How the next revolution in business will provide for a sustainable future. From founder, CEO and circular economy expert Ron Gonen.
With an empowering call to action, The Waste-Free World boldly invites us to end one of the greatest scams in history in order to achieve a bright, sustainable, and prosperous future. As microplastics collect in the ocean by the ton, natural resources are depleted, and cities face mounting landfill disposal bills, consumers and investors are becoming increasingly focused on the quality, durability and environmental footprint of products-yet many industries continue to try to sell us cheap goods and tell us that recycling is too expensive. In The Waste-Free World, Ron Gonen argues that the old take-make-waste economy has cost us consumers and taxpayers billions while cheating us out of a habitable planet. But it doesn't have to be this way.
The Waste-Free World reveals the secret history of wasteful consumption and makes a powerful case for transitioning to a Circular Economy-where companies foster innovation, investors recognize long term value creation and consumers are able to align their values with the products they buy. Drawing from his experience as a recycling entrepreneur, public official, and Co-Founder and CEO of a firm investing in scaling the Circular Economy, Gonen showcases brilliant innovations worldwide, introducing us to the entrepreneurs and business leaders that are maximizing value by aligning the interests of customers, shareholders, and our environment. Ron Gonen is the Co-Founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners, an investment firm that maximizes value by aligning capitalism with positive social and environmental impact via investments in material science, advanced recycling technologies, supply chain optimization and sustainable consumer products. Prior to Closed Loop Partners, Ron served as the Deputy Commissioner for Sanitation, Recycling and Sustainability in New York City during the Bloomberg Administration. He was previously the Co-Founder and CEO of RecycleBank. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, where he also earned an MBA.
Ron has been recognized with a number of business and environmental awards including recognition as a 'Champion of the Earth' by the United Nations Environment Program which is the highest distinction for environmental protection given by the United Nations and recognizes outstanding visionaries and leaders in the fields of policy, science and entrepreneurship, the Medal of Excellence from Columbia University which recognizes alumnus for excellence in scholarship, public service and professional life, named by NRDC/Earth Day NY as the Public Official of the Year in New York City, a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and the Social Enterprise Center Award for Excellence in Teaching at Columbia Business School.
