Meet the team

About my role

I steer the organisation in its learning, growth and strategic development;, and lead on the design and effective implementation of the vision with the team and member organisations. This includes defining and building impact, coordinating our team and programmes, engaging with funders, and representing the organisation. I also act as the European Regional Coordinator towards GAIA International to further promote zero waste models worldwide.

I joined ZWE because…

I strongly believe in the power of networks and movements to drive change, especially when they are able to bring diverse voices and forces around the table, as ZWE does.

Languages

French, Turkish, English, and Italian.

Before joining ZWE…

I started and led organisations tackling environmental and social issues, like a social enterprise developing energy-efficient housing programmes, and an NGO promoting diverse women role models. I worked as a freelance programme manager and a facilitator with international networks and organisations in the field of resources, climate and social impact.

About my role

I ensure the organisation has a fit-for-purpose framing to help us deliver on our goal to make Europe zero waste as soon as possible!
That is to say that my main role is to challenge established thinking in the field of zero waste, identify new and emerging topics, establish high level relationships and lead in political processes.

I joined ZWE because…

For starters, it will be impossible to get Europe to zero waste without ZWE. Also, because I want to work on rebuilding natural and social capital for our children, and have an impact my mum can understand 🙂

Languages

English, French, Catalan, Spanish, Italian, German, and a bit of Arabic and Estonian.

Before joining ZWE…

That was a long time ago… but my background is in the field of democratisation of international institutions and starting all sorts of projects – from NGOs to wine import-export business. I have worked in public administration and the private sector, but have always been guided by purpose and impact.

About my role

I am responsible for coordinating the policy team of ZWE and for representing the organization in policy discussions. I ensure strategic coherence and vision for the EU and global policy work, and support ZWE’s policy team working on topics ranging from product design to waste disposal.
To sum up: bringing ZWE policy efforts together.

I joined ZWE because…

I am more than ever convinced that a radical change in our daily actions is crucial for a successful climate transition. Zero waste lifestyles and policies are an enormous lever for this, which is why the work carried at ZWE is so valuable.

Being able to help shape an institutional framework in which environmental and inclusive policies flourish is a very exciting challenge.

Languages

French, English, Dutch. In another life: learning Italian.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked for a bottom-up national NGO focusing on repair, reuse and sharing initiatives, where I engaged in the Right to Repair campaign and led policy efforts. I also represented consumer organisations at EU level, where a big share of my work focused on influencing legislation with the aim to extend product lifetime of household appliances, hence reducing unnecessary waste generation of electronic equipment. Now I’m off to tackle other types of waste!

About my role

I work with the EU institutions to put in place policies at the EU level to ensure that mixed waste is managed sustainably and prevent false solutions.

I joined ZWE because…

I wanted to be part of an activist movement to share solutions that preserve our planet and our future.

Languages

I speak Estonian, English, Spanish, and some French.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked for Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE) and Justice and Environment (J&E), where I was responsible for the development of strategic partnerships.

About my role

My work contributes to stronger measures for clean material loops and toxic-free products and packaging. This means working on the presence of hazardous chemicals in products and packaging, promoting non-toxic sustainable alternatives, and how all this affects human health, the environment and achieving a true circular economy.

I joined ZWE because…

ZWE is a true leader in the zero waste movement and a catalyst for good practices in the field of circular economy – I believe it is a perfect place where my passion for those issues can grow further and where I can contribute to driving changes in Europe in the right direction.

Languages

English, Polish, Dutch (used to speak decent German and Russian but it was a long, long time ago…).

Before joining ZWE…

I was leading the Safer Chemicals programme at Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe. I also worked as an expert in chemical safety and security for the European Commission (DG Joint Research Center), and as a researcher at the Department of Public Health of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium).

About my role

I work with upstream solutions to avoid creating waste in the first place by advocating and promoting reusable and zero waste business models. My work is mostly focused on packaging and reuse solutions.

