After two years of AmeriCorps service with local non-profit Rural Action’s Zero Waste Program, I was happy for the opportunity to continue working to reduce waste at festivals and events through the launching of Zero Waste Event Productions as a social enterprise in 2015. I have a passion for the music, the arts, and the people that make festivals special and believe that while celebration is a key component to the human experience, we need to strive to celebrate sustainably.

Through my work with Zero Waste Event Productions LLC, I have found a niche which allows me to enjoy festivals while playing my part to keep waste from the landfill and reduce the impact that each event has on the environment. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch this project grow and to play my part to help improve the culture of festivals through our work.

Reach out at Tyler@zerowastefest.com

I attended many music festivals as a teenager and have always had so much love for the festival community. In my early 20’s I began working waste management at festivals and quickly learned about the dark side of this industry and how wasteful and bad for the environment it can be. I found passion in making a difference in our music community and educating people on the impact these music events have on our planet. In 2021, I began working with Zero Waste Event Productions and found my home.

Reach out at Lewis@zerowastefest.com

Since 2013 I had been volunteering on numerous “green teams” at a plethora of festivals across the country before first volunteering with Zero Waste EP in 2018. The very next weekend I joined as a paid contractor, and truly the rest is history! Over the years I have stayed as a committed member of Zero Waste, but also have worked with other waste diversion crews at global events including the Oregon Eclipse Gathering (2017) and Envision Festival (2023). I’ve long known this is the line of work for me, so after I had a full season as a Zero Waste Manager under my belt in 2023, it truly felt like a dream come true to sign on as a member of this business.

My favorite moment during an event is when I see a full dumpster teeming with clean recycling. Knowing that it will be kept out of the landfill and that we played a significant role in not only helping to curb the environmental impact of the event, but also had a hand in creating a more mindful festival culture keeps me coming back for more. Outside of being a trash gremlin at festivals I love outdoor adventures including long distance bicycle touring and stand up paddle board camping trips, and I try to catch as many Papadosio shows as I possibly can. 

Reach out at Lexi@zerowastefest.com