Join us on Saturday 6th September at Fed Square, Melbourne for our annual Zero Waste Festival.
10:00
AM
Green On, inspiring the hospitality sector with closed loop business models
Join a dynamic panel of experts and innovators at the forefront of sustainable urban development as they explore futuristic approaches to creating zero-waste cities, from family homes and businesses, to markets and events. Delve into the complexities of large-scale waste management in dense urban settings, and discover how a humble salad bar’s closed loop business model will amaze and inspire you. Learn how the principles of the Living Building Challenge and circular economy can transform even century-old structures, and gain insights from the latest State of Sustainability research on energy upgrades and health in Healthy Homes.
11:00
AM
Educator, speaker, author and passionate zero waste advocate
Junior Doctor and Sustainability officer, Member of Doctors for the Environment Australia
Aka Urban Nanna, Author, Educator, and Mentor, a trailblazer for Zero-Waste living
Sustainability educator, trainer and changemaker. Co-founder and President of Zero Waste Victoria and consultant at Sustainability Pathways
Comedian, singer and media personality who is passionate about living sustainably
Soft plastics, microplastics, and packaging waste are overwhelming recycling systems, leaching into waterways, and even infiltrating water we drink and the food we eat. Scientists warn that nanoplastics — particles smaller than a micrometer — are now present in rain, rivers, and the very air we breathe, with growing evidence of their impact on human health and ecosystems.
This panel brings together citizen scientists tracking microplastic pollution, watchdogs holding supermarkets to account, and innovators rethinking how we design, use, and recycle plastics. Together, they’ll uncover the truth behind Australia’s plastic footprint and share bold, practical solutions to break our dependence on single-use plastics. Join us for a confronting yet hopeful conversation about how we can all be part of a cleaner, waste-free future.
12:30
PM
CEO of Huum, biotechnological solutions for organic waste, including human composting, into valuable resources
Co-founder of Circular Resources Australia, demystifying waste and recycling regulations
Founder of Recycle Wise, transforming recycling practices within the medical industry
City Compost Network, community composting solutions
Zero Plastics Australia, plastic lid recycling
In this high-energy panel, meet the next generation of changemakers who are taking action on the issues that matter most — tackling waste, protecting our planet, and building a fairer, cleaner world for all. These young leaders aren’t just talking about change, they’re living it, challenging the status quo, and showing how fresh ideas and fearless action can turn the tide on our waste crisis.
1:45
PM
Senior lecturer in design, in the School of Fashion and Textiles who is known for her research into sustainable and circular design and the Fashion Fix project.
A visionary designer and PhD researcher, undertaking a PhD that redesigns pre-consumer textile waste (unsold garments) with Industry Partners
A multidisciplinary creative and PhD candidate, who seeks to counteract the underutilisation of clothing by designing garments for increased useability and longevity
a PhD candidate, researching ways to separate blended fiber fabrics, extracting the polymers to reuse in new materials, while powderising the organic materials, which can be used to strengthen new garments
Moderator
An RMIT PhD candidate, Julia English has investigated remake collaborations occurring amongst Australian fashion SMEs, sharing her interviews via the podcast Seam Change.
From the food we eat to how we travel, shop, and connect with our communities, our everyday choices hold the power to build a cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable world.
Join a lively panel of community leaders who are shaking up the status quo by proving that small, consistent actions add up to big impact. From ditching plastics to smarter shopping, from growing food locally to inspiring sustainable travel and building resilient neighbourhoods — they’re walking the talk in powerful, practical ways.
Together, they’ll share inspiring stories, surprising insights, and handy tips to help you make waste a thing of the past — one step at a time.
3:15
PM
Nutritionist, cooking instructor, Chef and owner of Flavours of Syria
Associate Professor, RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia
EcoMark Natural Branding, to eliminate fruit stickers
Author, The Less Waste, No Fuss Kitchen
In this conversation, discover how designers and innovators are giving discarded textiles a second life, from upcycled sportswear to community-driven creations. Learn how creativity and circular thinking can slash textile waste, reduce environmental impact, and spark a new era of conscious fashion.
4:30
to
PM
Community Engagement Specialist at Let Me Be Frank, with 25+ years in local government, non-profits, and the arts.
VP of Circular Economy Victoria, Co-founder of TCX | The Cup Exchange, and circular economy innovator with expertise in Marketing and Sustainability.
Circular Economy Leader at RMIT Activator, driving circular innovation and empowering entrepreneurs across Victoria.
Founder of Real Earth Solutions and creator of REAL SUCCESS ™ Framework, with 20+ years in sustainability, coaching, and permaculture.
Facilitator
Gilbert is recognised both nationally and internationally as a leading voice in placemaking. Known for his dynamic engagement processes and inspirational approach to community activation.
Food shouldn’t cost the earth — but right now, too much of it ends up in landfill instead of on our plates. While consumers are often encouraged to reduce waste at home, the real story starts much earlier in the supply chain. Supermarket contracts routinely reject perfectly edible produce based on size or appearance, leaving farmers with mountains of waste and no market. Behind the glossy shelves lies a broken system — but producers, advocates, and platforms like Farmers Pick are finding new ways to turn the tide.
In this flavour-packed session, watch Simon Toohey cook zero-waste dishes live while a panel of food champions explores how we can fight food waste, back local growers, and create a food system that’s sustainable, fair, and delicious. From paddock to plate and beyond, this is your chance to go behind the headlines and hear the reality — with live cooking, powerful conversation, and tastings to keep your appetite for change well-fed
When the food is cooked and it’s time to eat, the conversation continues with an open networking session for changemakers, creatives, and curious minds working across the zero waste and environmental space. Whether you’re a grower, recycler, designer, policy wonk, or just passionate about creating a more sustainable world, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas. Food may bring us to the table, but the future we’re building goes far beyond the plate — and it starts with conversations like these.
