Project Optimist's Panel on Recycling in Minnesota

On October 24, 2024, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Project Optimist will host a virtual panel discussion about recycling. It’s part of an event series called Shades of Purple: Dialogue across difference.

We are inviting individuals from across the state of Minnesota to join us for a moderated conversation about our waste web system and how it functions across the state. Our hope is to bring people together to share their industry knowledge and experience in order to help Minnesotans better understand how recycling works and to clear up misconceptions about the effectiveness of the practice. As a participant, you’ll be invited to listen and ask your burning questions to our panel of experts.

To attend this event, please complete our registration form.

Moderator:

Jen Zettel-Vandenhouten, managing editor at Project Optimist

Bio TBA.

Panelists

Emma Pardini, environmental program coordinator at WLSSD in Duluth, Minn.

Emma Pardini joined the Environmental Programs team in 2022, with responsibilities including public education, outreach, communications, and compliance assistance in the areas of recycling, reuse, and waste reduction. In that role, she champions Fix-It Clinics, Community Clean-Out waste amnesty days, film plastic recycling education for businesses and residents, solid waste facility tours, and outreach programming for schools and community groups. She is the Sustainability Chair on the board of the Duluth-Superior EcoRotary Club and a Finish Line Green Team Captain of Grandma’s Marathon. Pardini holds a B.A. in English from Northwestern University and a Master’s Certificate in Environmental Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Prior to her work at WLSSD, she served as the exhibit designer for Duluth’s Great Lakes Aquarium.

Kacey Reynolds, environmental planner at Winona County Environmental Services in Winona, Minn.

As the Environmental Planner for Winona County, Kacey Reynolds responsibilities lie in environmental, natural resource, and waste abatement planning work. Most of her time is spent working in the county-wide recycling program with a large focus in community engagement. Kacey was drawn to the Winona area for school and previously enjoys working and living within the driftless region.

Nathan Reinbold, environmental programs manager at Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management

Nathan Reinbold coordinates waste reduction/reuse/recycling, household hazardous waste, industrial solid waste program, stormwater plan, organics management, events recycling, plate to garden compost sales, business recycling grants, facility planning, ordinances, waste designation, hauler engagement, and community outreach. He has over 20 years’ experience working for tribal and county environmental programs.

Project Optimist, a digital news startup, is coordinating community conversations across Minnesota. A team of staff and volunteers are working to engage residents of greater Minnesota to help them collaborate across common divides, tackle tough problems, and grow more optimistic. Project Optimist does this by tapping Minnesota’s creative talent to produce solution-focused news stories and local art and by bringing residents together in dialogue.

Host or Publisher Project Optimist