I joined ZWE because…

I believe and stand for a zero waste and sustainable way of living. I pursue a zero waste lifestyle myself and, for me, it is the most logical (and the only way) to live in harmony with our planet. I love to work on something in which I believe and where I can have a meaningful impact.

Languages

Portuguese, English, and French.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked as an Environmental, Health and Safety Consultant in Brussels and previously as a lawyer in Brazil (my home country).

About my role

As the Policy Officer on Chemicals Recycling and Plastic-to-Fuels, I engage with European institutions to develop ambitious, human-, and environmentally-friendly legislation focusing on the chemical treatment of waste. 

I joined ZWE because…

I believe waste treatment can become more sustainable and I want to participate in this shift. I wanted to work in an organisation that shares my commitments to reduce waste – and I am thrilled to be at ZWE!

Languages

French, English, and German.

Before joining ZWE…

I did a traineeship at the European Parliament, where I followed the IMCO Committee and focused on consumer protection.

About my role

I act within the EU institutional bubble pushing for more ambitious legislation on waste management, shipments, and, most importantly, waste prevention in the fields of textiles, food waste, and municipal waste more generally.

I joined ZWE because…

I’m motivated to make a contribution to the transition towards a truly circular, waste-free economy that secures equitable access to resources for future generations. I believe that feeding the experiences and expertise from zero-waste-practitioners in communities and municipalities on the ground into EU policy is the best way to ensure that public policy enhances a waste-free future.

Languages

English, German, and learning French.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked in the private sector as a regulatory affairs manager covering EU environmental policies on electronics, materials, and waste. I also have experiences working in the German and European parliaments.

About my role

I am part of the campaign on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with a stronger focus on reuse models. I also support the Enabling Conditions team in the context of the 2024 EU elections.

I joined ZWE because…

I share ZWE’s core principle of rethinking the use of resources to minimise our footprint, and it is important to me to have a positive impact in what I do. I believe that respecting our planet’s boundaries cannot be achieved unless dedicated stakeholders prioritise this matter on the policy agenda and push for impactful legislative measures. 

Languages

French, English, German, and some Spanish.

Before joining ZWE…

I did an internship in a consultancy on chemicals and sustainability policies in Brussels and worked as European project manager for a youth organization in France. In between, I took a year off backpacking in South America. I have a background in political science and studied in France and Germany.

About my role

I head up the work we do to accelerate more zero waste solutions and strategies to be implemented at the local level. This includes being responsible for coordinating the support we offer to local municipalities and businesses across Europe, as we seek a faster, stronger transition towards zero waste in Europe. This support ranges from the creation of online tools, running workshops, connecting key actors to new financial models and providing important technical assistance to cities looking to become zero waste. We work in partnership with our network of ZWE’s members to help achieve our goals, with the work on cities spearheaded by the world’s first ever Zero Waste Cities Certification, which I helped create. In addition to this, I oversee our work on New Financing Models.

I also represent Europe on the Zero Waste International Alliance Board and volunteer for the UK Green Party in my spare time.

I joined ZWE because…

I believe in the change and I believe in the power of communities leading this change. Now more than ever, we need to be working hard to protect our planet. I joined because I wanted to put these passions of mine to use in an energetic, dynamic organisation like ZWE.

Languages

English.

Before joining ZWE…

I had several years’ experience working for organisations in the field of sustainability and youth-led development, successfully building campaigns and movements to influence policies at the United Nations, European Union, and British Government level.

About my role

I lead on ZWE efforts to make reusable packaging systems a reality in Europe, building bridges between CSOs, new businesses, innovators, cities, academics, investors and policy-makers. A substantial part of these efforts is coordinated through the systemic work we do as part of the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP), which started early 2021. I also co-coordinate the business leg of the BFFP-led We Choose Reuse campaign which, among others, has gathered the support of more than 300 businesses from across Europe.

I joined ZWE because…

I believe this is one of the very few organisations in Europe that has ‘what it takes’ to lead on both the formulation and implementation of the sort of paradigm shift that is required to transform our current unsustainable and toxic consumption and production model. Thanks to ZWE and its members, I know that solutions exist, that they are ready to be scaled up, and that change is coming.

