Mallory has over eight years of experience in resource recovery and sustainability and holds a Master of Arts in Environmental Education and Communication from Royal Roads University. She is a Sustainability Programs Specialist in the Township of Langley’s Solid Waste Department. Outside work, she can usually be found worshipping her almost-tolerant three-year-old cat, reading or performing in local theatre.

Ingalisa is an environmental consultant with Let’s Talk Trash, specializing in solid waste education, outreach and campaigns for regional districts, non-profits and corporations seeking to reduce waste. During her 13 years with the organization, she has conducted waste composition studies, participated in extensive ocean cleanups and supported Solid Waste Management Plan engagement and education for all ages. Outside work, she enjoys harvesting wild mushrooms, fishing and taking in the beauty of the West Coast.

Luke joined the Capital Regional District in August 2020 and is Manager of Solid Waste Operations within Parks, Recreation and Environmental Services. A Professional Engineer and Queen’s University graduate, he brings extensive knowledge, leadership and enthusiasm for the solid waste industry. He is committed to his team, sustainable waste management and innovative programs that improve service delivery, environmental stewardship and community well-being. Outside work, Luke enjoys hiking, camping, golf, exploring new places and spending time with family and friends on Vancouver Island.

Ben is Manager of Solid Waste Services for the Regional District of Nanaimo, providing strategic leadership across the region’s waste services. With more than 15 years of experience in municipal operations, environmental compliance, infrastructure planning and public-sector service delivery, he advances waste diversion, landfill lifecycle management, circular economy policy and operational resilience.

A Licensed Agrologist with a master’s in Environmental Practice from Royal Roads University, Ben balances regulatory stewardship, fiscal responsibility and community needs. His experience spans curbside collection, transfer and landfill operations, capital planning and cross-government collaboration. He also represented the region through FCM’s Viet Nam Climate Resilient Municipalities Project, contributing expertise in waste management, asset management and climate-resilient service delivery.

With more than 14 years in the heavy equipment industry, Dan helps customers find practical solutions for challenging material handling and processing applications. At Westerra Equipment, he focuses on waste size reduction and material sorting for the waste, recycling and resource recovery sectors.

His experience spans shredding, screening, sorting and processing equipment. He enjoys understanding each operation’s challenges and finding solutions that fit. Based in BC, Dan looks forward to connecting with fellow conference attendees.

Sarah is Planning and Policy Development Manager at the Comox Valley Regional District, having previously worked for the City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, Product Care and Call2Recycle. Interested in all things solid waste, she recently completed a Solid Waste Management Plan renewal, looking under every metaphorical rock for diversion opportunities. She knows communicating the value of landfill airspace to elected officials can be challenging and looks forward to leading this discussion—and gathering useful facts for incoming directors.

Aastha has spent nearly a decade at Advica Health, helping Canadians and their families navigate an often complicated healthcare system. Her experience spans healthcare navigation, product, operations and client strategy, with a focus on connecting people to the right care when they need it.

With a background in psychology, education and mental health, she brings a valuable perspective to the relationship between employee benefits and health outcomes. She helps organizations strengthen health and resilience while reducing barriers that contribute to stress and burnout.

Laura began her career with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George in the late 1990s at the Foothills Boulevard Regional Landfill in Prince George. After a brief period on the East Coast, she returned and spent a decade as a landfill supervisor before moving into waste diversion.

As Manager of Waste Diversion Programs for five years, she advanced ICI packaging and printed paper diversion and demolition, land-clearing and construction waste diversion. Now General Manager of Environmental Services, Laura remains a passionate advocate for the rural and remote residents she serves.

Meredith is a Senior HR Consultant with TallSky Consulting Group, an executive coach and a facilitator with more than 20 years of experience helping leaders and teams navigate change, strengthen relationships and build healthier workplaces. Her practical, engaging approach creates conversations that lead to insight and action. She holds CPHR and SHRM-SCP designations, is an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and is a certified EQ-i practitioner.

Natasha is Director of Talent at ABC Recycling, a leading Western Canadian industrial recycling enterprise. With over a decade of HR leadership experience, she specializes in people and culture strategy, talent acquisition and workforce transformation.

