The Zero Waste Forum took place in Hollywood, Florida, from 30 March to 3 April 2025. The event featured a rich program of activities including a sustainability tour, beach cleanup, workshops, and the main discussion days at the Anne Kolb Nature Center on 1-2 April. The event built upon the International Day of Zero Waste (30 March), as declared by the United Nations Environment Department.
Yulia Markhel (LDIW Ukraine leader) and I (Pål Martensson, LDIW Regional Director of Oceania) were invited to represent Let's Do It World and Let's Do It Ukraine at this important gathering. This was the second Zero Waste Forum; last year it was hosted in San Francisco. This year we moved east to Florida to get some sand in our shoes.
We kicked off Sunday with a beach cleanup on the Hollywood Broadwalk. Everything was very well organised by Richard Ramcharitar from Broward Clean Air, a devoted Zero Waste personality in South Florida. We collected waste from a large area, performed separation sorting, and worked alongside Dr. Sami Romanick, a molecular biologist who studies the effects of microplastic exposure on human health. It was very interesting to see all the samples we collected get analysed and observe the water samples, the pollution, and how microplastics behave and occur in the oceans.
For many participants, this day marked several firsts—their first cleanup, first waste sorting experience, first time seeing microplastics, first time meeting devoted volunteers, first time working with a scientist, and first time being part of such a heart-warming group of people.
Later that evening over dinner, discussions centered on plastic pollution, with many questions raised and promises made about behaviour change at the grassroots level. The food and wine were delicious, the day was perfect, everybody was happy, and we applauded each other. “Rewards and celebration are important," I remember thinking.
We also visited Miami University, which emphasises sustainability and environmental responsibility. Their Green Message focuses on reducing ecological footprints through various initiatives such as promoting recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable transportation options. The university also boasts a huge wellness area with all kinds of sports activities, a massive gym, and outdoor activities.
After two days of warming up, it was time to enter the Anne Kolb Nature Center in the mangrove swamp—a truly magnificent location. Registration, good coffee, and mingling provided the perfect start for networking. "I love small, local solutions that have an almost instant effect on people—they see a result and they can maintain it, brain and hand together," I shared with fellow attendees.
Earth Day representatives, also partners of Let's Do It World, were present and spoke about cleanups. Michael Karapetian gave a brief history of how Earth Day started and its evolution since 1970.
Both conference days were packed with speakers and fascinating topics. Andy Weins delivered a powerful talk called "Words Fucking Matter." As a speaker, soldier, and entrepreneur, he was passionate about the power of language. "Just like it takes work to get a body in shape, the same is true for the mind," he emphasised.
Other urgent topics included preventing food waste at schools, commercial composting, effects of incineration and toxic ashes, integrating environmental justice, waste reduction and reuse campaigns, zero waste business solutions, and plastic pollution.
Yulia Markhel from Let's Do It Ukraine led an impactful session about the difficulties of protecting the environment when there's a war outside your door. She detailed the unique challenges of organising environmental cleanups in Ukraine today, including security risks, infrastructure damage, volunteer shortages, and new types of war-related waste.
"Nothing can stop civic spirit and environmental responsibility; it will always survive," Yulia affirmed. "With local and international support, Let's Do It Ukraine will be stronger and more sustainable for the future."
I led a well-attended session about Digital Waste and its effects. "How much have you polluted this morning?" I asked the audience. "How did you do it? Have you used your cell phone, sent pictures, emails, WhatsApp, Instagram, FB, SnapChat, X, or used the internet in other ways?".
I explained that everything we do with our phones or computers creates emissions and contributes to pollution. Computer halls worldwide are huge buildings, some the size of small towns, with thousands of computers running 24/7/365. They require electricity, cooling water, constant maintenance, and replacement, making them tremendous energy monsters that we feed constantly and increasingly.
"You can clean up your device and change your digital habits to reduce your digital footprint," I emphasised. More information is available at www.digitalcleanupday.org, which offers fantastic materials and tutorials.
"I think I never had so many people coming up to me after a speech, asking questions," I reflected. "The most common expression was: 'I had NO idea about how it works and that I pollute when I use my cell phone.'"
The forum featured interactive panels and workshops on Zero Waste Certification and advocacy. I worked alongside many dedicated colleagues including Rodrigo Sabatini, Chris de Tournay, Amanda Waddle, Hayden Sloan, Taryn Larock, Kristin Kubat, Dennis Uyat, Mike Ewall, Teresa Bradly, and Richard Ramcharitar.
Everything was designed to be as low-emission and "green" as possible. We enjoyed vegan food from local farmers and heavenly coffee. The surroundings at the nature center were magical, with special walkabouts to see mangroves and feel the ocean's power.
This was truly a great experience in Hollywood, Florida. A very BIG thank you to Race to Zero Waste, Broward Clean Air, and Debris Free Oceans for making it possible.
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