[She’s Got Hustle] Creating a Greener World Through Zero Waste and Food Recovery With Kelli Farmer
Kelli Farmer is a Sustainable Materials Management Professional at SCS Engineers, a company specializing in environmental consulting and engineering solutions. She focuses on zero waste planning, edible food recovery programs, and compliance with California’s Senate Bill 1383, which mandates organic waste recycling. Kelli works closely with cities and businesses to implement sustainable practices that reduce waste and improve community impact. She is also a recipient of the Young Professional of the Year Award for her contributions to the field.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [03:32] How Kelli Farmer’s marketing background shaped her approach to sustainable materials management
- [06:34] Key projects focused on zero-waste planning and recycling initiatives
- [9:56] How to build strong relationships and communicate effectively in sustainability work
- [10:51] The biggest challenges faced in waste management and sustainability efforts
- [15:29] Kelli’s advice for anyone transitioning into a career in sustainability
- [17:51] Emerging trends in waste management that deserve more attention
- [21:14] The importance of education in advancing sustainability goals
- [24:58] Kelli’s long-term aspirations in the field of sustainable materials management
In this episode…
From managing single-use plastics to creating systems for edible food recovery, the road to sustainability requires creativity, leadership, and dedication. How can individuals and businesses take meaningful steps to make an environmental impact?
According to Kelli Farmer, a leading expert in sustainable materials management, it starts with collaboration and education. She highlights the importance of bringing stakeholders together to develop practical solutions for reducing waste, like redistributing surplus food to those in need or adopting compostable alternatives to single-use plastics. Kelli also emphasizes how implementing California’s Senate Bill 1383 and building zero-waste programs that prioritize innovation and measurable results prove that even small changes can drive a big impact.
In this episode of RAW Spotlight, host Emily Au sits down with Kelli Farmer, Sustainable Materials Management Professional at SCS Engineers, to discuss zero waste initiatives, edible food recovery programs, and the challenges of tackling single-use plastics. Kelli also shares her leadership approach, advice for breaking into the sustainability field, and her vision for a greener, more resourceful future.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Emily Au on LinkedIn
- Victor Huynh on LinkedIn
- Ready Artwork
- Kelli Farmer on LinkedIn
- SCS Engineers
- Michelle Leonard on LinkedIn
- Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)
- Zero Waste Washington
- Microsoft Teams Planner
Quotable Moments
- “Protecting the planet through my job is an amazing feeling and a lifelong goal.”
- “Listening to people’s concerns and collaborating leads to the best work possible.”
- “Joining an association and putting my name out there was key to finding my career path.”
- “Education and outreach are the keys to achieving zero-waste goals in any organization.”
- “Single-use plastic is a significant issue, and reducing its use is crucial for our planet’s health.”
Action Steps
- Join professional associations: Participating in industry associations helps you connect with professionals and stay updated on best practices, addressing the challenge of finding career opportunities in a niche field.
- Volunteer for industry-related projects: Engaging directly with industry work allows for hands-on experience, helping to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application.
- Educate and communicate the benefits of sustainability: Effective communication is crucial for overcoming resistance and promoting the adoption of new sustainability measures.
- Promote reusable and compostable alternatives: By advocating for alternatives, you address the ongoing challenge of plastic waste and its environmental impact.
- Utilize digital tools for task management: This technique not only improves organizational skills but also ensures that all sustainability projects progress smoothly.
Sponsor for this episode…
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At Ready Artwork, we combine data-driven insights with innovative design to help your business thrive in the digital age. From SEO and digital advertising to web development and email marketing, we have experts who help companies uncover growth in unexplored and extraordinary ways.
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Video Podcast Transcript:
Emily Au (Host):
Welcome to The Raw Spotlight Podcast, where we feature inspiring leaders in the B2B space and share their unique stories. Let’s get started with the show!
Emily:
Welcome to The Raw Spotlight. She’s Got Hustle highlights fearless women transforming business and life through perseverance, growth, and hustle. I’m your host, Emily Au, co-founder of Ready Artwork. As a designer, marketer, and entrepreneur, I’m excited to share the inspiring stories of women making a difference.
I spotlight women hustlers from B2B businesses, niche markets, major brands, local ventures, and public organizations. My guests share their success stories and how they balance life and purpose. If you’re seeking real talk and motivation from women who hustle, you’re in the right place!
Sponsored Message:
This episode is brought to you by Ready Artwork, where we deliver uniquely tailored digital marketing services to facilitate the long-term growth of your organization. Our team specializes in SEO, digital ads, web development, and email marketing. Visit readyartwork.com to learn more.