A Chartered Professional in Human Resources, Natasha has held leadership roles across several sectors, including professional services and financial institutions. She also holds qualifications in Leading Workplace Change and Mental Health First Aid. She regularly contributes to national panels and forums on employee experience, retention and building aligned workplace cultures.

Brendan is an executive leader, systems thinker and recovering Recycle BC employee, having spent more than a decade helping shape recycling operations across Western Canada. Most recently Vice President of Operations, he led teams and large-scale organizational transformation in BC and Saskatchewan.

A familiar face at CWMA events, Brendan served six consecutive terms as Board Chair and remains closely connected to the industry’s people and challenges. He views leadership as stewardship: bringing clarity to complexity, building strong teams and helping organizations flourish. As he explores what comes next, he remains committed to purposeful leadership and community—and is delighted to return with fewer operational problems to solve.

David is a physicist, engineer and advocate for reducing human environmental impact through repair. For more than 50 years, he has repaired appliances, electronics, bicycles, cars and other products. His new book, A Better State of Repair, combines a call to action with a personal history of his repair efforts.

His research has appeared in scientific journals, and he holds numerous patents. David co-founded the CRAAG investor group and advises several technology companies. An avid rock climber, windsurfer, hiker and photographer, he lives in solar-powered homes in Campbell River and Horne Lake, BC.

Marika is the Lead for Solid Waste Reduction on the City of Victoria’s Zero Waste Team, overseeing single-use item and plastic reduction policy. Her background includes industrial compost science and microplastic contamination in soil systems, complemented by certifications in behavioural science applied to waste reduction.

Hamish is an entrepreneur who has spent 15 years helping people see what is possible and make informed choices. Trained in cognitive science, machine learning, biochemistry and evidence-based population health research, he co-founded SparxTrading.com in 2011, growing it into Canada’s leading resource for self-directed investors.

Since 2017, he has applied his expertise in digital search, content strategy, editorial and audience development to advancing the circular economy. He is Founder and President of Sparx Publishing Group and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Circular Economy Magazine, Canada’s only publication devoted to circular transitions. He also co-hosts Purpose Connections, created a directory of purpose-driven events, serves as a Canadian Purpose Economy Project Ambassador and edits Make The World Better Magazine. A father of three, he aims to leave things better than he found them.

Erick is Owner and CEO of VEMA Deconstruction, advancing sustainable deconstruction, material recovery and circular construction. His experience includes heritage retrofits, house moving, industrial and residential deconstruction, and land assembly projects involving up to eight homes.

His innovations include building Canada’s first home using prefabricated panels made from 70% reclaimed material and developing reclaimed-wood soffits, panelling, tongue-and-groove boards and flooring. He is also creating a processing centre to prepare recovered materials for structural, non-structural and architectural use. Erick advises circular deconstruction and secondary-market projects in BC, Quebec and Ontario, contributes to federal research and serves on provincial and federal advisory groups.

Orazio is Vice President of Sales at Openscreen, a Canadian software company that gives physical assets a digital identity through its next-generation asset management (CMMS/EAM) platform. He works with municipalities, waste haulers, healthcare systems and facilities operators to turn everyday field interactions into connected workflows for service requests, support, inspections and compliance. Working with municipalities across North America, Rehrig Pacific and Circular Materials, he focuses on practical technology that reduces administrative effort, improves the resident experience and helps the industry do more with less.

A technology champion with more than 30 years in the industry, Orazio has worked across the private sector, government and his own entrepreneurial ventures. He’s been at it since before dial-up and hopes to be here after AI!

Sheila is Executive Director of CWMA, creating forums where BC’s solid waste industry can develop waste reduction and management solutions. She brings more than 30 years of experience delivering operations, strategy and marketing projects across North America, contributing to the success of over 100 organizations. Her entrepreneurial background includes building and selling three businesses—including a boxing gym—and informs her approach as an event facilitator.

Russ has worked in local government utility services for more than 30 years, including the past 15 at the Capital Regional District focused on solid waste management. Retiring at the end of the year, he looks forward to exploring global waste practices while chasing the sun with a margarita and a book.

