At JFGM, sustainability and resiliency is important to the Garden’s mission, staff, location within a city park, and region. We understand the dire consequences and impacts of climate change on current and future generations and we are intent on reducing our environmental impact. We have determined that one of the most impactful methods to reduce our environmental impact is through our internal operations and committing to green event initiatives.
JFGM Sustainable Practices
JFGM has 2 electric vehicles
JFGM orders in bulk to reduce emission from gas powered vehicles
LED lights are in the majority of our buildings
JFGM recycles an estimated 2 cubic yards per week, 12 cubic yards of organic waste per week and 100 yards of tree clippings used for compost and mulch per year. 50% of yard waste is kept at the garden and used in the garden in the soil, trees and plants. We also expanded our composting site by 200% in 2019. JFGM currently houses 40 composting boxes on site.
2024 Cherry Blossom Festival and Waste Diversion
Our goal was to divert as much food, recycling and liquid waste from the landfill as possible while educating the public on proper waste organization and disposal. In addition, we assisted in keeping the high traffic areas clean from litter. Each of the 4 days of the festival were split into two 5 hour shifts, one at 9:30am and another at 2pm. Each of the 55 volunteers were trained for 30 minutes on stations, facilities and provided knowledge on specific sorting practices per the waste hauler, WM.
In partnership with CleanUp Kitsune, JFGM reecruited 55 dedicated volunteers as part of the Happi Helpers- elevated JFGM volunteer squad that assists with onsite events, workshops, composting, sustainability days at the garden, litter cleanups and supporting JFGM’s environmental education, sustainability programs and waste awareness. With the help of this amazing team, we were able to divert more than half of the event waste from going to landfill!
*Waste collected from the Lower Garden
GREEN INITIATIVES - DOING OUR PART
The Japanese Friendship Garden (JFG) believes in creating a healthy community and environment for our patrons/guests/visitors. Through our sustainability initiatives and project implementation supported by the Balboa Park Sustainability Program, we have been able to complete efficiency projects and create innovative programs that benefit generations to come.
To view the complete LEED video series, click here.
Additional sustainability highlights in Balboa Park include:
For more information on sustainability in Balboa Park, visit the Balboa Park Sustainability Program by clicking here.
LEED® CERTIFICATION
With the Balboa Park Sustainability Program, in partnership with the San Diego Green Building Council and their Green Assistance Program, our Inamori Pavilion achieved LEED certification in 2016. LEED® is the preeminent program for the design, construction, maintenance and operations of high-performance green buildings. By receiving a third-party certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, we demonstrate that our building and operations run efficiently and sustainably.
LEED®, and its related logo, is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council® and is used with permission.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING
Education is at the core of our mission. Our hope is that our programming revolving sustainability topics inspires innovative solutions and consciousness of our environment to the many creative minds that enter our museum/garden/institution/organization resulting in the creation of a better community. Our internal Green Team represents multiple departments who convene to discuss and implement green initiatives in operations and programming.
The 2018 Cherry Blossom Festival marked our first collaboration that consisted of creating proper signage for festival attendees and waste management and diversion. Having a Green Team available during the Cherry Blossom Festival allowed for a benchmark to be created which in turn, can act as a reference to see what additional steps can be taken by JFG and its vendors to help make these types of events more sustainable.
Happi Helpers Program
Love sustainability? Got a passion for going green? Join the Happi Helpers Program! Happi Helpers is an elevated JFGM volunteer squad that assists with events and onsite composting partners. Not only do you have the opportunity help JFGM’s efforts in becoming a self-sustainable site, but assist in educating guests and the community on environmental efforts.
COMPOSTING VOLUNTEER
Majority of JFG waste is green waste from tree trimming and garden maintenance.
Composting helps us to achieve a 75% waste diversion rate and zero waste events.
The compost becomes fertile to be used as soil and helps our plant to grow.
All applicants must meet the following requirements:
No experience necessary
At least 3-month commitment required
The schedule is flexible but must be on Monday - Sunday between 10 am and 3:30 pm.
Must be at least 16 years or older