Learn about sustainable practices, waste reduction, environmental conservation and get inspired to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. Michelle Haynes(TMVOA) and Lauren Kirn (Town of Mountain Village) will be presenting about their experience with a successful zero waste community in Kamikatsu, Japan. We will also be joined by special guests, Sil Van DeVelde and Kana Watando via Zoom from that very same community. 

This is an in-person event, but if you would like to join via Zoom, click this link to join.

Michelle Haynes

Michelle received a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College and a Master of Public Administration in the Executive Program at the University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs.  She started her career in local government in 2005 with the Town of Telluride and currently serves as the Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Mountain Village. Michelle has worn many hats throughout her career, focused on the western slope, having first moved to Colorado in 1994. She has been an elected official in Norwood, CO, worked on numerous master plans in the region in various capacities, started her own seasoning business during COVID-19, owns a private regional hot spring with her husband, and developed affordable housing privately and in her work capacities.  Michelle remains involved regionally from Rico to Nucla and loves this region of Colorado.  Michelle authored in 2014, a Telluride Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Emissions found on the State of Colorado website. She recently received grant funds for a geothermal project on property she and her husband own in Rico for planning and exploratory work.

Lauren Kirn

Lauren received a Bachelor of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Graduate Certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business from the University of Delaware. Lauren started her position as the Environmental Efficiencies & Grant Coordinator with the Town of Mountain Village in August 2021. Before this, she worked at the Colorado School of Mines and in commercial construction project management. Lauren started her career as an Environmental Scientist at a non-profit, eco-label organization in Washington, D.C. She holds accreditations for LEED Interior Design + Construction and the International WELL Building Standard. Lauren manages the environmental incentive programs and climate initiatives as well as the grant application processes within the Town of Mountain Village. Lauren lives locally and is passionate about environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Sil Van de Velde-via zoom

Sil was born and raised in Belgium. He previously worked in education, communications, and research with a focus on conservation and development.

Kana Watando-via Zoom

Kana was born and raised in Canada. Kana has diverse experiences studying and working across Europe and Asia. She moved to Kamikatsu in 2020.

Sil and Kana currently work for INOW in Kamikatsu as leaders in experiential education. 

https://inowkamikatsu.com