Sean is Director of Commercial Development – Supply & Markets for Convertus Group, which designs, builds, finances and operates organic waste processing facilities. Convertus operates four Canadian facilities, including Nanaimo’s Circular Waste BC and Surrey Biofuel.

Sean began his industry career at Rehrig Pacific, followed by Waste Connections before joining Convertus. His experience across supply, collection and processing provides a broad perspective on BC’s solid waste industry. He currently serves as CWMA Board Chair.

Dr. Jiaying Zhao, known as JZ, is Professor of Psychology and Sustainability at UBC, where she founded and directs the Behavioral Sustainability Lab. She develops behavioural solutions that strengthen climate action and has worked with NASA, NOAA and US and Canadian forest services on pathways to net zero.

JZ has appeared on podcasts and in documentaries, including Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes and Close the Divide. Her research has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, TIME, The Economist, CNN and NBC. Her 2023 TED talk on climate strategies rooted in happiness was selected among the top “TED Talks to be a better you” in 2024. A devoted foodie, JZ enjoys one epic meal a day.

Erica is Director of Destination & Industry Development at Destination BC, responsible for destination development elements of the Invest in Iconics initiative. They bring more than a decade of experience with community and regional destination management organizations in Ontario, BC and Alberta.

Their background spans destination development and stewardship, place branding, stakeholder relations, industry development, travel trade and media, visitor services, and research and performance management. Erica holds a master’s in Tourism Policy and Planning from the University of Waterloo and enjoys skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing and mountain biking with their family.

Laura is Outreach Sustainability Coordinator for the District of Squamish, leading waste diversion and circular economy initiatives that improve recycling and support community behaviour change. Her work includes zero-waste events, contamination reduction and construction and demolition waste diversion through education, industry engagement and policy.

She holds a Master of Sustainability from the University of Saskatchewan and a BA in Tourism Management from Munich University of Applied Sciences and Royal Roads University. Her previous work in Squamish visitor services and tourism operations gives her firsthand insight into tourism’s opportunities and challenges. She focuses on practical solutions that benefit visitors and residents.

Oge is an Environmental Analyst with the Vancouver Airport Authority at YVR. As part of the Climate & Environment Team, she leads waste and recycling management and water conservation initiatives, alongside education and outreach for terminal tenants, airport staff and passengers.

With a background in Chemical and Environmental Sciences and more than 15 years of environmental management and sustainability experience, Oge enjoys helping stakeholders expand their knowledge and adopt sustainable practices. She is grateful to live, work and play on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.

Daniel is Co-Founder and Program Manager of ReSurf, operated by Surfrider Foundation Canada. Based in Ucluelet, ReSurf is building Canada’s first end-of-life management system for surf gear through wetsuit repair, collection and recycling. In just over a year, it has become Canada’s leading wetsuit repair and recycling program. Daniel has worked with Surfrider Canada since 2023, bringing a business background to circular solutions for the Canadian surf industry.

Lucas is Director of Program Development for Recycle BC and SK Recycles, leading program planning, policy, continuous improvement and producer engagement. Previously, he worked on the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks’ EPR team as file lead for the packaging and paper program, including its 2014 launch. He also led Surfrider Foundation’s Canadian affiliate, advancing plastic pollution prevention and recycling initiatives.

Lucas holds an MSc from Memorial University, where he studied how packaging EPR policy can reduce shoreline plastic debris. Outside work, he enjoys surfing, tennis and beach time with his wife and two young sons.

Todd is an environmental engineer with more than 30 years of solid waste experience across Western Canada and the North, spanning landfilling, circular economy initiatives and everything in between. As a consultant, he helped develop waste management plans for the Capital Regional District, Metro Vancouver and other BC regions. He also managed Metro Vancouver’s award-winning United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre. Now Ecowaste’s General Manager, Todd helps operate a landfill with circular economy ambitions.

Al is Co-Founder of Reclaim Plastics, a company tackling recycling challenges others often avoid. It began with hard-to-recycle automotive plastics, including bumper covers and headlights containing embedded metals and mixed materials. The team has since expanded into ICI plastics, industrial containers, expired child car seats and laminated glass.

