Race to Zero Waste Hosts Zero Waste Forum & International Dialogue in San Francisco
Join Race to Zero Waste (R20W) and partners for the Zero Waste Forum & International Dialogue , taking place in San Francisco April 2nd-6th. We’re reflecting on the past year of grassroots efforts and looking towards advancing resilient communities together. Through this event, we aim to foster collaboration, education, and fun around zero waste efforts, while building on conversations from the International Day of Zero Waste. Attendees can join the Zero Waste Forum on April 4 th and 5 th virtually or in person at Futures Without Violence in the Presidio . Register today!
The Zero Waste Forum is an extension of R20W’s mission to foster discussions that build an equitable and accessible circular economy. The Forum will host esteemed international speakers affiliated with the Zero Waste International Alliance and local Bay Area zero waste businesses and organizations. Mark your calendar for our beloved Zero Waste Fest to close out the week! We will participate in yoga, a silent disco, education stations, and water activities on the Bay provided by City Surf Project. Thank you to all of our sponsors that are making this week of zero waste activities a reality. The Zero Waste Forum is possible in large part to our presenting sponsor, Bay Area Bin Support. Thank you!
International Day of Zero Waste:
The Zero Waste Forum builds upon the conversations that are part of the second International Day of Zero Waste , which now occurs annually on March 30th. Get to know the series of #ZeroWasteDay events, including the Forum, that are listed on the UNEP International Day of Zero Waste Calendar . There, you can find the Forum and the #ZeroWasteDay Conversations we’re hosting on March 26th.
Keynote Speakers:
Joining the Zero Waste Forum as keynote speakers are Zeynep Çelikel, Adviser at the United Nations; Crystal Dreisbach, CEO at Upstream; Denaya Shorter, Senior Director of GAIA for the US & Canada; and Katie Patrick, environmental engineer and author. These four women make an impact reimagining systems and advocating for a more sustainable future.
Mr. Richard Anthony, President of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), will also be in attendance to provide an opening address on April 5th to begin the International Dialogue.
ZWIA and the 12th Annual International Dialogue:
As an affiliate of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) , Race to Zero Waste takes pride in contributing to the advancement of the zero waste ethos. For this reason, we are pleased to share that the Zero Waste Forum will be host to ZWIA’s 12 th Annual International Dialogue, which will be the focus of the Forum on April 5th. This will be the first time in more than a decade that the International Dialogue takes place in the USA! Race to Zero Waste is thrilled to host speakers and attendees from the USA, Turkey, China, Ukraine, Brazil, Indonesia, Sweden, and a number of other countries.
R20W’s commitment involves promoting a global understanding of the concept of zero waste, as per the peer-reviewed definition agreed upon by ZWIA members. We encourage Forum attendees to sign the petition asking the United Nations to adopt the International definition of Zero Waste to provide world leaders a shared understanding of this critical foundation for our future.
Advancing Resilient Communities:
The Zero Waste Forum serves as a platform to discuss challenges, while simultaneously celebrating recent achievements. At the Forum, R20W aims to showcase both success stories and sticking points in zero waste initiatives, specifically highlighting organizations that are doing the work.
The goal is to hold space and provide insightful content that benefits youth, seasoned professionals, leaders, and novices alike. Furthermore, R20W seeks to shift the narrative away from recycling towards concepts such as rethink, redesign, reuse, repair, re-earth, and resource reduction (known as The Rs of Zero Waste).
As part of the Forum, Zero Waste USA will be offering their “Introduction to Zero Waste” course on April 3rd. This four-hour, in-person class will delve into Zero Waste principles and planning techniques tailored for businesses, institutions, and communities. The course structure includes engaging in a small group project, a quiz, and a Certificate of Completion. Register to take advantage of this in-person opportunity!
Sliding Scale Pricing:
While this event is a fundraiser for the organization, Race to Zero Waste is committed to accessibility and inclusivity. If the cost of Forum registration is a barrier for you, please reach out. Race to Zero Waste offers sliding scale pricing options and a limited number of scholarships. Use the contact page to make your request.
Sliding Scale pricing and scholarships are available thanks to our generous sponsors. Interested in becoming a sponsor? You still can! See details and contact us.
The Zero Waste Forum is R20W’s 2024 Fundraiser. Can’t attend? Consider donating to support our programs and educational content.
Zero Waste Forum Partners and Sponsors:
About Race to Zero Waste:
R20W, a woman-founded and -run 501(c)(3) environmental conservation non-profit, is dedicated to reducing consumption, promoting reuse, and advancing an equitable circular economy. Our efforts significantly impact the environment and global greenhouse gas emissions by urging waste reduction across all sectors.
In 2023, Race to Zero Waste employed over 50 Zero Waste Trainees, conducted outreach at 20 Zero Waste Pop-ups, diverted over 100 tons of waste from landfills, provided SB: 1383 compliance for two municipalities, conducted 8 waste audits, reached over 57,000 social media accounts, and educated over 85,000 individuals at events and public spaces. Follow us to see what we accomplish in 202
