Alexa Smith
Circular Economy & Zero Waste Activist
Mission
My name is Alexa Smith, and I am the Amazon #1 best-selling author in Green Business of An Economic Eclipse: Shifting Toward a Sustainable Future by Eliminating Waste. I am also an undergraduate student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying environmental science and sustainable development. Through the coalescence of my study abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece, discovery of zero waste activist Lauren Singer, and reflection on the value of conscious consumption in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have begun to unpack models for the circular economy and uncover the true meaning of waste. By writing my book, I have effectively pushed the limits of my own personal environmentalism to inspire others in our capitalistic, human-centered society to be more aware of the waste they create everyday. My hope is that through my book and movement, I can spread my belief in the power of collective action to drive sustainability, while motivating individuals to scrutinize the things they mindlessly purchase and throw away. Follow my movement to access weekly newsletters, receive updates on circular economy news, and learn zero waste home tips!
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KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE FEATURE
Over the past several weeks, I have had the pleasure of interviewing with Susan O'Neil, journalist at the Kane County Chronicle. After many conversations about my book, the meaning of conscious consumption and the zero waste life, she has released a wonderful feature article about my story! Check it out here!
Current Projects
My devotion to a circular economy approach on multiple fronts is demonstrated through several of my current projects, internships and other leadership activities. Check out some of them here:
AN ECONOMIC ECLIPSE: SHIFTING TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE BY ELIMINATING WASTE
This #1 best-selling book in Green Business is now available on Amazon (link below)! An Economic Eclipse is about how business can be a connective institution to spearhead waste reduction in the daily lives of individuals and the daily operations of industry. Additionally, it explores strategies that business leaders can adopt to harmonize their work with the circular economic movement and zero-waste ideology.
RE:GEN-eration
PODCAST
This podcast is fueled by intergenerational conversations about the circular economy, focusing on fashion. As one of our listeners, we hope to enrich your understanding on how to be a more responsible consumer, business leader, policymaker, or other professional navigating the shift towards a waste-reduced, circular economy.
2020 ILLINOIS CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
As a part of this project, I have drafted and implemented university programs, policies, events and other initiatives to increase zero waste and sustainability engagement at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive guideline which will help achieve university-wide commitments to carbon neutrality by 2050.