Professional Overview
Jonathan Levy is a sustainability and waste management expert based in the Greater Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, currently affiliated with Go2Zero Strategies, a consultancy focused on helping municipalities, waste haulers, and businesses navigate California’s complex waste regulations and implement effective zero waste initiatives. Jonathan leverages extensive domain knowledge in sustainable resource management, emphasizing the circular economy and zero waste strategies in urban environments.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
Jonathan serves as the Environment Chairperson for the Environmental Advisory Commission in the City of Pasadena, a role he has held since July 2018 with chairmanship starting July 2021. In this capacity, he:
- Oversees and directs the commission’s fiscal year work plans.
- Compiled and presented the annual report for 2020-2021 to the Mayor and City Council.
- Leads monthly commission meetings involving public engagement and coordination with multiple city departments such as Public Works, Water and Power, and City Manager’s Office.
- Reviews and provides strategic input on municipal plans including the City’s Zero Waste Plan, Integrated Water Resources Plan, and Integrated Power Resources Plan.
- Initiated the Solid-Waste Ad-Hoc Committee to advise the Public Works Director on climate and zero waste goals, facilitating bi-monthly collaborative meetings.
In addition, Jonathan administers the Zero Waste Los Angeles Facebook group, a hyper-local online community of over 3,000 members advocating zero waste. He actively moderates discussions and raises awareness on legislative and community action related to waste reduction.
Education and Certifications
Jonathan graduated from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (2002-2006). He holds several certifications that emphasize his expertise in sustainable resource management:
- TRUE Advisor Certification, Green Business Certification Inc. (2016)
- Professional Certification in Sustainable Resource Management, California Resource Recovery Association (2013)
- Certificate in Sustainable Resource Management, GreenEducations.US (Issued 2018; expired 2021)
These certifications complement his practical experience, reinforcing his credibility in advising on sustainability initiatives and waste reduction strategies.
Professional Experience
Jonathan’s primary professional engagement is with Go2Zero Strategies, where he provides strategic consulting to local governments and commercial enterprises seeking compliance and innovation in waste management systems, focusing on circular economy principles and zero waste advocacy. His prior career includes experience in managing large-scale operations with demonstrated success in cost reduction (e.g., a reported 10.6% operational cost savings during a previous 12-month collaboration on a 450-employee operation).
Community and Volunteer Involvement
Jonathan has been an Ambassador for the 5 Gyres Institute since 2016, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing plastic pollution through science, education, and advocacy.
He is recognized as an Eagle Scout, denoting early leadership and community commitment attributes.
Thought Leadership and Industry Engagement
Jonathan maintains an active presence on social media channels, particularly LinkedIn and community forums, where he shares insights on sustainability leadership, zero waste projects, and industry best practices. He has also been an invited speaker for university entrepreneurship events and industry workshops, leveraging his expertise to influence product design and sustainable business model ideation.
Network and Influence
Jonathan’s LinkedIn profile reflects approximately 2,000 followers and over 500 connections, indicating strong professional networking within the environmental and sustainability sectors. His ability to connect diverse stakeholders—from municipal officials to grassroots activists and industry innovators—strengthens his role as a facilitator in collaborative environmental efforts.
This profile indicates that Jonathan Levy is a key influencer and subject matter expert in municipal and commercial sustainability initiatives within California, with an emphasis on zero waste and circular economy strategies. His leadership in public advisory commissions and active community engagement position him as an impactful figure in the environmental management sector.