Essential Ingredients Podcast 068: Trash Talks— Everyday Waste Hacks for Real Change with Laura Rosenshine
“I urge everyone to take a fraction of a second more to think before you throw something out— that's the moment that it matters whether we'll never see it again or whether it will go on to have a second life. It just takes that fraction of a second to try and do the right thing.” —Laura Rosenshine
The way we handle waste isn’t just about bins and bags—it’s about habits, community, and the stories we tell ourselves. Sometimes, the real power to change things starts with a single, simple choice.
Laura Rosenshine is the co-founder of WATS, a software platform that helps manage waste more sustainably and efficiently. Laura’s path started with a curiosity about composting and grew into a mission to help businesses rethink waste. From hands-on consulting in New York to launching Watts, she’s learned that real progress comes from connecting people, data, and practical solutions.
Hit play to get honest advice, smart strategies, and a fresh perspective on waste. In this episode, Justine and Laura discuss composting, business sustainability, waste data, the circular economy, and how anyone—individual or company—can start making a difference today.
Meet Laura:
Laura founded Common Ground Compost LLC (CGC) after a few years working in the commercial waste sector, including working with a Norwegian-based technology company piloting in-vessel organics processing in NYC. In 2017, Laura co-founded Foodprint Group which was focused on bringing standardization and industry best practices to the waste management programs of multi-location hospitality and food businesses. In 2021, Laura returned to CGC to focus on building a WATS. Laura is a TRUE Zero Waste Advisor, and her rescue dog is terrified of garbage trucks.
Website (WATS)
Website (Common Ground Compost LLC)
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Episode Highlights:
00:35 What is WATS?
06:06 Becoming a Trusted Waste Expert
13:07 Unexpected Start Up Journey
18:30 Connecting Businesses to Reduce Waste
22:27 Circular Economy–Not Just for Businesses
25:12 Think Before You Toss