The Zero Waste Ambassadors (ZWAs)  have been vital in helping to reduce and divert landfill waste at Emory University. Emory’s 2025 Sustainability Vision sets the goal of 95% diversion of our waste from landfills.  Emory is showing national leadership in protecting our neighborhoods from the negative social, economic, and environmental impacts of landfills. We owe it to our surrounding communities and future generations to lead the way to a post-landfill future. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Emory community can expect to see increased amounts of disposables and personal protective equipment (PPE) on campus during the 2021-2022 school year. Therefore, the peer-to-peer education of the ZWAs will be more critical than ever.

Zero Waste Ambassadors will empower students, faculty, and staff with the knowledge and resources to actualize the Sustainability Vision goals pertaining to reducing and diverting waste. It is critical to foster a community that recognizes the value of materials management and its intersections with environmental justice, resource conservation, and a regenerative economy. ZWAs will gain the tools and leadership skills to educate others and the agency to share feedback on how to improve Emory’s systems, communication, and culture to achieve these goals.