On International Zero Waste Day, meet the Lincoln alum making a difference

Well, Kate Gislason noticed – and it irked her. She wanted to make a difference, so she started Without Waste (WOW), a company focused on waste minimisation and diversion at events and for businesses.

Today is International Zero Waste Day, so what better time to share the impact she’s making. 

As a fresh graduate, Kate had $1,200 in her account, but was driven towards her purpose. Now, her three-year-old company is growing fast — and with it, waste is shrinking.

You may have seen rubbish pickers at events like Electric Avenue, the Twizel Salmon & Wine Festival, Carl Cox at Airborne, our very own Garden Party or the recent Two Minds Festival in Christchurch. These crews weren’t just cleaning up; they were from WOW, working to ensure waste went where it should.

“I've always just been fascinated by how I can make things easier for people,” Kate said.

“Without our services on the day, the public typically don’t know enough to get things in the right bin. Recycling gets rejected, and ultimately, everything goes to landfill.”

Waste sorting at events is a big part of WOW’s work, ensuring rubbish goes through the right streams while educating people at the bins. Behind the scenes, WOW is involved in research, planning and implementing waste minimalisation processes for the event. 

“The first year an event works with us, we’re essentially figuring out what kind of waste they produce, where the opportunities and challenges are. Then, we create a comprehensive report with realistic goals to help them improve.”

And it’s working. The Kiwi Junior League Festival is a great example.

“In comparison to the year before, we reduced waste by 90%. That was a huge win, and we’re aiming for them to be a zero-waste event this year.”

Outside of events, the WOW Business branch helps organisations like Lyttelton Port work towards zero waste goals through audits, workshops, and project planning.

“We don’t want to be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, just sorting waste and sending some to landfill. Instead, we want to work with events and businesses long-term to eliminate waste altogether.

“In a perfect world, our job wouldn’t even need to exist - but right now, that’s just not the case.”

Originally from Michigan, USA, Kate first came to New Zealand for a semester abroad at Lincoln University in 2020, studying a Bachelor’s in environmental management. She never left.

“Coming from the States, Lincoln was super useful in giving me an understanding of environmental policies, regulations, and especially Māori history – all things that were really important for me going into the New Zealand business world.

“I also came out with great connections, many of who I’ve linked up with on cool events with WOW!”

With new branches opening in Auckland and Queenstown this year, Without Waste is expanding its impact. It’s new fleet of reusable cups was recently trialled at Two Minds Festival, and it’s looking for more events to take part in its feasibility study.

So, what’s Kate’s simple tip to you this International Zero Waste Day?

“Say goodbye to buying anything with the word ‘disposable’ in it. Things like paper towels - if it’s disposable, I’m sure you can find a reusable alternative.”

Next time you’re at an event - like our beloved Garden Party - look out for Kate and the team.

Interested in learning more about Without Wastes’ mission? Check them out here.

Image credit: Without Waste