Step onto the grounds of General Melitón Albañez Elementary School on any given day and you’ll likely hear laughter mingled with the sounds of learning—children excitedly turning compost, painting vibrant murals, and sharing stories about their school garden harvests. This is the spirit of Todos Santos blossoming, a testimony to the Alianza Cero Basura schools program and our network of passionate collaborators.
Cultivating a New Vision
In late June, the 8th Meeting of the Baja California Sur Network of Educational Gardens brought together students, teachers, artists, and community leaders to celebrate nearly two years of green innovation. The event kicked off at Colorado State University (CSU), where a short documentary showcased the creative process of building compost bins and developing thriving gardens at Melitón Albañez Elementary. The excitement was palpable as participants saw just how much could be achieved by working together.
Learning by Doing—And by Playing!
The day’s events then shifted to hands-on workshops, with Raíz de Fondo AC guiding students and educators in techniques to maintain their gardens during the heat of summer. One of the highlights was the innovative bike-shredder project—an imaginative, eco-friendly machine powered by pedaling, built in partnership with the National College of Technical Vocational Education of La Paz (CONALEP). This “bicycle with blades” made composting not only easier but a fun, kinetic experience for young learners—turning waste reduction into exercise and teamwork.
Art, Community, and Environmental Stewardship
A true testament to collaboration was the unveiling of a new mural crafted by renowned artist José Marrón and children from both Melitón Albañez Elementary and La Huerta Teaching Cooperative. Together, they dreamed up and painted scenes that reflected their experiences with gardening, sustainability, and hope for the future. The mural project, part of the larger “Painting Agroecologies” initiative, turned school walls into windows of inspiration for the whole community.
Impact Beyond the Classroom
Alianza Cero Basura’s approach goes far beyond simply teaching about recycling. Our programs position schools as living centers of social and environmental transformation—where students, teachers, and local families learn alongside one another, building ecological awareness and a sense of shared responsibility. These projects demonstrate how waste management, composting, and environmental stewardship can be woven into the curriculum, enriching both education and daily life.
By uniting educators, families, and community experts, the Alianza Cero Basura’ and our partners ensure that change is lasting and culturally grounded. We’re not just reducing landfill waste—we’re cultivating a generation that understands the value of sustainability and the importance of protecting their home.
Looking Forward
The journey of Alianza Cero Basura in Todos Santos showcases what is possible when collaboration, creativity, and care for the planet come together. When we plant the right seeds—whether in soil or in hearts—we can watch a community bloom, one project at a time.
Join hands with Alianza Cero Basura and our partners, and be part of the movement turning Todos Santos schools into thriving gardens of hope and positive change!
