Fest Discussion Sessions:

Zero Waste Fest will kick off with opening remarks from Representative Jaime Long and Eureka Recycling Co-Presidents, Miriam Holsinger and Katie Drews. The program will be mc’d by B. Rosas, Policy Manager at Climate Generation, and Joshua Toor, Policy Manager at Eureka Recycling.

The State of Zero Waste in Minnesota

What does zero waste look like in Minnesota today—and how do we get there? This session kicks off with an overview of zero waste principles and why they matter for our communities, economy, and environment. Then, a diverse group of leaders will share their on-the-ground experiences—what’s working, what’s standing in the way, and what bold steps we need to take to build a truly circular and equitable system across the state.

Moderator: Sasha Lewis-Norelle, Frontline Communities Protection Coalition

Panelists: Tasha Anderson. 4'Ever Sale’ing | Chris Olsen – Test and Repair Manager, Repowered | Lucy Mullany – Vice President Policy and Communications, Eureka Recycling | Maggie Schuppert – Director of Strategic Initiatives, CURE I Leslie Myint - Zero Burn Coalition

Plastic Is a Justice Issue: From Production to Disposal

From extraction and production to incineration and pollution, plastic is a global crisis with local consequences. We’ll begin by hearing from Jo Banner, an advocate fighting for justice in Cancer Alley, a frontline community living with the daily realities of petrochemical pollution. The panel will explore how plastic harms health, fuels environmental injustice, and undermines zero waste goals. Panelists will unpack the myths of “recyclable plastic,” expose the toxic impacts of plastic, and share real solutions.

Moderator: Frank Hornstein – Former Representative, MN House

Panelists: Jo Banner – Co-Founder & Co-Director, Descendants Project | Katie Drews – Co-President & CEO, Eureka Recycling | Mary Kosuth – Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute on the Environment

From Throwaway to Reuse: Reclaiming Culture, Creating Systems

From extraction and production to incineration and pollution, plastic is a global crisis with local consequences. We’ll begin by hearing from Jo Banner, an advocate fighting for justice in Cancer Alley, a frontline community living with the daily realities of petrochemical pollution. The panel will explore how plastic harms health, fuels environmental injustice, and undermines zero waste goals. Panelists will unpack the myths of “recyclable plastic,” expose the toxic impacts of plastic, and share real solutions.

Speakers: Representative Sydney Jordan – MN House | E. Joey Oppegaard-Peltier – Co-Executive Director, Mukwa | Gina Peltier – Chairwoman, Mukwa | Lucy Mullany - Vice President of Policy & Communications, Eureka Recycling