#MeetTheTeam – Giulia Lodi

Meet the Team Zero Waste Europe - general

It’s time to discover and learn more about the people behind Zero Waste Europe’s work and magic! In addition to the ZWE Changemakers series, where you can learn more about our member organisations, we invite you to get a closer look at our staff, what they do, and what inspires them to work for a zero waste future.

This time, we sat down with Giulia Lodi, our Communications & Network Officer, who joined Zero Waste Europe in September 2023.

How did you come to join Zero Waste Europe?

I was seeking a new challenge that would allow me to engage with communities and local actors while contributing to positive change in the world, and I thought Zero Waste Europe was the perfect fit!

What motivated you to work for a zero waste Europe?

I spent my summers on the Italian hills with my grandparents, who were very pro-zero waste; the amount of trash in their house was minimal compared to my parents’ house in the city. Everything had a purpose, items were reused, composted, gifted, or repurposed within their community. It was there I first began to notice the stark contrast between their mindful way of living and the culture of overconsumption and waste that had become the norm in society.

What would you say is the most interesting part of your job?

As my job title suggests, I work in communications with a focus on our network, which spans 37 members and alliances across 29 countries. My role involves building relationships and understanding their work on the ground, their communities, and the challenges they face. I strive to amplify their voices and stories, ensuring they gain the visibility they deserve while fostering connections and awareness of each other’s work.

One powerful example comes from Spain, where NGOs, unions, and civil society groups united to launch an incredible campaign advocating for the true implementation of the waste law.

#LeydeResiduosYA campaigning outside of the European Commission

What are the biggest challenges that you face in your work?

Keeping pace in a fast-changing world that’s heading in a concerning direction is no easy task. Working on environmental issues today can be particularly challenging, but that’s exactly why connecting the dots is crucial. By highlighting the interconnections between waste, health, the economy, and our communities we can demonstrate that a better path is possible, and inspire meaningful change.

To quote Jane Fonda, “We must not isolate. We must stay in community. We must help the vulnerable. We must find ways to project an inspiring vision of the future“.

What is an aspect of your work that you find fun?

I feel incredibly lucky to work in an open-minded and dynamic environment. Our meetings with the ZWE team and our members are always filled with fresh ideas, creative brainstorming sessions, and interactive activities. From fun icebreakers that keep energy levels high to engaging games and, of course, plenty of post-its!

In your view, which actions are needed to build a strong, integrated movement?

From my experience, a strong common vision, continuous learning within the movement, and effective management of disagreements and conflicts are key.

Without giving too much away, these insights are part of an upcoming movement-building blueprint currently in the works. Based on the experiences of five alliances and other groups, this guide will provide activists with practical steps to set up, grow, and solidify a movement. Stay tuned!

Looking ahead, which developments or priorities will you be focusing on in your work?

Alongside the movement-building blueprint, another key moment for us will be the Network-Wide Gathering, our annual meeting with members. This year, it will take place in Montenegro, hosted by Zero Waste Montenegro.

To celebrate and showcase our broader network, we’re also preparing a special video featuring insights from our members, partner NGOs, GAIA colleagues, and the cities we support on their zero waste journey.

In April, we’ll launch the State of Zero Waste Municipalities Report, highlighting the incredible work that cities and communities across Europe and beyond are doing on the ground to drive real change.

Are there any other resources or topics that you want to highlight?

A special mention goes to our work with cities as part of the Elevating Reuse in Cities (ERIC) project, where we raised awareness about the impact of single-use plastics while implementing practical measures to make reusable solutions more accessible.

For example, in Brussels, the eco-crèche pilot introduced reusable nappies in several kindergartens, reducing waste from disposable alternatives. Meanwhile, in Catalonia, a campaign promoted the use of reusable containers in local shops and schools, encouraging more sustainable everyday habits. These initiatives highlight how cities can take the lead in making reuse the easy and preferred choice for their communities.