Zero-Waste Workshop for Arizona Businesses

​Fall 2025

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Summary
Executed a zero-waste workshop in Mesa engaging 16 local businesses to implement waste-reduction strategies
using a zero-waste framework. Guided by U.S. Green Building Council TRUE Zero Waste Certification content
and facilitated by two Youth Leads—both certified Zero Waste Advisors, participants explored practical
zero-waste strategies—from redesign to composting—through facilitated discussions and hands-on activities.
Attendees committed to an average 65.2% waste diversion goal by 2035, and four Arizona businesses received
zero-waste audits to assess baseline waste generation and identify targeted reduction
opportunities—demonstrating youth-led, systems-level impact that strengthens local circularity and community
resilience.

Project Lead
Kyleigh Brown

Project Team
Tim Whitney | Kory Stiles | Kathryn Apuan | Ashley Weisman

Project Partners
City of Mesa | Benedictine University | Mill | U.S. Green Building Council Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund | GreenLight Solutions | Bold Reuse ​Beanchain Coffee | 180 Degrees | Filter Clean | Urban Farming Education
State Senator Lauren Kuby

Photos

Deliverable