On this episode of the Home Green Homes podcast, our founder Denise Braun shared her personal story, practical advice, and unwavering belief in the power of consumers to drive change when it comes to reducing waste. The episode, titled “How to Reduce Waste in Daily Life with Denise Braun,” offers a call to action for each of us to become conscious participants in building a more sustainable world.

“You as a consumer, I as a consumer have enormous power to make the transformation that we want to see,” Denise says. “The competitor who is not doing the right packaging or the right product is going to see they’re losing clients... and they’re going to change.”

From Childhood Storms to Zero Waste Solutions

Denise’s journey into sustainability began during her childhood in Brazil, where she saw firsthand how waste could overwhelm communities during storms. Later, while working in human resources, Denise was given a copy of The Natural Step, a book about sustainability in business. The ideas she encountered there sparked a deeper interest in applying sustainable principles professionally. This passion eventually led her to pivot her career toward waste and sustainability.

Eight years ago, after having her first child and with the support of her husband, Denise founded All About Waste — a consulting firm dedicated to zero waste solutions for buildings and organizations. Since then, the firm has grown to offer zero waste certifications and consulting services across the globe.

Everyday Zero Waste Living

Denise walks the talk in her personal life. From composting and using refillable products to hosting zero waste birthday parties for her child, she demonstrates how small, consistent habits can make a big difference. She encourages others to start where they are — whether that’s shopping at local farmers markets, choosing imperfect produce, or buying in bulk from stores like Sprouts.

In the podcast, she also touches on her observations from Europe, where smaller grocery formats and more frequent shopping trips result in significantly less waste. This highlights how systemic and cultural shifts can support sustainable lifestyles.

Looking Ahead: Policy and Advocacy

Denise’s long-term vision is to influence public policy on waste management. She believes that real change must be supported not only by consumer behavior but also by structural changes in how we legislate, incentivize, and enforce waste reduction efforts.

This episode is a reminder that every small decision — every product we choose, every piece of packaging we avoid — adds up. And as Denise emphasizes, “We are the ones driving the change.”

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Home Green Homes — How to Reduce Waste in Daily Life with Denise Braun — for more inspiration and tips on living a lower-waste lifestyle.