In this episode, we dive into sustainability where the stakes—and the challenges—are at their highest: music festivals and live events. Our guest is Vivian Belzaguy Hunter, a trailblazer in festival sustainability who has transformed waste diversion, environmental protection, and behavioral change across massive, temporary “pop-up cities.”

From the chaos behind the scenes to the drive toward zero waste, Vivian shares how small decisions lead to big change, why recycling and composting efforts so often fall short, and how proactive planning can turn festivals into immersive classrooms for sustainability. Hear what sets truly green festivals apart from the rest, how organizers, vendors, and even artists play a pivotal role, and the innovations transforming the industry here and abroad. Whether you run a business, lead a campus, or love live music, discover what our wildest events can teach us about going zero—where change is possible, and sometimes, preferred.

Welcome back to Going Zero, the sustainability podcast for leaders making a difference. In this episode, we sit down with two industry powerhouses leading the charge in corporate hospitality and sustainability: David Mesagno, Executive Director, Amenities Services Lead, and Peter D’Angelo, North American Head of Global Hospitality Services. Both guests bring decades of experience on both the client and vendor side of food services, sharing their journeys from the restaurant world to steering sustainability initiatives at two of the world’s largest financial institutions.

This conversation dives into how sustainability has evolved from removing styrofoam cups to becoming a baked-in expectation at the corporate level, with clients now demanding innovative solutions from their partners rather than simply checking boxes. David and Peter explore topics like food waste management, single use reduction, the challenges of local sourcing, measuring real impact, and the pivotal role food and amenities play in shaping company culture and recruitment. You’ll also hear insights on partnering with disruptive vendors, piloting new technologies, and the importance of telling your sustainability story to employees.

Stay tuned for an open, forward-thinking discussion packed with real-world strategies, lessons learned, and actionable advice for organizations looking to lead on sustainability and redefine the workplace experience.

Welcome to another episode of Going Zero, the podcast where we delve into the people, innovations, and big ideas shaping the journey to zero waste. Today, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of trash—literally—with Joe Dinardi-Mack, co-founder and CEO of Sourgum. As a fourth-generation recycling professional whose family has spent more than a century in the industry, Joe is uniquely equipped to talk about both its storied past and its tech-driven future.

Join hosts Seth Combs, and Eric Pasewalk as they unpack Joe’s journey: from growing up around trucks and transfer stations to launching a company that’s redefining how thousands of businesses handle waste and recycling. You’ll hear firsthand how Sourgum is tackling outdated practices, bringing much-needed transparency, efficiency, and sustainability to a notoriously fragmented industry—and what that really means for customers, the environment, and local haulers.

Whether you’re curious about why less than 10% of recyclables actually get recycled, frustrated by price opacity and unreliable service, or wondering how new tech and policies are reshaping waste management, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the real challenges and the transformative solutions in play. If you want to learn how data, empathy, and technology are driving the zero waste movement forward, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.