10 Top Zero-Waste Influencers to Follow in 2026

The zero-waste movement in 2026 has evolved from a niche lifestyle experiment into a powerful global force, blending science communication, climate justice, and creative storytelling. It is no longer just about fitting a year’s worth of trash into a mason jar; it is about systemic change, circular economics, and radical transparency. To be one of the top zero-waste influencers 2026, a creator must bridge the gap between individual “eco-swaps” and the broader industrial shift toward a waste-free world.

As we navigate a year defined by new plastic regulations and the rise of AI-driven circular logistics, these ten voices provide the roadmap. They offer a mix of practical DIY hacks, professional culinary expertise, and high-level advocacy to help you reduce your footprint without the overwhelm.

How Did We Choose Our Top 10 List?

Identifying the most impactful voices in 2026 requires looking beyond follower counts. We analyzed engagement quality, the accuracy of their scientific claims, and their ability to drive real-world action—whether that’s through policy advocacy or successful community composting programs.

We applied the following weightings to our selection process:

The 10 Top Zero-Waste Influencers 2026

The following individuals represent the most significant leadership in the waste-free space this year.

1. Kathryn Kellogg (@going.zero.waste)

Kathryn remains a cornerstone of the movement in 2026, known for her “101 Ways to Go Zero Waste” framework. Her content is deeply rooted in the philosophy that “it’s not about perfection, it’s about making better choices.” She excels at breaking down complex sustainability topics into manageable, research-backed daily habits.

Special Features:

• Highly detailed “how-to” guides for every room in the house.

• Regular “Trash Audits” to help followers identify their biggest waste sources.

• Focuses on the “Economic Benefits” of zero-waste to save followers money.

Things to Consider:

• Her advice is very structured, which may feel too “checklist-heavy” for some.

• Focused primarily on Western consumer habits.

• Content is highly polished and aesthetic.

Best for: Beginners who want a clear, step-by-step roadmap to a lower-waste life.

2. Max La Manna (@maxlamanna)

Max has turned zero-waste cooking into a viral sensation in 2026. As a professional chef, he focuses on “nose-to-tail” vegetable cooking, showing followers how to turn scraps like potato peels and broccoli stalks into five-star meals. His high-energy, entertaining videos make food waste reduction feel like a creative challenge rather than a chore.

Special Features:

• Innovative recipes for commonly wasted household ingredients.

• Entertaining, fast-paced video editing that appeals to Gen Z.

• Author of multiple award-winning zero-waste cookbooks.

Things to Consider:

• Focus is almost exclusively on the kitchen and food waste.

• Requires a basic level of comfort with cooking and food prep.

• Some recipes may require specialized kitchen tools.

Best for: Home cooks looking to slash their grocery bills and food waste simultaneously.

3. Isaias Hernandez (@queerbrownvegan)

Isaias Hernandez is the leading voice for “Environmental Education” in 2026. Through his platform, Queer Brown Vegan, he creates accessible “Smarter in Seconds” style content that explains the science behind sustainability while centering the voices of marginalized communities. He is essential for understanding why zero-waste is a social justice issue.

Special Features:

• In-depth explanations of ecological terms and environmental policy.

• Strong focus on intersectionality and environmental racism.

• Collaborative content featuring diverse experts from around the globe.

Things to Consider:

• Content is more academic and educational than “lifestyle” focused.

• Tackles heavy social issues that may be intense for casual scrollers.

• Less focus on “eco-swaps” and more on systemic change.

Best for: Those who want to understand the why behind the movement and the ethics of sustainability.

4. R’Bonney Nola (@rbonneynola)

R’Bonney Nola, the 2022 Miss Universe, has used her massive global platform in 2026 to champion circular fashion. As a designer who reconstructs vintage pieces and uses recycled textiles, she proves that zero-waste living can be high-fashion and aspirational. She is a critical bridge between mainstream luxury and sustainable ethics.

Special Features:

• Step-by-step upcycling and sewing tutorials for old clothing.

• Behind-the-scenes looks at sustainable garment manufacturing.

• Blends mainstream glamour with radical waste-reduction ethics.

Things to Consider:

• Primarily focused on the fashion and textile industry.

• Her lifestyle is high-profile, which may feel less “relatable” to some.

• Encourages DIY sewing, which requires a learning curve.

Best for: Fashion lovers looking to quit fast fashion and learn the art of upcycling.

5. Sam Bentley (@sambentley)

Sam Bentley is the “Good News” correspondent of the 2026 environmental movement. He travels the world to highlight circular innovations—from mushroom-based packaging to cities that have successfully eliminated landfills. His content is the perfect antidote to “climate doom,” providing proof that solutions already exist.

Special Features:

• High-production value “mini-documentaries” on global innovations.

• Focus on the “Circular Economy” and industrial-scale solutions.

• Highly optimistic and inspiring tone.

Things to Consider:

• Less focused on individual “at-home” tips.

• Content is primarily observational of others’ innovations.

• Often highlights technologies that are not yet available to the average person.

