Mendiola ready to make sustainable impact after term as UOG CIS and Sea Grant intern
Zachary Mendiola, a dedicated student intern from the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, has spent the past five months making a significant impact at the Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub. His transformative experience at the cutting-edge facility has not only honed his skills in sustainable practices but also solidified his passion for environmental stewardship on Guam.
During his internship, Mendiola gained invaluable hands-on experience in the burgeoning field of circular economy. He delved deep into the principles of repurposing materials, witnessing firsthand how discarded items can be given new life. “Over the past five months, I have had the valuable opportunity to delve into the principles of sustainability and appreciate the significance of repurposing materials that might otherwise be discarded,” Mendiola shared in his reflection. “This experience has been truly transformative, positively influencing both my character and my outlook on sustainability.”
A key aspect of Mendiola’s work involved learning and utilizing industrial machines, including three-phase shredders and extruders that melt plastic into molds for lumber substitutes. He became proficient in the meticulous process of plastic sorting, understanding why different plastic types cannot always be fused together due to their unique properties. Beyond industrial processes, Mendiola also embraced traditional crafts like sewing and weaving, discovering diverse ways to transform waste. He highlighted plastic fusing as a particularly impactful technique: “Plastic fusing put both creativity with each design and taught us about the properties of certain plastic together.”
Mendiola also had the enriching opportunity to attend his first-ever Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS), where he connected with global innovators dedicated to a cleaner planet. While acknowledging challenges such as the tedious nature of plastic sorting and limited storage space, Mendiola’s perseverance ensured these hurdles were overcome, leading to substantial progress in managing collected plastics.
Reflecting on his journey, Mendiola expressed an overwhelming desire to continue his involvement. “If I were ever asked whether I’d return to work for G3, my answer would be a resounding yes,” he stated. “Knowing that from the start of my time in December, we’ve removed thousands upon thousands of plastic items from our ecosystems and landfills. This is a powerful reminder of the impact we’ve made. G3 has proven that, as an island community, we have the power to shape a more sustainable future—one bottle at a time. It’s innovation in action, and I’m proud to have been a part of it.”
Mendiola’s successful internship at the G3 Makerspace exemplifies the University of Guam’s commitment to providing students with practical, impactful experiences that contribute directly to the island’s sustainable development goals.