From Waste to Resource: Growing a Circular Economy in the Mississippi River Watershed – Rebecca will discuss how circular economy principles, material reuse, and community partnerships can help build more sustainable and resilient communities throughout the Mississippi River watershed

Iowa Waste Exchange (IWE) is a statewide materials management program that helps businesses, manufacturers, institutions, local governments, and community organizations reduce waste, identify reuse opportunities, and develop markets for underutilized materials. Through technical assistance, partnership development, and grant support, IWE works to keep valuable resources in productive use while reducing disposal costs and environmental impacts.

By advancing waste reduction, material reuse, recycling market development, and circular economy strategies, Iowa Waste Exchange helps strengthen local economies, conserve resources, and support more resilient communities throughout Iowa.

Website: https://iowawasteexchange.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IowaWasteExchange

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iowa-waste-exchange

Speaker Bio: Rebecca L. Kauten, Ph.D., is the Area 3 Environmental Resource Specialist with Iowa Waste Exchange, based out of the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG). Her work focuses on circular economy strategies, materials management, industrial waste reduction, recycling market development, and community sustainability initiatives. Rebecca works with businesses, local governments, nonprofits, and community groups across northeast Iowa to identify practical opportunities that reduce waste, conserve resources, and create economic value from materials that might otherwise be discarded.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-kauten-a770aa1b

.Location: Dubuque Farmers’ Market