Their philosophy is simple: difficult materials are worth finding solutions for. An Ivey Business School graduate and Chartered Professional Accountant, Al aims to turn challenging waste into useful materials.

Michael is Vice-President of Business Development at New West Gypsum Recycling and represents the second generation of the family business. Joining in 1995, he gained experience in plant operations and administration before moving to Europe in 2004 to support international expansion through equipment installation, employee training, operations management and relationships with wallboard manufacturers.

Since returning to Canada in 2011, Michael has worked with government, construction, waste management and manufacturing stakeholders to develop opportunities, promote best practices and expand gypsum recycling. His focus is diverting gypsum from landfills and returning it to productive use.

Aaron is Founder of Can-Do! Green Technologies, an urban lumberjack and CEO of Urbanjacks. Based in Vancouver, his clean-tech startup transforms secondary solid wood waste into premium recycled lumber. Driven by a can-do attitude, he has assembled a team of innovators committed to sustainability and practical environmental impact.

Chloé has nearly 20 years of experience in the non-profit and environmental sectors, spanning agricultural and aquatic ecosystems, climate science and ecological conservation. Since co-founding Ocean Legacy in 2013, she has worked in more than a dozen countries, engaging hundreds of thousands of people in plastic pollution cleanup, research, education and recycling.

An international speaker, Clean16 Award recipient and King Charles III Coronation Medal honouree, Chloé leads one of Canada’s first and largest marine plastic recycling facilities. She co-developed EPIC—Education, Policy, Infrastructure and Cleanup—and works with First Nations, governments, industry and communities to advance reconciliation, resource circularity and sustainable plastic pollution solutions.

Claire is an engineering leader with almost 30 years of contaminated sites and waste management experience. An experienced collaborator with government, industry and peers, she specializes in operations, permitting and risk management. Claire and the GRT team challenge conventional disposal practices and work to advance circular excess soil management in North America.

Emmie is Founder and CEO of Emterra Group and has spent 50 years transforming waste into resources. She established the business in 1976 as a one-woman Vancouver recycling operation, guided by her belief that everything has value.

Today, Emterra has six divisions spanning waste collection, recycling, product destruction, tire recycling, producer responsibility and environmental innovation. It employs more than 1,300 people across over 40 sites in Canada and Michigan. Emmie’s leadership has advanced recycling, resource recovery and fleet decarbonization while navigating changes in policy, consumer expectations and producer responsibility. As Emterra celebrates its 50th anniversary, her story reflects the resilience and vision behind both the company and Canada’s recycling industry.

Veronica is an environmental and waste management consultant with 20 years of experience and a postgraduate degree in ecotoxicology from Uppsala University, Sweden. She began her waste career developing municipal waste minimization plans in New Zealand. After 13 years at Morrison Hershfield, now Stantec, she joined Dillon Consulting to continue helping communities reduce waste. Outside work, Veronica enjoys mountain biking, hiking and skiing with her 12-year-old daughter, who now outperforms her in most sports.

Taaj is Nanaimo’s Manager of Public Works, with more than 33 years of experience across municipal government, construction and utilities. He specializes in operational transformation, service improvement and practical solutions to complex challenges.

During the first week of the pandemic, he took responsibility for the city’s struggling automated waste collection service, which averaged 22 missed collections a month and often kept crews working until 8 p.m. New to the industry, Taaj spent three months observing operations and engaging staff, followed by three months analysing data. He then presented Council with a comprehensive service model and a commitment to fix the problems without requesting additional resources for five years.

Marie-Caroline is Founder and CEO of Vertocube and an expert in smart waste collection and incentive-based pricing. With more than 15 years of environmental and waste management experience, she advises municipalities and organizations on solutions that deliver economic and environmental benefits.

A pioneer of incentive-based waste pricing in Quebec, she co-founded Vertocube and developed BinLogiQ, a cloud platform that turns smart collection data into actionable insights. Her expertise spans feasibility studies, collection technologies, ecofiscality and large-scale implementation. Her goal is to help communities use data, incentives and technology to reduce waste, optimize costs and improve environmental performance.

