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.

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.