Taking on the problem of waste management requires more than simply changing the things we buy, developing better recycling programs, or cleaning up beaches. Because the problem is so big, it needs a bigger way of thinking that takes into account the connections between waste, conservation, and society and works together to find local and regional solutions. Poor waste management can hurt biodiversity and human health in direct and indirect ways. Effective waste management helps the environment, but it can also help the communities that take part in waste management projects in many other ways.

So, how can we manage garbage holistically? The Be Waste Wise webinar of the month on “Managing Waste for Conservation & Livelihood” talks about how we can take a more holistic approach to dealing with waste, such as building local programs that are part of regional trash management plans and setting up garbage collection and sorting programs that put people to work and help their local economies.

SPEAKERS

Susan Johanna Slabbert @Asia Pacific Rayon (APR)

Susan is the Head of Sustainability at Asia Pacific Rayon (APR). Originally from South Africa, Susan has more than 15 years of experience in environmental management and sustainable development. She currently leads the development and implementation of APR’s operational decarbonization and long term sustainability strategy, the actioning and monitoring of responsible manufacturing principles, as well as all efforts to enhance circularity.

Gerry O’Brien @Wildlife Advocate

Gerry works as a woodland ambassador, assisting visitors to the Forest of Dean in engaging with and enjoying their surroundings. He leads frequent environmental education workshops and wildlife excursions in the forest, and he works hard to build symbiotic connections with his partnering teams and conservation organisations. He is actively involved in a variety of wildlife initiatives around the forest, including Bat, Reptile, and Waterways projects, and enjoys the opportunity for constant learning that they give. He also visits local schools to provide Forest School programmes and works proactively with them to improve wildlife awareness and a broader understanding of environmental issues.

MODERATOR

Emma Burlow @Lighthouse Sustainability

Emma Burlow is the founder of Lighthouse Sustainability. She is one of the UK’s leading specialists on circular economy and sustainability in businesses. She has worked with business on sustainability for 25 years. She has an excellent overview of how to manage large scale projects, alongside the detail of what drives individual businesses and ultimately, sustainability outcomes. This experience gives Emma a unique depth of understanding of the critical success factors for implementing more circular business models, particularly the importance of understanding the financial model, establishing key partnerships and understanding the marketplace. She works with established businesses to help them find a pragmatic, solid pathway through sustainability, carbon and circularity, supports start-ups to disrupt conventional industries and delivers bespoke training.