Craig is Owner, CEO and Lead Developer of E-TRIP Solutions, an AI-powered field service and fleet management platform helping waste and service businesses operate efficiently. He brings more than a decade of hands-on experience in collection, dispatch, operations management, fleet systems and heavy equipment.

Craig created E-TRIP to address challenges he encountered firsthand, replacing fragmented processes with one accessible platform. He advocates for AI and automation that reduce administration, strengthen customer trust and improve decisions, combining operational knowledge with technology designed to serve people.

Sonam has more than 13 years of experience in waste management, policy development and stakeholder engagement. As Superintendent of Solid Waste Planning at the Regional District of Nanaimo, she leads Solid Waste Management Plan implementation, bylaw development and compliance, and intergovernmental collaboration. CWMA’s Vice Chair, she holds a BA in Environmental Geography and a certificate in Spatial Information Systems.

Ryan is Director of Plastics and Marine Litter at Environment and Climate Change Canada, leading the federal initiative to advance a circular plastics economy. His work includes domestic and international measures to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Ryan’s public-service experience spans climate change, energy and contaminated sites. He also worked at the OECD on green growth and global relations. He holds an undergraduate degree in Geography and Biology from Wilfrid Laurier University and a master’s in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary.

Sheila is Executive Director of CWMA, creating forums where BC’s solid waste industry can develop waste reduction and management solutions. She brings more than 30 years of experience delivering operations, strategy and marketing projects across North America, contributing to the success of over 100 organizations. Her entrepreneurial background includes building and selling three businesses—including a boxing gym—and informs her approach as an event facilitator.

Devin is Co-Founder and CEO of Mission Environmental Services Group, a Calgary-based parent company for independent waste and recycling brands in BC and Alberta. With more than 200 trucks and 400 employees, Mission is one of Western Canada’s largest regional operators, working to become a trusted partner for municipalities, regional districts, non-profits and residents.

Before Mission, Devin founded BluPlanet Recycling, Calgary’s largest locally based waste services company. It serves more than 50,000 single-family homes, 2,000 multi-family properties and hundreds of commercial clients, and has been a certified Benefit Corporation since 2011.

David is Sustainability Supervisor for the City of Penticton, with a decade of experience connecting municipal waste management, climate action and community sustainability. He has led programs that reduce emissions, improve resource recovery and support long-term environmental goals.

David helped coordinate two automated cart collection rollouts in the South Okanagan, improving service efficiency and customer experience. He now oversees waste diversion, recycling compliance, energy and emissions planning, and electric mobility, with a focus on practical community solutions.

Avril is a Planner in the Capital Regional District’s Environmental Resource Management division, developing and implementing initiatives that support its Solid Waste Management Plan. Her work advances sustainable practices through planning, policy and community engagement.

Previously the Solid Waste Initiatives Coordinator and Environmental Education Liaison, she developed 3Rs education programs and coordinated Hartland Landfill tours. Her education and interpretation experience includes provincial and regional parks, the Vancouver Aquarium, Victoria Bug Zoo and Churchill Northern Studies Centre. Avril holds a BSc in Biology with an Environmental Studies minor from the University of Victoria and brings a strong commitment to public education and stewardship.

Tessa is Director of Collection at Recycle BC, where she has spent more than six years in operations and program administration. She oversees collection procurement and works with service providers and industry partners to develop efficient, effective recycling systems across BC.

Tessa advances circular economy outcomes through collaboration, data-informed decisions and continuous improvement. Outside work, she enjoys exploring BC through hiking, camping and snowboarding.

Tim manages the First Nations Recycling Initiative, representing SABC product stewardships to First Nation communities across BC. He works with communities on recycling programs and events, collaborating with IZWTAG, Indigenous Services Canada, the Ministry of Environment and Parks, and participating stewardship agencies.

Before FNRI, Tim worked at Recycle BC, co-led the Radius Change Lab Series, taught sustainability and innovation, and mentored startups at SFU. He also served as European Managing Director of a technology company focused on sustainability.

Sandra is Zero Waste Coordinator for the City of Vancouver, leading waste reduction, resource recovery and responsible materials management programs. With extensive experience in household hazardous waste and environmental compliance, she develops practical solutions that protect public health and the environment while meeting regulatory and sustainability goals.

