Zero Waste Forum & International Dialogue

Join Race to Zero Waste and partners for the Zero Waste Forum & International Dialogue. The Forum will include five engaging days of zero waste collaboration, education, and fun, while building on conversations from the International Day of Zero Waste! This event includes the Zero Waste USA Intro to Zero Waste course, esteemed international speakers affiliated with the Zero Waste International Alliance, local Bay Area zero waste businesses and organizations, tours, a festival, and more! Mark your calendar for the family-friendly finale to the event: Zero Waste Fest: a cup-free 1-mile walk, water activities, Yoga, and education stations, all located at the West Bluff Picnic Area!

April 2: Recology San Francisco Tour - RSVP by April 1, 2024! Walk-ins will not be accepted!
Time: 12:45 pm - 3:30 pm
Location: 1000 Amador St San Francisco, CA 94124
Meet at 1000 Amador St, San Francisco, CA 94124 @ Pier 96 at 12:45 pm at Recology's Recycling Facility. The facility takes in residential and commercial recycling and attendees will witness loads of recyclables being dumped and processed for market. The tour will continue later in the day at Recology's Education Center located at 401 Tunnel Ave San Francisco, CA 94134 where attendees will witness where San Francisco's residential, commercial trash, compost, and C&D waste is processed. This tour is free, and no transportation is being provided.

April 3rd: Join us for an Intro to Zero Waste course with our partner Zero Waste USA! (In person only)!
Time: 8:30 am-12:30 pm
Details: Zero Waste USA The Introduction to Zero Waste class is a four-hour in person class (NOT online) taught by Zero Waste USA board members or staff. During this class, participants will learn about Zero Waste principles and planning techniques for businesses, institutions, and communities. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion upon completing the in-class group project, quiz, and evaluation. This class aims to introduce the principles of Zero Waste to participants in the beginning stages of their journey to Zero Waste. The participants who should attend this class are young professionals, municipal employees, and individuals who want to advocate for Zero Waste in their community or business.

Sold Out! April 3rd: Lunch in the Presidio, walk across the Golden Gate Bridge and tour of Simple Zero Waste Store. 2023 Sprint to Zero Waste Award winner! 
Time: 1:00pm-5:30pm
Simple Location: 1001 Stanyan St. San Francisco, CA 94117
Lunch in the Presidio. Leave the Presidio and walk 1.4 miles or take the 43-bus line to Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point. Walk along the Golden Gate Bridge as a group and take the 43-bus line to Simple Shop for a 4pm tour, networking event, and presentation. Limited to 20 people.  

April 4th: Zero Waste Forum & International Dialogue, featuring Keynote Speaker Crystal Dreisbach, CEO of Upstream & Katie Patrick, CEO of Ecopia
Time: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Location: Futures Without Violence Open Square the Presidio 100 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94129
Details: Listen to dynamic local, national and international speakers who work toward zero waste. Speakers will be talking about reuse, plastic pollution, grassroots efforts, data and technology, science, and other topics to solve the global waste crisis. Lunch will be on your own, with options around the area such as Tunnel Top Food Trucks, Cafe RX, Presidio Bowl, and Il Parco. 

April 4th: Networking Reception, Awards, & Plastic-Free Gallery
Time 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Futures Without Violence Gallery the Presidio 100 Montgomery St. San Francisco, CA 94129
Networking Reception & Gallery @ Futures for Plastic-free Art provided by Native America Fiber Program, light bites, silent auction, raffle, and exhibitors.

April 5th: Zero Waste Forum & International Dialogue, featuring keynote speaker Zeynep Çelikel, Adviser at the United Nations, & Denaya Shorter, Senior Director for the US & Canada at GAIA
Time: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Location: Futures Without Violence Open Square
The Presidio 100 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94129
Details: Keynote Listen to dynamic local, national and international speakers who work toward zero waste. Speakers will be talking about reuse, plastic pollution, grassroots efforts, data and technology, science, and other topics to solve the global waste crisis. Lunch will be on your own, with options around the area such as Tunnel Top Food Trucks, Cafe RX, Presidio Bowl, and Il Parco. 

April 6th: Zero Waste Fest!
Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Location: West Bluff Picnic Area San Francisco 
Cup-free 1 Mile Walk/Run around Crissy Field Promenade, wetsuit repair demo, food, Yoga, education stations, silent disco, and paddle boarding and other water activities on the Bay provided by City Surf Project.