2024 Resource Hot 100 Newcomer of the Year

The waste and resources sector is experiencing a period of unprecedented change, driven by environmental concerns, technological advancements, and evolving regulations. This dynamic landscape offers exciting opportunities for newcomers, who bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and diverse skill sets to the industry. These new entrants are vital in driving the sector's transition towards a more circular economy, infusing traditional practices with new approaches and technologies.

Recognising the crucial role of fresh talent, we are delighted to introduce the new category of Resource Hot 100 Newcomer of the Year, sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM), to celebrate those who have made a significant impact early in their waste and resources career.

Zoey Cooper, Climate and Ecological Emergency Resilience Officer at Exmouth Council, is our inaugural winner, leading the votes in this category for her rapid and substantial contribution to the sector. Cooper's work exemplifies the distinct roles available in the industry and the impact that dedicated newcomers can make in a short time.

"When I woke up to the severity of the Climate and Nature Emergency, I threw myself into climate action," Cooper explains. This passion led her to transition from a career in marketing to her current role at Exmouth Council, where she has initiated a range of waste, food, transport, energy, and nature campaigns in just 18 months.

Cooper emphasises the variety and rewarding nature of her work: "The work I do is varied, challenging but incredibly rewarding - from coffee cups to hygiene products, from hedgehog highways to water butts!" This diverse range of projects highlights the multifaceted nature of roles within the circular economy sector.

The sector offers a wide array of career paths, catering to a variety of interests and expertise. From environmental scientists and engineers to policymakers, data analysts, and community engagement specialists like Cooper, the industry requires a diverse workforce to address its multifaceted challenges. Newcomers can find roles in areas such as waste reduction and recycling, sustainable product design, renewable energy from waste, and digital waste tracking systems.

Cooper's success demonstrates the transferable skills that newcomers can bring to the sector. "As a lot of the Climate Officer role is about engaging, educating and informing the Exmouth community, I drew on my many years of experience in creating persuasive experiences, content and campaigns for a variety of audiences," she notes.

Zoey Cooper: Making a Rapid Impact

Cooper's journey into the waste and resources sector began less than two years ago when she joined Exmouth Council in November 2022. In this short time, she has developed a Climate Action Plan and initiated numerous campaigns focused on reducing waste in Exmouth.

Her innovative approach is evident in projects such as co-creating a "stunning plastic-eating sea monster" with primary schools and artists, and urging audiences to adopt a reusable Exmouth Cup scheme. These initiatives showcase the creative ways in which newcomers to the sector can engage communities in circular economy practices.

Cooper is enthusiastic about the opportunities for others to get involved in the circular economy: "The opportunities for people to get involved are plentiful and growing. There are more and more paid roles appearing every day, and there are always plenty of ways to make a difference as a volunteer."

Reflecting on winning the Newcomer of the Year award, Cooper said: "I am absolutely delighted (and very surprised) to win 'Newcomer of the Year' as I was a very late entry! I'm proud to put Exmouth Town on the map for our eco-initiatives and I'm grateful to everyone who voted for me."

The introduction of the Newcomer of the Year category to the Resource Hot 100 underscores the industry's recognition of the vital role fresh talent plays in shaping a more sustainable future. As the sector continues to evolve, newcomers like Zoey Cooper will be at the forefront, bringing innovative ideas and approaches to the challenges of waste reduction and resource management.

Gemma Smith, Head of Marketing & Membership Growth at CIWM, commented: "CIWM is committed to supporting the next generation of professionals who will drive our industry forward.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Newcomer of the Year award and congratulate Zoey on the tremendous contribution she has made at Exmouth Council in such a short time. This demonstrates the significant impact that dedicated newcomers can make. Professional development is at the heart of what we do, and seeing individuals like Zoey excel reinforces the importance of nurturing talent in the resources and waste management sector."