Chelsea Hilmoe

Chelsea has been educating others about waste reduction for over five years. As a coordinator of the Toward Zero Waste Program at Sustainable Connections, a nonprofit based in Bellingham, she supports businesses and residents in reducing their waste and leads the organization’s Food Recovery Program. After helping launch a third community fridge in Whatcom and Skagit counties, Chelsea co-developed the Freedge Manual to help other communities create and sustain free community fridges of their own. She has collaborated with local governments, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to reduce food waste and expand access to fresh, nutritious food. Chelsea is passionate about turning surplus food into meals for people, and her work continues to advance zero-waste practices that lessen environmental impact while strengthening community well-being.