About, Mission, Vision & Values
Race to Zero Waste is a nonprofit that brings zero waste concepts to life by taking action! Race to Zero Waste (R20W) is devoted to educating the public on zero waste principles and an equitable circular economy. We promote key zero waste principles such as reuse, source reduction, re-earth, and avoidance of single-use plastics. These efforts can have a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions around the world. Given our changing climate, we recognize the urgency to learn the facts and fight to prevent irreversible trends. The time is now for all of us to Race to Zero Waste!
Mission:
To support communities, businesses, and governments in the training, education, and policy work needed to move toward a just and equitable circular economy. In support of our mission, Race to Zero Waste works to build local, national, and global campaigns through a network of community coalition leaders who are delivering the message of the circular economy through a variety of pop-up events, webinars, and workshops.
Goal:
To build a global network of diverse sustainable leaders who can provide effective zero waste solutions to their communities.
Our movement focuses on developing local grassroots hubs who provide leadership in their own communities to solve some of our most pressing environmental challenges. Our coalition leadership network focuses on zero waste education and addresses challenges and foments solutions in the development of effective community action.
We work with local leaders on zero waste activities at events, residential properties, schools, and commercial businesses to reduce waste by creating webinars and workshops to highlight best practices to avoid single-use disposables and foster a local, circular economy.
Vision:
Race to Zero Waste envisions a world where a zero waste lifestyle is automatic, accessible, and convenient for all. We strive to support a future in which products are designed for reuse, material recovery systems work effectively, and our natural resources are restored for future generations.
Values:
Race to Zero Waste actively seeks to learn from marginalized communities, especially those who are on the front lines of the fight for environmental justice and often the first to experience the effects of our changing climate. Race to Zero Waste recognizes that zero waste lifestyles and policies can not be implemented without special regard to social equity and environmental justice issues. We affirm that our movement has compassion and understand that people are often bound by circumstances in their ability to participate in a zero waste lifestyle. Whatever your circumstance, know that taking any action that is accessible to you is a step forward to show that we, as a society, are ready for systemic change.
History
Race to Zero Waste obtained California non-profit corporation status in 2019. It was formerly a fiscally sponsored project of Marin Link from 2014 to 2018. During that time, Race to Zero Waste hosted a signature project known as the Cup-Free & Bib-Free 5K Run to Zero Waste, which was located at Crissy Field in San Francisco. The festival event highlighted a variety of education stations, sustainable sponsors, speakers, yoga, music, and mermaids to educate runners and on-lookers on the destructive impacts of marine pollution. Money raised by the project enabled the placement of more beach clean-up stations in San Francisco, the precursors to the Zero Waste Station pop-up program.
To learn about our current Staff & Board, click here.
Annual Reports
Coming soon!
Current Staff & Zero Waste Careers
To learn about our current Staff & Board Members, click here.
Click the title of the position to see details. To apply or if you have questions, please email info [at] racetozerowaste [dot] org.
Position Title: Zero Waste Trainee
Location: SF Bay Area
Hours: Depends on the project
Classification: Part-Time Casual
Supervisor: Manager or Supervisor
Pay: $22-24 per hour
About Race to Zero Waste: Race to Zero Waste (R20W) is a woman-founded and -run 501(c)3 environmental non-profit dedicated to reducing consumption or single-use plastics, implementing reuse, reducing waste, and promoting an equitable circular economy. Our mission is to instill zero waste solutions and support effective alternatives to single-use disposables upstream and downstream through community-centered education.
Job Summary: Our Zero Waste Trainee recruiting process is ongoing and is contingent on project needs. R20W projects include sorting and characterizing waste container contents. Zero Waste Trainees will work with the R20W team to sort post-consumer recycling, compost, and landfill in order to record contamination rates, produce waste diversion reports, and/or conduct waste audits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Follow instructions from project manager on sorting procedure.
- Sort waste according to project guidelines.
- Assist with record-keeping as needed of waste quantity, weight, contamination, and/or other metrics required for the project.
Minimum Education and Experience Required:
- High school diploma or GED and at least 21 years of age.
- English speaker (B2 equivalent or higher).
- Basic knowledge, interest, or experience of zero waste principles, recycling and/or conservation (Our staff will train you further through this program).
- Demonstrated ability to give direction regarding safety and to implement safety procedures.
All Zero Waste Trainees must feel comfortable getting hands-on with trash, lifting up to 30 pounds, and standing for long hours. Training will be provided by our Zero Waste Managers.
This position is part-time casual and has no benefits.
TO APPLY: Please send your resume and a few sentences explaining your interest to [email protected]. Please include “Zero Waste Trainee” and your last name in the subject line.
Race to Zero Waste (R20W) is an Equal Opportunity Employer
R20W does not discriminate against any individuals based on sex, sexual orientation or preference, gender, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, creed, citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, medical condition, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.
Our staff are taking all precautions provided by the CDC with regards to the Coronavirus. They are instructed to wear all the proper PPE and social distance when handling materials. In addition, they are required to wear face masks when working on any project.
Rev 4.1.2021
Sponsors and Partners
Copyright 2023, Race To Zero Waste, All Rights Reserved.
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Race to Zero Waste is a California Nonprofit Corporation exempt from federal tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service #83-3305529.