Best for: Anyone feeling “climate anxiety” who needs visual proof of global progress.

6. Pattie Gonia (@pattiegonia)

Pattie Gonia is an environmental advocate and drag artist who has redefined climate communication in 2026. By blending performance art with environmentalism, they make the outdoors and sustainability conversations inclusive and joyful. Their “Zero-Waste Drag” outfits, made from found trash, are iconic symbols of the movement’s creativity.

Special Features:

• Uses humor and drag to tackle difficult climate conversations.

• Strong focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the environmental movement.

• Organizes community hiking and clean-up events.

Things to Consider:

• Content is performance-driven and highly stylized.

• Tone is very high-energy and theatrical.

• Advocacy is as much about social inclusion as it is about waste.

Best for: People who want their environmentalism served with a side of joy, community, and glitter.

7. Leah Thomas (@greengirlleah)

Founder of “Intersectional Environmentalist,” Leah Thomas is a critical voice in 2026 for aligning zero-waste goals with social equity. Her content focuses on “Earth Stewardship,” drawing on historical and cultural practices of sustainability from Black and Indigenous communities.

Special Features:

• Expert in the history of environmental movements.

• Focuses on “The Soft Life” and nature as a form of healing.

• Essential resource for ethical and transparent brand recommendations.

Things to Consider:

• Content focuses heavily on literature, history, and policy.

• Less focus on the “mason jar” style of waste tracking.

• Tone is thoughtful, calm, and reflective.

Best for: Readers who want to connect their zero-waste journey to history and social justice.

8. Anne-Marie Bonneau (@zerowastechef)

Anne-Marie is the “Grandmother” of the zero-waste kitchen in 2026. Her focus is on fermentation, sourdough, and traditional food preservation—skills that were once standard but have been lost to the era of plastic convenience. Her advice is practical, thrifty, and deeply empowering.

Special Features:

• Deep-dives into fermentation and plastic-free food storage.

• Focus on “Cooking like your Grandma” to save money and waste.

• Excellent advice for living without a refrigerator or reducing food spoilage.

Things to Consider:

• Her methods (like fermentation) require patience and time.

• Aesthetic is “homestead-style” rather than modern/minimalist.

• Primarily focused on food and kitchen management.

Best for: Minimalists and homesteaders who want to master traditional, waste-free kitchen skills.

9. Lauren Singer (@trashisfortossers)

While she made the “mason jar” famous over a decade ago, Lauren Singer’s 2026 influence is focused on methane reduction and industrial transparency. As an entrepreneur, she uses her platform to show how the zero-waste movement can scale into a viable business model through her “Package Free Shop” initiatives.

Special Features:

• Insights into the “Business of Sustainability.”

• Focus on methane emissions and the science of landfill waste.

• Transitioned from personal “jar” tracking to broader corporate accountability.

Things to Consider:

• Much of her content is now tied to her business and product recommendations.

• Focus has shifted from “individual hacks” to systemic advocacy.

• High-end urban lifestyle focus.

Best for: Aspiring eco-entrepreneurs and those interested in the economics of waste.

10. Rob Greenfield (@robin.greenfield)

Rob Greenfield is the extreme experimenter of the movement. In 2026, he continues to push the boundaries of “Self-Sufficiency,” often living entirely off the land or traveling with zero money to prove the abundance of nature. His work is a radical challenge to consumer culture, often showing us just how little we actually need.

Special Features:

• Documents extreme “off-grid” and “trash-free” living experiments.

• Focus on foraging, gardening, and natural building.

• Offers “free” resources and guides for radical sustainability.

Things to Consider:

• His lifestyle is too extreme for the average person to replicate fully.

• Focus is more on “survival” and “nature” than urban zero-waste.

• Tone is unapologetically anti-consumerist.

Best for: Those looking for inspiration to radically simplify their lives and reconnect with nature.

Zero-Waste Influencer Market Overview 2026

The influencer landscape this year has shifted toward “Quiet Sustainability”—a move away from high-energy “preachy” content toward calm, slow-living, and instructional storytelling. There is also a massive surge in “Circular Fashion” creators as textile waste becomes a primary global concern.

How Should You Choose The Best Option For You

Selecting the right influencer to follow depends on your personal goals for your top zero-waste influencers 2026 journey:

• For the “How-To” Junkie: Follow Kathryn Kellogg or Anne-Marie Bonneau.

• For the Foodie: Follow Max La Manna.

• For the Ethical Thinker: Follow Isaias Hernandez or Leah Thomas.

• For the Fashionista: Follow R’Bonney Nola.

• For the Optimist: Follow Sam Bentley.

Quick recap:

Wrap-Up

The top zero-waste influencers 2026 are no longer just showing us what’s in their trash; they are showing us what’s possible for our planet. By following a diverse mix of these voices—from the scientific and systemic to the practical and joyful—you can build a sustainable lifestyle that is actually sustainable for you. Choose one or two voices that resonate with your current lifestyle and start with a single “eco-swap” today.