ZERO WASTE SAN DIEGO
A Small Organization With A Mighty Impact
ZERO WASTE SAN DIEGO
A Small Organization With A Mighty Impact
WHO WE ARE
Zero Waste San Diego is the go-to educational resource for locals (and non-locals) wanting to become better and more informed consumers.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create, promote, and manage zero waste programs and events, advocate for resource management policy change, and educate people on how they can move toward a sustainable lifestyle.
We want to change the way society thinks about Earth’s resources so we can collectively change our behavior around what we consume. When we understand that our discards are actually resources and how we interact with them matter, we can start making a real difference toward achieving zero waste.
Through education, awareness, and action, we, as consumers, have the power to change our lives, our community, and the planet for the better.
And it starts with how we manage our resources.
OUR OBJECTIVES
- Maximize management and conservation of resources
- Reduce discard-related greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming
- Educate and persuade citizens, businesses, and governments in the San Diego County region to adopt and enact zero-waste principles
- Provide ideas and guidance through the process of making and implementing zero waste plans in our region
ZERO WASTE SAN DIEGO THROUGH THE YEARS
Grassroots movements happen when the average person puts their foot down and demands sustainable practices in their city, at their favorite business, where they live and work.
And that’s exactly how Zero Waste San Diego got started.
2006
After attending the California Resource Recovery Association conference in San Jose, CA, the father-daughter duo, Richard & Laura Anthony, were inspired to take action in their local hometown of San Diego
2007
When several discussions were held to gauge interest in environmental education and action, Rick & Laura realized there was a demand for zero waste, leading to the birth of Zero Waste San Diego as an official 501(c)3.
The first port-of-call was a letter-writing campaign demanding mandatory recycling for San Diego County, which resulted in an invitation to discuss this issue with the City Attorney, Major, & the Environmental Services Department.
2008
As a result of the letter-writing campaign, the City of San Diego passed The City Recycling Ordinance (CRO), requiring all residents and commercial businesses to provide recycling for their clients and employees.
2013
The first Zero Waste San Diego Symposium was held with over 200+ attendees, leading to several invitations to present to local businesses, schools, and media outlets on zero waste ideology.
2016
Developed and hosted the first San Diego Fix-It Clinic to educate and encourage locals to fix their items instead of throwing them away by providing repair services helping to divert over 3000 pounds from the landfill.
2022
ZWSD hosted the 9th consecutive Zero Waste Symposium, with over 150 people attending virtually from around the world. The theme of the symposium was Reuse, Repair, and Repurpose.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
We are proud recipients of several awards and recognition for our efforts to create a better future for San Diego County and the planet.
- Winners of the 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Program
- EPA Recognizes California Leaders for Pollution Prevention Accomplishments
- 2024 EPA Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition Program (Region 9) – 2024
- Visionaries of San Diego Award – 2018
- EARTH WORKS awards “Mr. Zero Waste” -2017
- Environmental Partner Award – 2015
- California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) – Zero Waste Achievement Award – 2014
- San Diego Earth Works – Earth Fair Partnership Award – 2013
MEET THE TEAM
We’re a team of zero wasters dedicated to…
Laura Anthony (she/her)
President
Richard Anthony (he/him)
Treasurer
Lori Mendez (she/her)
Secretary
Bob Sly (he/him)
Director
Tyla Soylu (she/her)
Director
Stephen Mergener (he/him)
Director
Alison Schlick (she/her)
Director
Want to get involved with Team ZWSD?
COLLABORATE WITH ZERO WASTE SAN DIEGO
As experts on zero waste principles, attitudes, and action, we love sharing our knowledge and expertise with organizations through speaking engagements, zero waste event management, consulting, and more!
We can cover topics including:
- Intro to Zero Waste, Reuse & Repair
- The Zero Waste Mindset
- Organics Out of the Landfill
- Zero Wasting Your Business/Community/School
- Zero Waste Education for Youth, and more!
Contact Us to learn more information and details.
CONTACT US
Questions about Zero Waste San Diego? Get in touch with us. We will be back in touch within three business days.
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