During my internship with Orange County's Environmental Protection Division (EPD), which began in August 2024, I had the opportunity to work under the Pollution Prevention (P2) program. One of the highlights was participating in the election sign recycling program, where we helped turn old election signs into enviro fuel cubes for use in construction projects. This innovative approach to recycling showed me how everyday materials could be repurposed for environmental benefit.



I also assisted in the planning and execution of Pollution Prevention Week in September, which was a rewarding experience in outreach and education. Additionally, I had the chance to present a "Lunch and Learn" session focused on textile waste, where I discussed the environmental impact of fast fashion and ways to reduce textile waste.

I had a lot of fun participating in various social media campaigns and planning and volunteering at the Fix It! Don’t Pitch It event, where volunteers fix all kinds of items brought in by the public. Watching the community come together in this way was amazing to see.

In September, I transitioned into an On-Call Pollution Prevention Specialist role, which has given me even more hands-on experience. I'm set to graduate with my master’s in public health from the University of Florida in December, and I plan to continue working with EPD. I truly enjoy working with this group because they are deeply committed to protecting our environment and supporting each other as a team.

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will host a virtual Meet & Greet on Thursday, November 7, at 9 a.m. This networking event is for those interested in volunteering as interns for the spring semester. At the Meet & Greet, EPD staff will conduct brief interviews with candidates and describe various internship opportunities. Current internship application and enrollment in school is required. Candidates must RSVP to participate.

Would you like to learn more about the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD)? EPD is excited to share a variety of information about events, sustainability, the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, regulatory updates, lake management, water quality and more! If you would like to be included on the email list, please fill out this brief sign-up form.