There are parts of life we rarely talk about — not because they aren’t important, but because they are uncomfortable to address. Human waste is one of them. It’s universal, it’s everyday, and yet it remains one of the most overlooked systems shaping our environment.
I first came across Taylor Zehren, Founder & CEO of Wasted, when I saw her pitch last month, and I remember thinking how skillfully she got the uncomfortable giggles out of the room. Porta-potties aren’t exactly cocktail-hour conversation… but within minutes, she had everyone leaning in. She took a taboo topic, and reframed it as an overlooked opportunity for circularity, climate action, and community wellbeing.
In under 30 minutes, we cover:
Why nature doesn’t create “waste” — and how Wasted is modeling that in the real world
The surprising nutrient value in our wastewater
How circular systems can solve both environmental and economic challenges
What it looks like to build a values-driven business in a very unexpected industry
Taylor brings clarity, humor, and a refreshing dose of possibility to a topic most people avoid.
Hope you enjoy this one — it’s a reminder that innovation often starts in the places we overlook most.
The Hopeful Pioneers is produced by Align Impact, a firm dedicated to helping families and executives align their investment portfolios with their values to create meaningful change.