Languages

French, English, Polish, Spanish, and Dutch.

Before joining ZWE…

I held various positions in the fields of international affairs, European and domestic politics in Belgium, Poland and South Africa between 2012 and 2018; and also worked as project manager and coordinator during high-level events such as the European Development Days or the EU-Africa Business Summit. While based in South Africa between 2016 and 2018, I also contributed to the research, business development, and advocacy work of a consultancy specialised in international and African climate finance, the African Climate Finance Hub.

About my role

As an Implementation Officer, I work closely with ZWE network members, cities and partners, providing them with the technical guidance and support needed to accelerate the implementation of zero waste strategies at the local level. This includes capturing, showcasing, and disseminating best practices and methods related to waste prevention and management, reuse systems, organics collection and recovery as well as financing opportunities.
A large part of my role focuses on the implementation of the LIFE BIOBEST project, which identifies, validates, and mainstreams best practices on bio-waste recycling in Europe.

I joined ZWE because…

I believe that zero waste is one of the pillars of the socio-environmental transition towards a more resilient and inclusive society. I am convinced that it is by empowering local stakeholder and facilitating synergies – while finding ways to systematise and leverage best waste prevention practices in Europe and globally – that we will succeed in operating a paradigm shift towards authentic circularity.

Languages

Fluent in French, English, and Portuguese.
I speak some German as well (used to speak it really well, but it was a long time ago…) and Italian 🙂

Before joining ZWE…

I worked as project manager for the Portuguese NGO Zero Waste Lab, designing and supervising pilot projects (locally and nationally) mainly related to waste prevention and raising awareness of citizens and political actors on the matter.
I also participated in the Zero Waste Ambassador training program in 2021, connecting me with a large network of zero waste specialists from across Europe. Throughout 2021 and 2022 I conducted a master thesis trying to understand better how municipal authorities and local civil society organisations interact on waste prevention at the local level, with a focus on the city of Lisbon.

About my role

I oversee the engagement of our network of 35 members in the work of ZWE and make sure the members are supported and empowered to implement a joint vision of a zero waste Europe. My role also implies having an oversight of ZWE’s movement building efforts to ensure strong collaboration and long-lasting impact of our strategies.

I joined ZWE because…

I believe zero strategies are an essential part of tackling the impacts of climate change and change society. I also believe networks are powerful instruments for systemic change, as they bring together diverse experiences, knowledge, and voices to have a strong and long-lasting impact.

Languages

English, French, some Swedish, a bit of Spanish, and right now I am also (re-)learning Dutch. 

Before joining ZWE…

I worked for 5 years as the membership and governance coordinator of the European Women’s Lobby in Brussels, a network of women’s rights associations promoting equality between women and men throughout Europe. Before that, I worked for nearly 10 years in the not-for-profit sector in London, including for a charity that supports people with drug and alcohol problems and for Unicef UK, working for two national programmes that seek to embed children’s rights in schools and other public services.

In my free time, I run an eco-feminist community café in Brussels (among other things!).

About my role

As Communication & Network Officer, I develop and implement the ZWE’s communication activities together with the other members of the Communications Team. At the same time, I am the main point of contact in the Communications Team for our member organisations, working together to improve the communications with and for our network.

I joined ZWE because…

I believe that a more sustainable and resources-mindful society is possible by fostering cross-sector collaborations and local involvement. I personally try to minimise my impact on the planet by buying consciously and reusing and repairing as much as possible.

Languages
Italian, English. A bit of Spanish, German, and French.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked as Communications Officer in the open science, aviation and music fields, collaborating in different European projects. I am a network and community builder at heart, and I strongly believe in cooperation to face common challenges. I hold a Master’s degree in Communication and Advertisement for Organisations.

