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Author Archives: MaryEllen Etienne

Women in Circularity: Karen Jayne

Published: January 29, 2024
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A warm welcome back to “Women in Circularity,” where we shine a light on women moving us toward a circular economy. This month, I connected with a dedicated nonprofit professional: Karen Jayne. Karen is the Chief Executive Officer of Stardust in Phoenix, Arizona—an innovative nonprofit organization that operates two reuse centers and offers deconstruction services that diverts reclaimed building materials from landfills and supports economic and environmental sustainability in their community. She has more than 13 years of expertise in building materials reuse.  Continue Reading

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Women in Circularity: Denise Braun

Published: May 29, 2024
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Denise Braun | Photo by Pedro Colo

A warm welcome back to “Women in Circularity,” where we shine a light on women moving us toward a circular economy. This month, I was pleased to connect with an expert in green buildings and zero waste: Denise Braun. Denise is a co-founder and president of All About Waste, a pioneering circular economy consulting firm that is proudly women- and minority-owned and is committed to a holistic approach that underscores collaboration, innovation, agility and environmental stewardship. She has more than 20 years of experience in sustainable buildings and technical waste management solutions.  Continue Reading

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In My Opinion: Data to Support Effective and Impactful Packaging Policy

Published: May 31, 2024
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Graphic by Eunomia Consulting

Across the United States, there is growing consideration among advocates and legislators regarding the role of policy in advancing recycling services to ensure equitable access and opportunity to residents while maximizing environmental and economic outcomes. This is exemplified through recent progress in extended producer responsibility policy for packaging. In 2024, nine states – from New York to Tennessee – have introduced legislation for packaging EPR, with the Minnesota governor recently signing an EPR bill, while the four states that have already passed EPR are rapidly moving through implementation phases. 

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California’s Pioneering Strides In Plastic Management

Published: April 14, 2024
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 ZikG/Shutterstock

This article appeared in the March 2024 issue of Resource Recycling. Subscribe today for access to all print content. ZikG/Shutterstock

California, a national forerunner in environmental advocacy, continues to implement packaging waste reduction initiatives — especially ones that impact plastic. With the Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) spearheading the effort, the state currently is implementing strategies to minimize the use of single-use plastics and packaging materials.

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