Brenda Platt
Ecomaterials Innovation Lab
Brenda Platt is a leader in the field of recycling, and co-director of the non-profit Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). She currently directs their Sustainable Plastics project and co-chairs the Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative, a coalition dedicated to spurring the introduction and use of biobased products that are sustainable from cradle to cradle. In her 24 years with ILSR, she has authored over a dozen reports on all aspects of recycling, and is known for her work in documenting recycling-based jobs and programs with the highest diversion levels. In her most recent report, “Stop Trashing the Climate,” Platt argues that aiming for zero waste is one of the fastest, cheapest and most effective strategies available for combating climate change. Platt is also a former board member of the National Recycling Coalition, the Container Recycling Institute and the GrassRoots Recycling Network. She is a member of the U.S. Composting Council and sits on its Legislative Committee. Additionally, Platt is active in the Business-NGO Working Group for Safer Chemicals and Sustainable Materials and co-leads a Young Activist club in her community working to replace disposable Styrofoam lunch trays with durable, washable trays.