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.
Disclaimer: The personal ideas and opinions expressed on The Hopeful Pioneers podcast and Substack may not reflect the views of Align Impact. All content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon or construed as investment, legal, tax, financial or other advice. Likewise, nothing should be construed as a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by Align Impact to buy or sell securities or other financial instruments. Information posted is subject to change at any time without notice or obligation to update. Investment in securities involves the risk of loss, and there is no guarantee of future returns. A professional advisor should be consulted if you have investment questions. Align Impact does not provide personalized investment advice through podcasts or social media.
