JESSICA ALDRIDGE – Founder, Adventures in Waste
Jessica Aldridge (certified TRUE Advisor) is a long-time environmental steward, non-profit and community organizer, radio host, and waste industry leader. In May 2016, Jessica was named a national winner of the inaugural Waste360, 40 Under 40 Award. As a Sustainability and Zero Waste specialist, Jessica works closely with businesses, schools and municipalities to provide closed-loop solutions, paying special attention to program design, employee training, and customer education. She also consults with major corporate brands on their waste reduction efforts.
Jessica is the Sustainability and Zero Waste Programs Manager for the largest waste hauler in LA County, where she is tasked with creating outreach and diversion programs for some of the most challenging waste scenarios – most notably Food Scrap Recycling for Multi-Family Residents, Recycling Ambassador Program (for multi-family residents), Food Donation Strategy Plan, Zero Waste Business Education Program, and a Zero Waste Schools Manual. As a lead proposal writer/editor, Jessica also helped secure the largest waste-franchise agreement in the United States’ history.
Her career in the waste industry officially began when working for the City of Burbank Recycle Center as their Zero Waste Event Coordinator/Programs Assistant in 2008, progressing her career into Executive Director of the Burbank Green Alliance. In 2011, Jessica became a Professor of Recycling & Resource Management at Santa Monica College. Along with her passion for Zero Waste, Jessica Aldridge strives to develop and orchestrate programs, events, and coalitions that educate, empower, and facilitate change. She is a co-founder of the SoCal 350 Climate Action (the local 350.org chapter) and Tar Sands Action Southern California. Jessica is a co-host of EcoJustice Radio on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, where she focuses on connecting waste issues and social justice.
In 2010, Jessica was recognized by Senator Carol Liu for excellence in Environment/Energy Efficiency at the 11th Annual Women in Business Legislative Awards and in 2013 she was awarded the “Best Public Advocate for Sustainability” by LA Sustainable Business Council. Jessica is a Steering Committee member of US Green Building Council – LA San Fernando Valley branch and the former Chair of the Environmental Committee of the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce.
Jessica is certified as a TRUE Advisor (Zero Waste professional under Green Business Certification, Inc.) and has her California Resource & Recovery Association Industry Certification.