The 5 most impactful things you can do to live more sustainably 

In this interactive workshop, waste management expert Gwen Larned breaks down easy, realistic ways to reduce everyday waste, challenges common misconceptions about sustainability, and helps you identify what actions you can take that actually matter the most.

Join us and learn how Gwen transitioned from the high pressure mind set of achieving zero-waste to a more practical, balanced approach with impact by embracing the five simple habits. There’s also a hands-on activity that sets you up for low-waste success with some reusable produce bags personalized by you!

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to simplify your sustainability efforts, this workshop will leave you with practical tools, fresh perspective, and the confidence to make meaningful change.

Gwen Larned worked as the Zero Waste Coordinator at Western Washington University (WWU), from 2014-2018 while a student studying sustainability there. At this time Gwen also lived zero waste, and regularly fit all of one month of her landfill waste into a mason jar, through reducing, reusing, recycling and composting everything that she could. When the Covid-19 pandemic sent the world into lockdown, changes in what was allowed for reusables made this lifestyle more challenging and Gwen faced unemployment which was an added challenge. Gwen began to realize that maybe reducing her trash as much as possible wasn't the most important thing to focus on anymore. Over the years, Gwen has come to recognize that while individual choices matter, our collective actions are more important. Join us for an engaging workshop on what you can do in your day to day to have the most positive impact without worrying about being perfect." 

We believe everyone should have access to creative, waste-reducing skills. Our workshops are offered on a sliding scale—please choose the registration amount that best fits your budget. If you're able to contribute at a higher level, your generosity helps make these classes accessible to others in our community.

Waste Management expert Gwen Larned