CRRA 2023 Conference and Trade Show

PhD Candidate

Jessica is a PhD Candidate at the University of California, Berkeley, focused on sustainable and just transitions to waste-free systems. Specific research includes an analysis of the effect Operation National Sword had on the U.S. recycling system, the current state of California’s plastic waste exports, the trend of waste reduction policies across the U.S. over the past two decades, and the amounts and types of waste produced during COVID-19. 

Disposable Free Berkeley: A Four Year Field Based Analysis

In 2019, in partnership with the Ecology Center, Jessica launched a longitudinal quantitative research study to assess the effectiveness of Berkeley’s historic Single Use Foodware and Litter Reduction ordinance. The four years of data collection have culminated in a rare insight into the challenges and successes of a waste reduction policy, which contains numerous legislative mechanisms leveraged in similar policies across the U.S. 

Attendees can expect to learn what policy mechanisms were most effective in reducing foodware waste and litter as well as how to create and implement such policies in their jurisdictions. 

The take-aways are that foodware reduction is possible, but it requires policy compliance by prepared food vendors (businesses), a budget to support the change in operations, and enforcement measures by the jurisdiction. 

Zero Waste Consultant

Independent zero waste specialist, educator, and advocate. Chair of Berkeley’s Zero Waste Commission (designed/facilitated public outreach efforts for landmark Single-Use Disposable Food Ware & Litter Reduction ordinance). Experience: Instructor, ZWUSA certification program; Palm Springs SU ordinance implementation, Washington DC Zero Waste Strategic Plan, Abbe & Associates; project manager of MEO, California’s CARE Carpet Stewardship Program; Outreach team/R3, Marin County single-use foodware reduction ordinance; program manager, Dominican University, Sustainable Business Practices certificate program. Creative professional (30 years) in design, marketing, and manufacturing. Certified ZW Associate; certificates in Sustainable Resources Management (San Jose State) and Sustainable Business Practices (Dominican). BA, UC Berkeley.

Lessons Learned: Implementation of Single-use Foodware Reduction Ordinances

Since 2019, single-use foodware reduction ordinances have proliferated, with the Bay Area and state as a major epicenter. When Berkeley's landmark ordinance passed in February 2019, it inspired many others to follow suit. In the wake of an unprecented health crisis, labor issues, and supply chain challenges, what have we learned about how these ordinances are working when implemented? What can make them stronger and more effective, while responding to individual communties' specific stakeholders and infrastructure, and how can we improve them to achieve reduction? Several communities will be profiled in their efforts to reduce waste, comply with SB1383, and ensure economic health of businesses.

Coastal and Marine Scientist

As Heal the Bay’s Coastal and Marine Scientist, Emily works to keep our oceans healthy by advocating for strong legislation and enforcement both locally and statewide. She focuses on plastic pollution, marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, and climate change. Emily co-founded and now co-leads Reusable LA, a coalition of organizations working to reduce plastic pollution in Los Angeles to safeguard public health, communities, and environment. Before arriving at Heal the Bay, Emily earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Elon University and an M.A.S in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

A Plastic Free City of Angels

The City and County of Los Angeles have had some major wins in local policy to reduce plastic pollution. In this talk, scientist and advocate Emily Parker will showcase how community advocacy led to the passage of four new major laws in the LA Region in 2022. She will cover the history of the Reusable LA coalition and their years of organizing efforts, and the new laws themselves and how they will reduce pollution from single-use plastic and how they can act as a model for other jurisdictions to follow. 

Executive Director