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Waste-Free Future Summit

Waste-Free Future Summit logo

Over the course of three days, you'll have the opportunity to participate in six free, virtual sessions covering everything from powerful storytelling to advocacy strategies that are driving Zero Waste solutions across the country

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Just Zero's Policy & Advocacy team

We love talking trash…

and how it impacts everything – climate, economy, equity and justice, and public health! Our team of Zero Waste experts welcome the opportunity to discuss Just Zero’s efforts to advance Zero Waste solutions that truly benefit people and the planet.

Meet our speakers

Hover over the photos to learn more about each of our Zero Waste experts.

Peter Blair

Policy & Advocacy Director

Peter is an accomplished advocate and environmental attorney with extensive knowledge of Zero Waste legislation, regulation, and programs. He uses his expertise to assist communities and lawmakers across the country in developing laws that eliminate needless waste, strengthen recycling programs, and hold polluters accountable.

Kevin Budris

Deputy Director

Kevin is a nationally recognized Zero Waste expert with a deep understanding of environmental policy and litigation. He is experienced in opposing false solutions and polluting waste facilities, as well as advocating for strong legislation that protects public health and the environment. 

Laura Orlando

Senior Scientist

Laura brings decades of scientific expertise to the Just Zero. As an engineer and researcher, she helps separate fact from fiction, exposing the ways in which our toxic waste systems threaten our health and environment. Laura advocates for addressing environmental and public health harms associated with waste management practices, including the spread of PFAS and microplastics.

Kirstie Pecci

Executive Director

Kirstie has over a decade of experience working to address the toxic and climate damaging impacts of our broken waste systems. She is skilled at uniting community members, environmental leaders, and policymakers to adopt solutions that put communities first. 

Vanessa Zapata

Staff Attorney

Vanessa is an experienced attorney who supports communities as they seek to reduce waste and address the toxic ways we dispose of it. She offers educational and technical support to community members, partner organizations, lawmakers, and other stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and promoting sustainable waste management practices. 
Man sitting with elbows leaning on legs

Peter Blair

Policy & Advocacy Director

Peter is an accomplished advocate and environmental attorney with extensive knowledge of Zero Waste legislation, regulation, and programs. He uses his expertise to assist communities and lawmakers across the country in developing laws that eliminate needless waste, strengthen recycling programs, and hold polluters accountable.

Man sitting outside smiling

Kevin Budris

Deputy Director

Kevin is a nationally recognized Zero Waste expert with a deep understanding of environmental policy and litigation. He is experienced in opposing false solutions and polluting waste facilities, as well as advocating for strong legislation that protects public health and the environment. 

Women sitting with elbows leaning on legs

Laura Orlando

Senior Scientist

Laura brings decades of scientific expertise to the Just Zero. As an engineer and researcher, she helps separate fact from fiction, exposing the ways in which our toxic waste systems threaten our health and environment. Laura advocates for addressing environmental and public health harms associated with waste management practices, including the spread of PFAS and microplastics.

Women sitting outside laughing

Kirstie Pecci

Executive Director

Kirstie has over a decade of experience working to address the toxic and climate damaging impacts of our broken waste systems. She is skilled at uniting community members, environmental leaders, and policymakers to adopt solutions that put communities first.

Women sitting in chair laughing

Vanessa Zapata

Staff Attorney

Vanessa is an experienced attorney who supports communities as they seek to reduce waste and address the toxic ways we dispose of it. She offers educational and technical support to community members, partner organizations, lawmakers, and other stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making and promoting sustainable waste management practices. 

Tell us about your event

Please complete the form below to help us evaluate your request. We will do our best to respond within 3-5 business days.

Request a Speaker
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Our ability to travel to in-person events depends in part on travel logistics and cost. We kindly ask that you please consider covering a portion of our travel expenses for any in-person appearances.
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One of Just Zero's goals is to reach a broad audience so as to raise awareness about our waste crisis and the impact it has on people and the planet. Having media present helps us reach this goal.
As a small nonprofit, we rely on donations and speaking fees to support our mission and continue our advocacy work. While we strive to make our expertise accessible to a wide range of audiences, we kindly ask that event organizers consider providing a $200 honorarium or speaker fee when possible.
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