Her expertise includes hazardous materials stewardship, contractor oversight, program development and evolving waste regulations. She collaborates with government, industry and service providers to improve diversion and environmental protection. Outside work, Sandra enjoys sewing, RV travel, kayaking and e-biking across BC.

Travis is Solid Waste Planner for the Regional District of Nanaimo, delivering waste diversion programs through efficient processes and effective policies. He has developed and implemented household hazardous waste collection programs for local governments in BC and Ontario. He earned a degree in Chemistry because he liked the lab coats.

Mannie is Vice President of Operations at Product Care Association of Canada, a non-profit industry association operating extended producer responsibility programs for household hazardous and special products in Canada and the US. He brings more than 20 years of EPR leadership and over 10 years in hazardous waste management. His experience includes business and program development, compliance, operational efficiency and program effectiveness.

Rob is an environmental scientist with more than 20 years of experience in contaminated site remediation, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, industrial safety, spill response and confined-space rescue. His background also includes industrial scaffolding, paramedic work with BC EHS and construction supervision on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.

Since 2015, he has managed Sumas Environmental Services’ Kamloops hazardous waste, contaminated soil and water facility. Rob holds degrees in Political Science from UVic and Environmental Science from Royal Roads University. A snowboard instructor, Airbnb Superhost and aspiring lifeguard and swim instructor, he founded the Thompson Rivers Water Safety Society and has received commendation and bravery awards from Kamloops Fire Rescue, the Lifesaving Society of BC and the Royal Humane Association of Canada. He will run his fourth marathon of 2026—and 34th overall—in Victoria, with a personal best of 2:50.

Brendan is an executive leader, systems thinker and recovering Recycle BC employee, having spent more than a decade helping shape recycling operations across Western Canada. Most recently Vice President of Operations, he led teams and large-scale organizational transformation in BC and Saskatchewan.

A familiar face at CWMA events, Brendan served six consecutive terms as Board Chair and remains closely connected to the industry’s people and challenges. He views leadership as stewardship: bringing clarity to complexity, building strong teams and helping organizations flourish. As he explores what comes next, he remains committed to purposeful leadership and community—and is delighted to return with fewer operational problems to solve.

Avery Gottfried is a Senior Policy Specialist, leading the Circular Economy Unit at the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks. His team priorities include championing provincial initiatives on plastics, waste management, and circular economy policy. He has extensive experience collaborating with Indigenous organizations, industry, and governments to deliver environmental solutions across B.C. This past year, the Plastics Action Fund that is managed by his team was nominated as a finalist for the provincial premiers’ awards.

Meegan Armstrong is Acting Senior Director of the Circular Communities with the B.C. Ministry of Environment and Parks. She has over 15 years of experience in environmental policy and has played a key role in developing B.C.’s Extended Producer Responsibility programs.

Rory Tooke is the Senior Manager of Environmental Innovation for the Capital Regional District (CRD) in British Columbia. Appointed in February 2025, he oversees major regional environmental initiatives, including the CRD’s Long-Term Biosolids Management Strategy and biochar innovation projects. With over a decade of local government experience, Rory previously served as the Manager of Sustainability and Asset Management for the City of Victoria, where he established the city’s solid waste engineering section and led its Zero Waste Strategy. Prior to that, he was a Community Energy Planner for the City of Surrey, contributing to pioneering projects like the Clayton Community Centre—the largest Passive House facility of its kind. Rory holds a PhD in Natural Resources Management and Geography from the University of British Columbia (UBC), where his research specialized in using GIS and remote sensing for urban energy management. He is actively involved in regional waste management networks and served on the Board of Directors for the Coast Waste Management Association (CWMA).

Chris is Vice President of Strategic Policy & Engagement at Moment Energy, developing alliances across corporate partners, distributors, OEMs, supply chains and product warranty and insurance relationships. As part of the senior executive team, he supports sales growth, revenue strategies and the independent distributor model.