Emily:
Today, I’m excited to welcome Kelli Farmer, a passionate sustainable materials management professional from SCS Engineers. Kelli has dedicated her career to protecting our planet, focusing on zero waste management and solid waste solutions. She serves as the Young Professional Representative for SWANA’s Sustainable Materials Management Technical Division and was recently honored as SWANA’s Young Professional of the Year.
Kelli, thank you for joining us today!
Kelli Farmer:
Of course! I’m very excited to be here.
Emily:
It’s been a while since we last worked together on LA County projects, and I never really got to hear about your journey. Can you share a bit about your background and how you got into sustainability?
Kelli:
Sure! My career initially started in market research, business development, and marketing strategies, which is quite different from what I do now. But those experiences helped me understand people’s behaviors—something critical in my current role. A lot of what we do involves educating people and changing behaviors to divert waste from landfills.
Emily:
How did you end up in waste management?
Kelli:
It’s funny because most people don’t plan on working in this industry. I was studying sustainability but had no clear direction. I thought about working for the EPA or public sector roles but wasn’t sure what opportunities existed. So I started networking, joining industry associations, and putting my name out there.
Through an association, I connected with someone at SCS Engineers who told me about an open position. I applied and got the job—and now, I can’t imagine working anywhere else!
Emily:
That’s amazing! You’re involved with Pasadena’s Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) group. Can you tell us more about your work in zero waste planning and recycling assistance?
Kelli:
Absolutely. What excites me the most is knowing that the work we do has a real impact on the planet and our communities. One of our major projects involves edible food recovery—helping businesses redirect surplus food to those in need instead of letting it go to waste. It’s incredibly rewarding.
Emily:
What does a typical day in the field look like for you?
Kelli:
Right now, we’re working on Senate Bill 1383, which mandates businesses and residents to recycle organic waste. We visit businesses, explain the new regulations, and help them set up food donation programs. It’s a lot of outreach, education, and problem-solving.
Emily:
Do businesses usually welcome these changes, or do you face resistance?
Kelli:
It depends. Some are fully on board, excited about sustainability. Others push back because they see it as an added cost or inconvenience. When we encounter resistance, we focus on communication—explaining why these efforts benefit their business, the community, and the environment.
Emily:
From your experience, what waste management trends need more attention?
Kelli:
Single-use plastics. It’s a major issue globally. These plastics take ages to break down, and when they do, they turn into microplastics, which contaminate our water and food. Many cities, including LA County, are working on ordinances to reduce their use.
Emily:
For businesses using single-use plastics, what sustainable alternatives would you recommend?
Kelli:
The best option is always reusable utensils—metal spoons, forks, and knives. If that’s not possible, compostable alternatives are a good choice. Look for products certified by BPI or CMA. LA County even has a list of approved sustainable products on their website.
Emily:
For someone interested in transitioning into your field, what advice would you give?
Kelli:
Network and volunteer! That’s how I got started. Join industry associations, attend events, and put your name out there. Also, read articles and visit waste management facilities to get hands-on experience. The more exposure you have, the more you’ll understand where you fit in the industry.
Emily:
Any specific organizations you’d recommend?
Kelli:
I highly recommend SWANA—the Solid Waste Association of North America. It’s a national organization with great resources, networking opportunities, and education in all areas of waste management.
Emily:
Outside of work, what keeps you energized?
Kelli:
I just started Pilates, and I love it! It’s great for both physical and mental health. I also have a one-year-old Goldador (Golden Retriever + Labrador) named Leo. He’s my pride and joy.
Emily:
That’s awesome! Looking ahead, what are your career aspirations?
Kelli:
I’m really passionate about the edible food recovery program in the San Gabriel Valley. We’re working with 18 cities to develop and implement regional food recovery programs, keeping food out of landfills and redistributing it to those in need. Expanding that program would be a dream.
Emily:
If you had unlimited resources, what sustainability project would you launch?
Kelli:
In college, I had an idea for a vending machine that dispenses beverages but allows users to bring their own bottles—kind of like a soda fountain but for juices, sodas, and other drinks. The goal was to eliminate plastic bottles. It never got off the ground, but I’d love to see something like that implemented one day.
Emily:
That’s such a cool idea! Before we wrap up, what’s a tool or software you rely on daily?
Kelli:
Microsoft Teams Planner. It helps me stay organized while juggling multiple projects. Highly recommend it for anyone managing multiple tasks.
Emily:
Kelli, thank you so much for sharing your story. Your passion for sustainability is inspiring, and congratulations again on your SWANA Young Professional of the Year Award! Where can listeners find you?
Kelli:
You can connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via email—I’m always happy to chat.
Emily:
It’s been such a pleasure having you on The Raw Spotlight! Thank you to our listeners for tuning in. Until next time!