About my role

I lead the Zero Waste Europe Communications Team, providing a strategic communications and promotion approach to all our activities. In addition, I serve as the organisation’s communications representative to our mother organisation GAIA – Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, as well as to the Break Free From Plastic movement in Europe. I also provide strategic communications advice to the Mission Zero Academy (MiZA).

I joined ZWE Because…

Nothing makes me happier than communicating with a purpose – and is there a better purpose than preserving our planet and securing a sustainable future for us all?

Languages

Portuguese, English, and Dutch – besides gradually improving my French and trying not to forget my basic Italian.

Before joining ZWE…

I had work experiences in EU institutions, NGOs, and private sector communication companies, where I was involved in several projects with a socio-environmental component.

About my role

As Communication & Network Officer, I develop and implement the ZWE’s communication activities together with the other members of the Communications Team. At the same time, I am the main point of contact in the Communications Team for our member organisations, working together to improve the communications with and for our network.

I joined ZWE because…

I believe that a more sustainable and resources-mindful society is possible by fostering cross-sector collaborations and local involvement. I personally try to minimise my impact on the planet by buying consciously and reusing and repairing as much as possible.

Languages
Italian, English. A bit of Spanish, German, and French.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked as Communications Officer in the open science, aviation and music fields, collaborating in different European projects. I am a network and community builder at heart, and I strongly believe in cooperation to face common challenges. I hold a Master’s degree in Communication and Advertisement for Organisations.

About my role

As Communications Officer, I bring my strategic communication expertise to our work on Zero Waste Cities, New Financing Models, and textiles, while leading the communication efforts for LIFE BIOBEST and ZWE’s employee profile-raising programme. I am committed to creating compelling content that effectively communicates our efforts to promote a fair and zero waste future for all.

I joined ZWE because…

Slogans like ‘There is no Planet B’ may sound cheesy, but the reality is that we have to change the way we inhabit this world in order to have a future home, both as a society and as individuals.

Languages

Danish, English, and re-learning French. I can also understand Norwegian (and, on good days, even some Swedish).

Before joining ZWE…

I did a traineeship at the European Ombudsman in the Communication Unit. Before coming to Brussels, I worked in communication and marketing at the Danish Family Planning Association, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights. During my studies, I interned at a TV news programme at DR (the Danish Broadcasting Corporation).

About my role

As Media Outreach & Communications Officer I lead on all press activities as it pertains to the organisation, from drafting and publishing press releases to media liaison. I also support the communications team in the delivery of high-impact social media and other communications materials. 

I joined ZWE because…

Inspired by Naomi Klein’s book This Changes Everything, I realised how powerful clear and impactful communications on ecological issues can be, and I wanted to be able to equip people with the same level of knowledge that they need to mitigate the potential damage one can cause to our planet.

Languages

English and very poor French.

Before joining ZWE…

I completed my bachelors in English Literature and Classics and a masters in Business Economics from University College Cork. I then worked as a Fund Accountant for a hedge fund administration leader in Cork, Ireland. Following that, I pursued a career in communications and kickstarted an independent arts and literature magazine, and I worked as Press and Communications Officer with the Brussels-based think tank Friends of Europe.

About my role

As Head of Operations, I oversee the effective day-to-day operations of the organisation: HR, finance, and legals. With the operations team, I make sure our company culture and values are reflected throughout the organisation and that we enable everyone to be successful in their roles.

I joined ZWE Because…

I have been passionate about the topic of waste management in urban environments since my master thesis: more specifically, on how to bring all stakeholders (government, business, citizens) to work together on the topic. Added bonus: working with a purpose-driven team!

Languages

French, Dutch, English, Mandarin, and some German.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked on People & Operations with CitizenLab, a Brussels- and US-based social impact company providing a citizen participation platform to local governments. Prior to that, I worked with Common Purpose on the Mava Leaders for Nature Academy, which is where I got to know ZWE!

About my role

I act as one of the main contact points for the organisation and manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the office. I also offer my assistance when it comes to finance, bookkeeping, and HR tasks.
In addition to that, I am responsible for managing and organising online and in-person events and meetings, such as team meetings, trainings, or workshops for members.

