Equity in Zero Waste Policies and Programs

October 26, 2023 from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm

Speaker: Moderator: Dennis Uyat • Speakers: Marria Evbuoma, Zen Borlongan, Kelly York

Times are listed in Pacific Standard Time

This session will focus on equity and inclusivity in Zero Waste policies and programs.

  • The Need for Harm Reduction & Mutual Aid in the Path Toward Zero Waste. To truly reach Zero Waste goals, we must put inclusivity at the forefront of our work. Not only can harm reduction and mutual aid provide insightful guidance, they also have a proven track record. Marria will draw upon her experiences as a zero waste educator and community activist to give a brief overview of harm reduction and mutual aid, highlight successes of these models in action, and how zero waste, harm reduction, and mutual aid can be expanded.
  • Waste Workers: Celebrating the Philippine Experience. The highlight of the presentation is sharing how a group of waste workers in the Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) Zero Waste Cities Network managed to have their group, the Malabon-Navotas Waste Workers Association be the first waste workers’ association in the country to be accredited and recognized by the Department of Labor and Employment. Their future goal is to develop a National Association of Waste Workers in the Philippines. MEF is currently supporting them in, among others, pushing for a Magna Carta for Waste Workers.
  • Helping Disadvantaged Communities Make the Switch to Reusable Foodware. With the passing of SB 1383 and AB 1276, California is moving towards reducing upstream waste and increasing landfill diversion. Many communities are interested in eliminating single use foodware and accessories. Although, making the switch to reusables can seem like a simple solution for some, many disadvantaged communities may see this task as a monumental feat. Through this presentation Kelly will outline key steps in identifying disadvantaged communities, mapping businesses, providing boots-on-the-ground technical assistance, capturing community buy in, and building the associated data bases.

Moderator: Dennis Uyat, Zero Waste USA

Speakers:
Marria Evbuoma, Founder/Worker Rotation Community Services
Zen Borlongan, National Coordinator Mother Earth Foundation
Kelly York, Sustainability/Waste Minimization Manager APTIM