Author: Editor

Max Wechsler

Max Wechsler, Reuse Entrepreneur, V

Max grew up surrounded by a scrap metal junkyard near Philadelphia, PA and brings to the table a lifetime of immersion in for-profit reuse and recycling businesses. From electronics recycling with Roots Recycling, to reclaimed lumber with Pacific Reclaimed Lumber & Supply (he is currently a Board Member and Vice President of Sales), to just about everything at Urban Ore, one of his greatest satisfactions in life has been finding the highest and best use for “stuff”—the dirtier the hands get, the better.

This forklift operating, boots-on-the-ground experience is matched with a commitment to advocacy work, industry building, and educational outreach. Focuses include reuse retail market development, deconstruction policy, and Zero Waste private-public partnerships. Max holds an MBA and an MS in Environmental Management from The University of San Francisco and a BA in Psychology from Cornell University. He also manages a manufacturing business called Sugarbush Products, Inc., that uses exclusively American made secondary steel as feedstock. For leisure, he takes dog walks on the beach daily, plays pick-up basketball regularly, and writes amateur screenplays as the muse inspires.

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Christopher Slafter

Christopher Slafter, Senior Sustainability Specialist, San Mateo County Sustainability Department (Term: 2025-2026)

Chris Slafter is a Senior Sustainability Specialist with the San Mateo County Sustainability Department, where he leads programs supporting the County’s Disposable Foodware Ordinance. He also coordinates countywide efforts and collaborates with jurisdictions across California to implement effective foodware ordinance programs. Before joining the County, Chris worked with Clean Water Action’s ReThink Disposable program, helping hundreds of businesses transition from single-use to reusable foodware.

His passion for sustainability began a decade ago when he noticed excessive litter at his favorite surf spot – inspiring him to pursue a career in environmental advocacy. Chris holds an M.S. in Environmental Management from the University of San Francisco and a B.A. in Philosophy from San Jose State University. He lives in Oakland, CA, with his wife and two sons, enjoying fatherhood and working toward a waste-free future.

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