorful shield into a “pie chart O” representing diverse waste streams and the zero goal. The sharp, modern lettering and unique shape allow the logo to work well reversed on solid background colors.
Receptacle Labels
A series of adhesive receptacle labels in different sizes identifies acceptable materials for each waste stream with photos of items typical for a school campus. Solid color backgrounds aid in identification of bins. While each campus and classroom may have different permanent or movable receptacles, the labels allowed corps members to launch the new zero waste program within a matter of weeks at the outset of the 2017/18 school year. Large dumpster labels and paint specifications corresponding to each waste stream help custodial staff to ensure purity and eliminate confusion.
Tabloid Posters
At launch of the program, a tabloid poster was designed to be displayed in campus hallways and common areas to educate students and staff. The name of the mascot for each school can replace the word “campus” in the poster headline, to build ownership and pride of participation.
Website
A simple WordPress website was built to provide program information, answers to frequently asked questions, and a dashboard of diversion rate metrics for each campus and the district as a whole. Conservation Corps staff was trained to be able to update website content and metrics.
Style Guide
To equip program staff to build on and adapt the Zero Waste East Side brand, a style guide was prepared that demonstrates font, color, nomenclature, layout, image, and application specifications.
