This past week, Earth Team interns conducted their first round of OVTAs (On-Land Visual Trash Assessments) across the city of Berkeley! Interns used their keen observation skills and training in new data collection technology on an ArcGIS platform to evaluate trash generation across street segments and audit trash capture technology as part of the Participatory Science Networks For a Trash-Free SF Bay!!!
Interns were trained in official OVTA methodology, practicing on and off campus before taking their skills to the streets.
As they went through the workday, interns would switch off roles, filling the surveys, taking photos, and leading the group and conducted an OVTA separate from the itemized count being done by the rest of the team. Once a section is complete, interns discuss their findings and come to an agreement on what is the deserved OVTA score.
Thank you to our project partners at The University California Berkeley, Sacramento State University, and Keep California Beautiful, along with the Environmental Protection Agency for funding and coordinating this project with Earth Team.
Thank you to our City partners in Berkeley, Richmond, San Pablo, and Pinole for working closely with us to make this project come to life in their streets.