I joined ZWE because…

I do believe in a world where people can learn to value our natural resources and take active responsibility in caring for the environment – they just need to be pointed in the right direction and have access to reliable sources of information. And that’s what I love about Zero Waste Europe: we act locally to influence globally.

Languages

Romanian, English, and French.

Before joining ZWE…

I had several internships in EU Affairs; participated in various volunteer activities (human rights, poverty eradication, R&D); and worked in the private sector (organic food) for some time before deciding that I’m a better fit in a non-profit environment such as ZWE.

About my role

I act as the main point of contact concerning all things HR and admin- I manage the payroll and make sure we stay updated with the most recent regulations. I also take care of the 360-degree lifecycle of the employees from recruitment, onboarding/offboarding to the end-of-year evaluation setup. I support learning and development initiatives as well as internal events organisation. Additionally, I act as a wellbeing prevention advisor, ensuring our staff feels their best to perform in this (sometimes) challenging field.

I joined ZWE because…

I have been passionate about the zero waste movement since my university days, and I thought joining ZWE would be a perfect opportunity to use my skills and knowledge to help promote a cause I deeply care about. 

Languages

Polish, French, English, and a tiny bit of Italian 🙂 Hoping to make 2024 the year I learn Flemish.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked in various HR roles in the public, non-profit and private sectors: e.g. I was a Schuman Trainee at DG EPRS, and an HR and Admin Assistant at the European Environmental Bureau. Additionally, I have an academic background in Clinical Psychology and worked in various roles related to the field during my studies. 

About my role

I ensure that the organisation runs smoothly and maintains a healthy financial state through compliance with financial procedures. I am involved in payments, accounting, and budget follow-up; and I am a contact point for any financial matters. I provide support to the budget holders, as well as helping to fill in grant applications.

I joined ZWE because…

I wanted to experience an NGO environment (as I have worked for the private and public sectors in the past). Also, I am rather passionate about reducing waste, and especially about reuse and repair products, so ZWE was the perfect fit for me.

Languages

Bulgarian, English, Dutch, and Spanish.

Before joining ZWE…

I had work experiences in the healthcare, aviation, and IT sectors. I have completed a traineeship at the European Commission’s DG Trade and volunteered in an organisation for health and drug prevention amongst the youth.

About my role

I lead the development of the Mission Zero Academy and its services; design, test and scale up different training and consultancy concepts; as well as performance certifications that accelerate the transition to zero waste in municipalities and businesses. I scout and form partnerships with different organisations on a similar mission, and identify the most pressing needs of our customers for us to solve.

I joined ZWE because…

I want to be part of the solution to one of the most wicked problems the planet has, our wasteful use of resources. I enjoy working in an international setting, seeing the impact our team of committed people can make and being part of a bigger movement on a mission. My role allows me to combine my geeky engineer’s side with my creative service designer’s side and put all my skills to the service of a meaningful purpose, which is very motivating.

Languages

Finnish, Spanish, English, and Swedish – but don’t tell the Swedes…

Before joining ZWE…

I worked as an environmental specialist, helping events and different kinds of organisations set up environmental management systems; improve their environmental performance; design waste management plans; and train their staff. I also designed different kinds of environmental education and specialist services, as well as services to extend products’ lifecycles and prevent them from becoming waste.

About my role

As the Business Development Manager for the Mission Zero Academy (MiZA), I design strategies and engage with key partners, municipalities, and businesses to accelerate their transition to zero waste, while supporting them through their certification journey in a comprehensive way.

I joined ZWE because…

I want to put my professional expertise at the service of an organisation that actively contributes to driving change and to building a more sustainable future. In my role, I can contribute to make a meaningful impact.

Languages

French, English, Chinese (and some Sanskrit for yoga practice).

Before joining ZWE…

I worked as a Business Developer providing advisory services in China to foreign companies willing to set up operations in the Mainland, providing them with customised solutions. Working on multiple projects at a time, I have experience in construction, human resources, and tax advisory services.