What People Are Saying About the Book

“If you only read one book about the environment this year—The Waste-Free World should be it! No one is more qualified to introduce you to the future of sustainability than Ron Gonen. This exceptional book will show you how to unlock the potential of the circular economy, helping us create a future of wellbeing and unlimited possibility.”

—Jeffrey Hollender, Co-founder and former CEO of Seventh Generation, and Co-founder and CEO of the American Sustainable Business Council

“Fighting climate change and investing in sustainable solutions isn’t just good for the planet. It also makes good business sense. Ron Gonen’s Waste-Free World makes a strong case for an economy that is more efficient, sustainable, and prosperous – and Ron has been a leader in creating it.”

—Mike Bloomberg, Three Term Mayor of New York City; Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

“Ron provides a practical and powerful case for a circular economy, one that mimics nature rather than destroying it. There is no waste in nature, and Ron highlights both the ecological imperative and the enormous business opportunities that a circular economy can provide—from fashion and apparel, to food and agriculture, to plastics and packaging.  A timely call to action for the critical systems change we need in the world.”

—Paul Polman, Former Chairman and CEO of Unilever, and Co-Founder and Chair of IMAGINE

“Advocating a point without descending into mere rhetoric, the author ventures a well-reasoned case for changing our ways as producers and consumers. Green-minded readers will learn much from Gonen’s investigations.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“If you want to learn from leaders and innovators in the sustainability and circular economy fields on what it takes to transform groundbreaking ideas on reducing waste into thriving industries, The Waste-Free World is a must read.  Ron Gonen went to great lengths to include a diverse set of voices that are passionate about pursuing a circular economy, with opportunities to innovate, to be profitable and to be good stewards of our environments. This book truly is a meaningful contribution to living in a waste-free world.”

—Ginger Spencer, Director of City of Phoenix Public Works Department

“Ron Gonen, who was already a trailblazing thought leader and expert in this space, has produced the definitive book on the Circular Economy and why it is critical for the future of our planet. I’m very humbled to have been interviewed by Ron for the book, which I know will serve as an inspirational beacon of sustainable business practices for many years to come.”

—John Shegerian, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of ERI

“A thought-provoking book from one of the world’s earliest visionaries in sustainability and recycling.  Drawing on two decades of experience as a brilliant entrepreneur, public official, and investor, Ron Gonen delivers a fascinating perspective on the interplay between business and innovation and what he terms the “Circular Economy.””

—Professor Ran Kivetz, Columbia Business School

“If you want to inhabit a sustainable planet, Ron Gonen is your guide.  Ron launched a successful recycling firm while in business school. He helped New York City learn to compost. And now he’s building a whole ecosystem to help advance the circular economy. Wanna do your part? You can start by reading this book.”

—Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare

“No one has more experience or knowledge of the circular economy than Ron Gonen. In The Waste-Free World he shares his wisdom, to the great benefit of all of us and the planet we live on.”

—Professor Bruce Usher, Director of the Tamer Center for Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School