Jessica Moreland

MFA Design Research and Development, 2014

Abstract:

Zero waste is defined by diverting more than 90% of solid waste from landfills through the practice of recycling and composting. In 2013, OSU reportedly diverted 31% of their waste through recycling, but would like to reach a 90% diversion rate by the year 2030. This shift not only requires structural changes in how waste is collected and processed, but also a fundamental shift in the mindset and behavior of students, faculty, and staff. In order to address both of these challenges, this study (1) pilot tests a zero waste infrastructure in Lincoln House residence hall in order to gauge feasibility and anticipate transitional challenges and (2) explores the decision-making process associated with recycling on campus and examines the effectiveness of four design interventions, each encouraging students to recycle and compost in Lincoln House.

Jessica Moreland is an MFA candidate in the Design Research and Development program. She is a 2008 graduate of the industrial design program at OSU and worked with Trident Design, LLC developing and licensing products before returning to school. Her graduate research focus is in sustainability and encouraging sustainable practices. She partnered with OSU’s Sustainability Office and Student Life to develop a research project that would facilitate OSU’s sustainability efforts.