First graders learn about the “edible landfill”

Using snacks to show how a modern landfill works

Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. – Communications Specialist Jamilah Lang has found a unique way to help children understand what goes into a landfill.

Lang recently gave 12 “Edible Landfill” presentations to more than 300 Rancho Palos Verdes elementary school students. By using edible snacks such as fruit roll ups, graham crackers and pudding, the students created their own layered landfill to get a visual and tactical understanding of how a landfill works and operates.

“Teaching children about waste reduction and recycling promotes good sustainable habits and helps shape the next generation of recycling advocates,” Lang said.

PHOTO: WM’s Jamilah Lang, left, and City of Rancho Palos Verdes Lauren Ramezani are shown during a recent classroom presentation. Their presentation inspired one student to write to Lang, “I hope only good thing[s] will happen to you.”