Meet the team

About my role

I ensure the organisation is delivering on our goal to make Europe zero waste as soon as possible!
That is to say that my role is to challenge established thinking; define and build impact; raise and organise financial and human resources; represent the organisation to the outside world; and be accountable to the zero waste movement.

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

As part of the Management team, I lead the strategic development of ZWE as a network and organisation, and ensure the effective implementation of the vision with the team and member organisations. This includes 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

As Operations Director, and part of the Management team, I focus on defining the operational design of the organisation, establishing and promoting the company culture and vision, and making sure the entire team is provided with all they need to succeed.

I joined ZWE because…

I wanted to find more purpose in my job and help drive environmental change through my professional life.

Languages

Dutch, English, French, and some Spanish.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked in the private sector for more than 10 years, where I moved through roles in operations, supply chain, sales, marketing, and others. After this, I spent 2 years within the humanitarian world before joining Zero Waste Europe.

About my role

I focus on the creation of new financing models for zero waste cities and businesses.

I joined ZWE because…

I wanted to act as a citizen and use my professional knowledge to create a true impact.

Languages

French, English, Spanish, Italian for ordering food, and Hebrew when I dare 🙂

Before joining ZWE…

I worked in many different and challenging environments, in different countries, on diverse topics – from public to private sectors, building businesses from scratch, always driven by the necessity to ‘act for good’.

About my role

I’ve been ZWE’s Climate, Energy, and Air Pollution Programme Coordinator since 2018. I coordinate our climate and energy policy advocacy work towards EU institutions in issues related to end-of-life waste treatment.

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

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 lead on the development of the Consumption and Production programme as its coordinator, building bridges between CSOs, new businesses, innovators, academics, investors and policy-makers to contribute to the emergence of a truly circular, zero waste, and non-toxic economy that has prevention and reuse at its core. I am also the coordinator of the ReuSe Vanguard Project (RSVP); and co-coordinate the business leg of the BFFP-led We Choose Reuse campaign which, among others, has gathered the support of around 200 reuse 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

Within the Consumption & Production Programme, I work with upstream solutions to avoid creating waste in the first place by advocating and promoting reusable and zero waste business models. My areas of work include single-use plastics, packaging, menstrual products, and nappies.
I also coordinate two European campaigns with the ZWE and BFFP networks on the environmental, health and social impacts of menstrual products and nappies.

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

I work on toxic-free consumption and production to ensure safe and sustainable solutions. That means work on the presence of hazardous chemicals in products and packaging, promotion of non-toxic alternatives, and how this all impacts human health, the environment and the achievement of a truly circular economy. My advocacy work focuses on the revision of the EU food contact materials legislation.

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 am the Zero Waste Cities Programme Coordinator, responsible for supporting local municipalities across Europe, via the network of ZWE’s members, to design and implement effective zero waste strategies in their community. Currently, the programme works with over 400 municipalities that have committed to go zero waste. I helped create the world’s first-ever Zero Waste Cities Certification and regularly work with colleagues at MiZA to implement this across the continent, whilst I also represent Europe on the Zero Waste International Alliance Board.

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

As a Waste Policy Officer, I mostly act within the EU institutional bubble, pushing for more ambitious legislation on waste management, food waste, or waste shipments. I also support the Cities & Communities programme by making the link with European legislation and by identifying good practices to be disseminated across Europe.

I joined ZWE because…

I’m seeking to make a contribution towards the transition to a truly circular economy and a waste-free society. I believe that feeding the experiences from zero waste practitioners 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 for a manufacturer of electrical appliances and was involved in advocacy with the EU institutions, dealing primarily with environmental policies. I also have previous work experiences in the German and European parliaments.

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

I lead the Zero Waste Europe Communications Team, providing a strategic communications and promotion approach to all our activities. In addition to this, I serve as the organisation’s communications liaison to the GAIA – Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives network and the Rethink Plastic alliance; and provide strategic communications advice to the Mission Zero Academy (MiZA).

I joined ZWE Because…

Nothing makes me happier than to communicate 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

I form part of the Communications team, focusing mainly on our Cities & Communities and Membership programmes.

I joined ZWE because…

I can combine my love for communications with my love for the planet and all its inhabitants!

Languages

English, Maltese, and I’m currently taking up French.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked within the journalism and non-profit sector in Malta and was involved in a number of voluntary projects.

About my role

As ZWE’s Press Officer, I am the point of contact for the press and media – and I thoroughly enjoy it! My main responsibilities include running press campaigns, writing and editing press materials for different media outlets, and day-to-day media handling activities.

I joined ZWE because…

I like this project called Earth and the challenge of communicating the best solutions to preserve it. 

Languages

Spanish, English, French, some Italian, and a bit of Russian.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked on several EU projects with communication companies, foundations and NGOs.I spent 7 years as Press Coordinator of the Cultural Office of the Spanish Embassy in Washington DC. I have worked in several media outlets”, press agencies, radio and TV stations.

About my role

As a Communications Assistant, I support the implementation of all ZWE’s communication activities, including digital campaigns, newsletters, and content for social media.

I joined ZWE because…

Slogans like ‘There is no Planet B’ may sound cheesy, but the reality is that we have to change in order to have a future home.

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 within communication and marketing in the private sector and at an NGO promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights. During my studies, I was interning at a TV news programme at the Danish Broadcasting Corporation.

About my role

I coordinate the engagement of our network of 34 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.

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.

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 keep an eye on all the incoming grants and the outgoing sub-grants. This includes preparing reports to our funders and collecting reports from our partners and following up with project coordinators. As part of the Finance and Operations Team, I also support my colleagues in other areas as needed.

I joined ZWE because…

I wanted to work in the environmental sector as that has always been close to my heart.

Languages

Estonian, Russian, English, French, Dutch, Spanish, and I have a basic level of German and Portuguese.

Before joining ZWE…

I worked in the European Commission as an assistant to a Head of Unit in the DG Interpretation, and as a project coordinator at DG ECHO (European Commission Humanitarian aid and Civil Protection). I mostly worked on projects in Latin American countries. Before that, as a student, I worked part-time as a hotel receptionist, in a museum, in a bakery, as a bartender and even at a helpdesk!

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 must ensure technical and scientific support to members, the Board, and ZWE officers in their day-to-day actions to influence policy-making, drive decisions and implement zero waste schemes locally. 

I coordinate scientific inputs from outside so as to make them into a solid, convincing set of arguments. Also, I frequently provide technical and scientific help to non-European zero waste networks, promoting good views and practices.

I joined the ZWE Board because…

Since the very beginning (I was in ZWE since its foundation) we considered the importance of having a scientifically solid, operationally credible, and consistent approach to the definition of relevant policies and implementation of local zero waste schemes.

In my previous years of engagement with local zero waste programmes, I have seen how important it is to sound convincing, with a good set of arguments supporting our proposals, and debunking biased, flawed visions heading in a different direction than ours.

Languages

Fluent in English, Italian; I read and understand French and Spanish, and to some extent, German (which I studied by myself in my childhood – I was a language enthusiast, although  I had no chance to practice back then…).

In addition to ZWE…

I work at Scuola Agraria del Parco di Monza, a Research & Technical Development Centre with a prominent role in promoting separate collection and sustainable management of discards around Europe. I often provide support to local authorities, National Governments and Agencies, and International Organisations (including the EU) in defining strategies and policies.

I love doing sports – swimming (and ice swimming) in particular, which I also use to raise awareness of environmental issues such as plastic leakage into our lakes and oceans, and climate change, although my hectic life trims training hours to the minimum.