Chris holds a master’s in Applied Environmental Science and brings more than 25 years of corporate consulting experience, including extensive clean-tech work. His expertise spans sustainable business practices, operational systems and environmental development across renewable energy, mining, oil and gas, and LNG. He combines strategic growth, relationship development and innovative project planning to support Moment Energy’s expansion.

Martina manages KOLO, Bratislava’s municipal reuse centre and the largest in Slovakia. Involved since its beginnings, she helped develop it into an internationally recognized example of how cities can integrate reuse into waste management.

Her work focuses on waste prevention, circular economy initiatives and practical reuse solutions with municipalities, businesses and communities. Alongside daily operations, she develops educational programs, international partnerships and initiatives demonstrating reuse’s environmental, social and economic value. Martina enjoys sharing experience and helping cities recognize reuse as an essential part of a modern circular economy.

Tom is Founder and CEO of TerraCycle, an international leader in recycling, recycled content and reuse. Operating in 18 countries, TerraCycle works with major brands, retailers and other partners to recycle products and packaging otherwise destined for landfill or incineration.

Tom and TerraCycle also created Loop, enabling consumers to buy products in reusable packaging. Their work has received hundreds of awards and recognition from organizations including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Fortune and the US Chamber of Commerce. Tom has authored four books: Revolution in a Bottle, Outsmart Waste, Make Garbage Great and The Future of Packaging.

Isabel founded Party Kit Network in 2019, growing it into a global movement of more than 600 community-run schemes across the UK, Australia, Ireland, the US and beyond. Members range from sharing libraries and school groups to councils, businesses and individuals, each lending reusable tableware for celebrations.

By 2024, the network had avoided more than one million single-use items. It was shortlisted in the Small Awards’ Mission Possible category in 2026, and Isabel won Judges’ Choice for Pioneer of the Year at the 2025 Better Business Summit. She delivers sustainable-event workshops, speaks on community action and has appeared on podcasts including Carbon Copy.

Tamara is an independent consultant working to make zero waste and circular approaches the norm. She designs and implements waste reduction initiatives across sectors, focusing on waste avoidance and reuse. Outside work, she enjoys sharing gardening and composting with children, dancing and bringing people together.

Belinda is a PhD candidate in Simon Fraser University’s School of Resource and Environmental Management and Co-Founder of the Food Systems Lab. Her doctoral research examines community composting in rural BC, working with composters to identify challenges and advocate for better support.

Through these connections, she co-founded the Canada Community Compost Network, a growing national coalition. Belinda also works as a waste management consultant—her current “hobby”—and looks forward to returning to other hobbies after completing her PhD.

Tatiana is Waste Reduction Coordinator for the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, supporting reuse, recycling and composting initiatives. She led the launch of its first Community Composting Pilot Project in Chase, BC, and previously worked with environmental education non-profits and a local composting organization.

Tatiana holds an honours bachelor’s in Geography and Environmental Studies from Thompson Rivers University and an MSc in Environmental Science and Policy from Central European University. She enjoys a good book and time with her two cats, and is grateful to live, work and play on Secwepemcúĺecw.

Megan is a communications leader supporting social and environmental good, with a focus on reducing food waste and strengthening food systems. As Head of Communications at FoodMesh, she supports surplus food diversion and leads Love Food Hate Waste Canada, providing practical tools to prevent household food waste.

She also serves on the LUSH Valley Food Action Society board, supporting a resilient, equitable and sustainable food system in Vancouver Island’s Comox Valley, where she lives.

Georg is an executive with 25 years of strategy consulting experience. Since moving to Salt Spring Island, he has divided his time between non-profit leadership and his biochar venture, Preterra BioCarbon Solutions.

As Treasurer of the Salt Spring Abattoir Society, he supports an essential service for island livestock farmers and local food security. With the team, he oversees the Ecodrum facility, composting abattoir waste into a useful resource. He is expanding its feedstocks to include community materials, reducing off-island hauling and increasing locally produced compost.

Rhiannon is the City of Victoria’s Circular Economy Specialist, leading multiple waste reduction initiatives. With more than a decade of sustainability program experience, she has spent six years advancing Zero Waste Victoria, the city’s award-winning strategy to reduce landfilled waste by 50% by 2040. She holds an MSc from Simon Fraser University.