R.C. Ferris AKA The Dumpster Diva

Statement

Born from parents who lived through the depression, there was always reuse in play when I was growing up. Presents were always opened carefully so that the wrapping paper could be saved. Everybody had rubber band and string balls when I was growing up.

My first opportunity to become actively involved in recycling was when I joined the league of Women Voters back in the late 80's. One of the members was involved in running the volunteer recycling center in Martinez

In 1990 I joined the Contra Costa Earth Day and was on the steering committee for three years. I was also actively involved in a group called Eco Info that was the actual sponsor of Contra Costa Earth Day for many years. Eco info also had a group for teens called YEA! Which is where I met Lynda, Generation Green's president. YEA went by the wayside but Lynda and I continued on, and formed Generation Green and then when we became actively involved in reuse art projects, we developed the Dumpster Diversion Project.

The Dumpster Diversion Project has been my passion for the last 12 years. I have worked on several projects created displays regarding recycled art, participated in numerous events to promote creative reuse.

I currently work full time as the recycling assistant for the city of Antioch. In my leisure time I take things apart and create Urban Core Samples for displays, experiment with discarded items and collect materials for our workshops. My goal is to create an active reuse community network through our website Trashopia.com