Jessica Lamb is the Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature and the Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste. Jess holds a strong connection to te taiao and is passionate about caring for both people and planet. With a background in environmental science and geography, she works to support a shift towards a circular economy and the rewilding of cities through thriving urban ngahere.

A committed nature and zero-waste advocate, Jess combines big-picture thinking with practical, community-led action. Outside of her professional roles, she is a plant-powered trail runner, avid hiker, and enthusiastic ‘compost queen’, using her love of the outdoors to inspire others to reconnect with and protect the environments they move through.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Jess’s background and what sparked her passion for nature and sustainability
• Her studies in environmental science and geography
• New Zealand’s waste problem and why it matters
• Jess’s journey into trail running and how it shapes her environmental advocacy
• Her extensive volunteering background, including Forest & Bird Youth
• Stepping into the role of Christchurch Hub Leader for Athletes for Nature, and why she got involved
• How composting can be a practical, change-making solution at the local level
• Her work as Sustainability Coordinator at Without Waste
• The role of athletes as advocates for climate action and conservation
• Jess’s goals for Athletes for Nature in 2026, including plans for the Christchurch hub
• How trail runners (and outdoor athletes more broadly) can reduce their environmental footprint
• Personal ambitions over the next few years—both athletic and sustainability-focused

To view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.

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