Meet Elizabeth Balkan
Driving zero-waste futures through policy expertise and hands-on circular economy strategies.
Founder of Future by Design, Elizabeth brings decades of zero-waste policy expertise and real-world systems implementation.
15+
Public, Private, Non-profit
Sectors engaged
Years experience
Experience Matters
Nearly two decades leading zero waste policy, system design, and circular packaging initiatives across diverse sectors and regions.
Specializing in actionable, data-driven solutions.
Work
Director, North America
2018-2020
Expanded food waste initiative to 40+ cities nationwide.
Director, North America
New York City Department of Sanitation and NYC Mayor's Office
2012-2018
Led New York City's zero waste and circular economy policy design and implementation over the course of two administrations.
Director of Policy
Engagements at Future by Design
Natural Resources Defense Council
Reloop
2020-2025
Built programs uniting key stakeholders for impactful packaging circularity.
Project manager of sub-contractor team to CalRecycle SB-54
Source Reduction and Material Design Needs Assessment Study
2025
Co-author "Embracing Reuse in U.S. Packaging EPR Programs: Playbook for a Best-in-Class PRO"
Principal, Emergence Advisors
2008-2012
Founded climate and sustainability-focused consultancy with global clientele including UNEP, USAID, Asia Development Bank, and the Economist Intelligence Unit.