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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
Image: Recycle icon
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.

Image: Recycle icon
Image: Lightbulb icon
Image: Lightbulb icon
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.

  • 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
Image: A group of people receiving an award
MEET THE TEAM

We’re a team of zero wasters dedicated to…

Image: Laura Anthony, President

Laura Anthony (she/her) 
President

Image: Richard Anthony, Treasurer

Richard Anthony (he/him)
Treasurer

Image: Lori Mendez Esq, Secretary

Lori Mendez (she/her)
Secretary

Image: Bob Sly, Director

Bob Sly (he/him)
Director

Image: Tyla Soylu, Director

Tyla Soylu (she/her)
Director

Image: Stephen Mergener, Director

Stephen Mergener (he/him)
Director

Alison Schlick

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.

Image: A group of people holding Fix-It Clinic sign
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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