Thursday, May 16th, 2013, 9:00am - 11:30am PDT / Streamed Panel Discussion: 9:30am - 11:00am PDT / 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT / 18:30 - 20:00 (Paris-Frankfurt)

According to the latest data published by the EPA (2010), 250 million tons of trash was generated in the United States of which only 34.1% was recycled and only 12% was recovered for energy purposes[1]. San Francisco has been recognized as one of the greenest cities in the United States achieved a landfill diversion rate of 80% in 2010 and has set a goal of achieving zero waste by 2020.

Zero waste means sending nothing to landfill or incineration and that products are designed and used according to the waste reduction hierarchy (prevent waste, reduce and reuse first, then recycle and compost) and principle of highest and best use[2].

Achieving zero waste encompasses the entire waste and product value chain by reusing, recovering and recycling resources downstream at the post-consumer stage. Also, reducing waste upstream, throughout the product lifecycle and designing more sustainable products will contribute to diverting waste from landfill.

In this initial meeting, we will frame the discussion around the end-user stage of zero waste and discuss:

• What is zero waste and what does it mean?
• Why pursue zero waste?

• What has not worked?
• What are the main lessons learned?
• What are the major roadblocks and inefficiencies that remain?

• What are the steps needed to get to zero waste by 2020?
• How can all stakeholders be involved and incentivized to participate?

• What are the implications for businesses?
• What are the economic and social repercussions?
• How can a zero waste strategy be implemented?

In our next meetings we will expand the conversation to product manufacturers and sustainable consumption and focus on:

1. What is the role of consumer product companies in designing better products?
2. What is the status of EPR and Product Stewardship?
3. How can businesses drive more sustainable consumption?