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Applying Cradle-to-Cradle Thinking to
Wastewater Treatment
Workshop and Discussion

Thursday, July 21
2:00 – 5:00 pm

William McDonough, internationally renowned designer and architect – and co-author of Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things – will conduct an in-depth workshop for conference participants following his keynote address during the General Session on Thursday, July 21.  One of the most influential voices on sustainability, McDonough will discuss work underway to transform human industry – from a system that “takes, makes and wastes” to a creator of goods and services that generate ecological, social and economic value – and how the clean water community is uniquely positioned to established itself as a national leader.

McDonough’s Thursday morning keynote will lay the groundwork for the workshop on Thursday afternoon.  The workshop will drill down into some of the key tenets of the cradle-to-cradle philosophy, where waste equals food and everything can and should be thought of as a ‘nutrient’ for future productivity.  Using real-world examples, McDonough will describe how cradle-to-cradle thinking has already begun to emerge in the wastewater treatment industry and where more work can still be done.  As many in the clean water community have already recognized, most of the ‘wastes’ we have traditionally managed should be thought of as assets, not liabilities.  McDonough will discuss how clean water managers can better capitalize on these assets and make a business case for becoming more sustainable.  The workshop will also explore how the actions of others, including chemical producers and manufactures, to embrace cradle-to-cradle approaches will ultimately reduce clean water community concerns over the growing issue of emerging contaminants.

This optional workshop is scheduled to begin at 2pm and separate complimentary registration is required. If you have already registered for the Summer Conference and would like to register for this Workshop contact Robin Davis via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202.533.1802.