Water and Natural Resources

Client: Seattle, WA

The City of Seattle saw a need for a comprehensive education and outreach program to encourage residents to manage their organic waste and practice natural yard care. Cascadia managed all aspects of this $2 million multi-dimensional program that included publicity, advertising, food and yard waste compost bin distribution, backyard garden education, event coordination, volunteer training, hotline management, program tracking, public opinion research, and evaluation. Through workshops and large-scale compost bin sales events, Cascadia staff provided free information to city residents on how to maintain their lawns and gardens by composting, minimizing water consumption, and reducing chemical use. Cascadia staff developed curricula and teaching points for each workshop and structured content so that residents received pertinent information in a relevant and engaging manner. From the time of its inception, the education program reached more than 10,000 residents though home visits and workshops. Cascadia evaluated the costs, logistics, and benefits of bin distribution, residents’ demand for education and training, and techniques for publicizing services.