Transforming Panama's Environment - From Plastic Recycling to Lionfish Management

IN THE EPISODE

Jessica Dupont interviews Tom Wright, founder of Wasteless World, about his journey building environmental initiatives in Panama. Tom explains how his organization evolved from a website on waste management solutions to a foundation running multiple community projects, including the Bye Bye Lionfish initiative (soon to be "Pes Leon"). The conversation explores their sustainable business models that convert invasive lionfish into jewelry and food products, providing income for indigenous fishermen while addressing ecological threats. Despite challenges, including a factory fire in 2022, Wasteless World continues developing market-based solutions that align economic opportunities with environmental restoration in coastal communities.

Bard’s Graduate Programs in Sustainability cultivate leaders who break through existing systems, innovating solutions to critical social, environmental and economic challenges. 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class from M.S. in Environmental Policy degree at Bard CEP and the 10th graduating class from the Bard MBA in Sustainability program. The 2024 graduating MS EP, MS CSP, MEd and MBA classes brought the Bard GPS alumni community to over 500!

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Tom Wright:

Tom Wright is the CEO and founder of Wasteless World, a company dedicated to innovative waste solutions that drive environmental and social impact. Born and raised in Byron Bay, NSW, Tom has always been driven by a passion for life, meaningful connections, and creating positive change.

With a background spanning administration, sales, management, and business development, Tom brings a well-rounded skill set to every project he undertakes. He thrives in collaborative environments, building strong teams, fostering growth, and driving measurable results.

Through Wasteless World, Tom is at the forefront of tackling plastic pollution and redefining waste management strategies. His work focuses on sustainable solutions that empower communities, businesses, and individuals to take action. Passionate about both people and the environment, he is dedicated to working alongside like-minded organizations to create lasting, scalable change.

Jessica Dupont:

Jessica is a Master of Climate Science and Policy student at Bard's Center for Environmental Policy. She identifies as a professional problem solver, bridging the gap between humans and our relationship with the environment.

Her past experience includes community climate action granting, green building, wetland biodiversity research, lionfish invasion research, environmental communication, and many sustainability projects, including establishing a $65,000 Green Revolving Fund at Siena College.

Her master’s thesis, set to publish in May 2025, investigates the potential for New York to introduce financial incentives for recreational hunters to help address the state's chronic deer overabundance crisis.

Renay Loper:

Renay is a Clinical Faculty in Organizational Leadership for the Bard MBA in Sustainability, where she focuses on JEDI Transformation in the workplace. Previously, she was the Vice President of Program Innovation at PYXERA Global where she served on the Executive Leadership Team, led five country offices, drove the development of new business and programs, co-led the organization's work on inclusive circular cities, and advised corporate clients on their social impact strategies. Renay also led the organization’s ARC (Antiracist Collective) initiatives, which included internal and external efforts toward dismantling unjust systems. To this end, Renay created Rhetoric to Action, a series of conversations to bridge sectors toward collective action around social and racial justice.

Prior to PYXERA Global, Renay led the grassroots exchange and education grant portfolio at the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership, and has served in a variety of leadership roles in higher education, nonprofit, and business prior to that. Renay is an avid speaker and facilitator, has authored and edited numerous publications, including a resource journal, Student Affairs Professionals Cultivating Campus Climates Inclusive of International Students (Jossey Bass). Renay serves on the board of directors of nonprofits including Community Change, Harpswell Foundation, and Girl Rising.