Zero Waste Coalition

Students can get involved in the Zero Waste movement on campus by joining the Zero Waste Coalition.

Mission

The Zero Waste Coalition aims to bring together waste-related organizations at UC Berkeley to improve communication between them, collaborate on initiatives, be a resource for zero waste on campus, and foster a zero waste community.

Zero Waste Coalition Initiatives 

• Our monthly Coalition meetings bring together various campus organizations and departments working on zero waste projects, bridging these groups together and fostering collaboration.

• Meetings are open to anyone with an interest in zero waste; fill out our interest form(link is external) for the time and location of our next meeting!

Cal Move Out

• We organize Cooperative Reuse, an annual, city-wide furniture recycling program. In 2023, the program successfully diverted over 200,000 pounds of landfill waste and recycled nearly 400 mattresses. Additionally, we partnered with Goodwill and donated over 10,000 pounds of household goods.

Zero Waste Lab

• In the fall of 2020, we started the Zero Waste Lab, which gives undergraduate students opportunities to participate in zero waste-related research projects with on-campus and off-campus stakeholders. 

• Interested students can apply on the SPUR website

Zero Waste October

• A month of educational programming aimed at engaging individuals at UC Berkeley in waste sorting and reduction efforts. Zero Waste October was initially started by a middle school teacher and her students in Marin County, California.

Zero Waste Leaders

Tatum Hurley

Zero Waste Coalition Chair

Tatum is in her third year studying Society and Environment and Ethnic Studies. She has been involved in zero waste efforts since her first semester at Berkeley, and works with Cal Zero Waste in addition to the Zero Waste Coalition. They are interested in sustainability from an environmental justice lens, and hope to continue to spread awareness about accessibility and equity in the zero waste movement. Outside of waste, Tatum works with the Othering and Belonging Institute. She also enjoys watching movies, checking out little free libraries, and exploring the Bay Area.

Tiffany Mar

Zero Waste Coalition Vice Chair

Tiffany is a third year student majoring in Society and Environment and minoring in Data Science. She is interested in exploring how community-driven solutions can solve pressing sustainability challenges. In the future, she would like to pursue a career at the intersection of technology and the environment where she can advocate for both people and the planet. She is excited to be a part of the Zero Waste Coalition and support zero waste efforts across campus! In her free time, Tiffany enjoys creating digital art, playing volleyball with friends, and picnicking on the Glade.

Sylvia Cheeseman

Zero Waste Coalition Education Chair

Sylvia Cheeseman is a second year studying Natural Resource Management and Conservation Resource Studies. They believe education and outreach are some of the most important parts of working towards a zero waste campus and they're excited to work to bring more awareness about the importance of zero waste and environmental justice to the community. Outside of Zero Waste, Sylvia is also involved in Cal Queer & Asian and the Wildlife Society at Berkeley, and runs an Etsy shop.