MY ADVENTURES IN GARBAGE, …
manufacturing, and sustainability have captivated tens of thousands from preschoolers to Fortune 500 companies to major conferences and universities, and even the TEDx stage.
I was deeply inspired by my kindergarten teacher who made nature come alive; my college biology, chemistry, and physics classes; and the year I spent in Germany playing soccer.
Before Germany, I had never stayed in another country long enough to understand that the benefit of travel isn’t just exposure to new cultures: it’s how travel helps you see your own.
With four drivers, the Meyer family owned one car. They reused cloth napkins at every meal, and whether they walked or drove to the grocery store, they always brought reusable bags.
While the Meyer family consumed less, they also seemed just as comfortable and happy as my friends and family back home. I began my career convinced that we can consume fewer resources and lead a fulfilling life.
“We can consume fewer resources
and lead a fulfilling life.”
MY FIRST JOB WAS LABELING DUMPSTERS …
for Waste Management. I was exposed to truck routing, drivers, container sizes, safety culture, and DOT requirements. I led 100+ tours at WM’s recycling facility; inspired Seattle neighborhoods to teach each other how to reduce waste; worked 18-hour days during one of the longest garbage collection labor disruptions in the region in decades; and even contributed to WM’s national recycling education campaign, Recycle Right.
At ENGIE Impact, I led scientific waste audits of over 200,000 lbs of waste at landfills for companies like Sephora, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, and Panda Express. I spent all-nighters on the loading docks of some of New York City’s most-famous buildings. I also wrote a few business plans and software development requirements for one of the company’s fastest growing products.
Three years later, I became Wastequip’s Vice President of Research and Waste Stream Sustainability. I served as the objective expert on what happens to waste streams like textiles, electronics, recyclables, and food and launched the company’s first corporate responsibility program. Under my leadership, our team reduced virgin resin usage by 10% overall; published carbon accounting for monthly business reviews; measured supplier diversity; and launched cart buy-back and the industry’s first 100% recycled cart body.
My career in corporate America has been so much more than conference calls and spreadsheets. I’ve had the joy of being honored with Waste360’s 40 Under 40; filing a patent for a waste collection cart that better educates residents; and being selected as a finalist for ENGIE’s global Innovation Trophy for my work on waste audits.
“Kristin started her career with a mission to help our world rethink the resources we consume. Ever since, she has furthered that mission with curiosity and persistence. She is a rare combination of intellect and storyteller and wise beyond her 15+ years in the waste industry.”
TODAY I . . .
Advance scientific research for a more circular economy as a board member for the Environmental Research and Education Foundation;
Encourage innovation as an advisor to Snocap Venture Capital for climate tech;
Share the latest objective science about waste streams with investors;
Support small and medium businesses to start authentic sustainability programs that balance people, planet, and profit;
Inspire audiences to laugh their way into learning.
MY RESUME WON’T TELL YOU THAT:
I’ve jumped out of a perfectly good plane and walked through a herd of wild bison • When I travel, I collect recipes • I plan my own birthday party every year • If you tell me you like my outfit, I’ll tell you I rented it • I walked on to my college soccer team • As I type this, I’m wearing a party hat, because creating a website should be fun, right?! Right?! • At all times, I have sunscreen and sea salt with me • In kindergarten, I got in trouble for coloring outside the lines • My happy place is a blueberry farm • I’m not competitive, you’re competitive • I am not an Amazon Prime member, but sometimes, I have to ask a friend to help me out • When I was 6, my mom and I won a look-alike contest, because I made her apply • If you want a good laugh, ask me about the time I went diving with great whites.
