Kate Chambers named in Letsrecycle.com’s 2021 35 UNDER 35

Kate Chambers, Senior Consultant at Resource Futures, has been awarded 35 UNDER 35 status in the 2021 Letsrecycle.com’s 35 UNDER 35 Awards.

The Letsrecycle.com’s 35 UNDER 35 Awards is an exciting programme that identifies the rising stars in the waste and recycling industry who are striving for professional excellence, promoting industry innovation, and giving back to their company and community.

Kate was nominated by Resource Futures due to her impact in the areas of circular economy, marine litter, food waste and biomaterials, particularly across Scotland, and for her work in engaging the next generation of climate activists.

“We’re really pleased that Kate’s incredible track record in waste and resources has been recognised. Kate’s energy and enthusiasm for her work and the environment is inspiring and compelling. With so much achieved already, we’re excited – for both Kate and the industry – of what’s to come next.”

Sam Reeve, CEO at Resource Futures

Kate joined Resource Futures as a Consultant in 2018 and became an integral part of the Resource Futures team delivering circular business support on behalf of Zero Waste Scotland. In 2019, Kate was asked to join Zero Waste Scotland’s Decoupling Advisory Group exploring policy recommendations to move Scotland towards sustainable resource use.

As part of Resource Futures’ UK Policy team, Kate works at the forefront of policy research, impact assessment and consultancy; helping to develop an effective and fair policy environment on the latest issues in waste and resources, such as deposit return schemes (DRS), extended producer responsibility (EPR) and marine litter.

Kate has delivered work for the Scottish Government, investigating sustainable disposal options for aquaculture gear, as well as opportunities to ‘stem the plastic tide’, working with Scotland’s plastic supply chain to identify incentives to minimise plastics leakage.

Kate also managed a mapping project of food redistribution activities in Scotland which explored new partnership opportunities to reduce food waste. Prior to Resource Futures, Kate worked with Vegware Ltd and supported waste management partners to implement innovative waste collection systems for bioplastic and compostable packaging.

Since 2017, Kate has volunteered with 2050 Climate Group and delivered 2050’s Young Leaders Development Programme. In 2020, Kate was appointed as Board Trustee and is responsible for governing and shaping the organisation.

“Kate has been dedicated to the work we do and to giving back to her community and always works with ambition, enthusiasm, and kindness.”

Lucy Stanfield, Chair at 2050 Climate Group

With an academic background in Environmental Communication, Kate uses her communication skills to encourage behaviour change and improve resource management. Taking a creative approach to communicating anti-waste messages, Kate has created several videos for BBC’s The Social.

Kate previously took home the Scottish Resources Awards’ Young People Award in 2018.

“Kate is a fantastic example of the work that’s being done across this country to find practical solutions to serious problems and to create opportunities in the circular economy.”

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive at Zero Waste Scotland (commenting on Kate’s 2018 Award win)

Making it onto the 35 UNDER 35 list offers status holders industry-wide recognition for their professional competency, while highlighting their passion and dedication.

The 2021 35 UNDER 35 status holders will be celebrated at the 35 UNDER 35 Recognition Ceremony on the 8 July in London, where the top three entries will be announced and named as ‘Rising Stars of the Year’.