Stewardship Action Foundation

About the Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF)

VISION

Educating for a responsible, circular economy.

MISSION

Collaborate with public, private, and non-profit stakeholders to achieve a responsible, circular economy.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

At the Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF), we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only essential to our mission but are also intrinsic values that we uphold in all aspects of our work to advance the responsible, circular economy.

WHO IS THE STEWARDSHIP ACTION FOUNDATION?

Founded in 2021, the Stewardship Action Foundation (SAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing a responsible, circular economy through education, outreach, and partnerships. While our affiliate organization, the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC), leads the charge in lobbying and advocacy, SAF complements this mission by focusing on public education, collaboration, and research to address environmental challenges and promote systemic change.

SAF collaborates with diverse stakeholders—including government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector partners—to increase awareness of environmental issues and foster solutions for responsible resource management. Our programs and initiatives highlight the importance of keeping materials in circulation, reducing pollution, and advancing environmental equity. By hosting educational webinars, conducting research, and engaging in collaborative projects, SAF works to bring community-centered solutions to issues like plastic pollution, toxic substances, and source reduction.

Executive Director Heidi Sanborn speaking at the New Mexico Talkin' Trash with the Governor event December 4, 2024.

INITIATIVES OF THE STEWARDSHIP ACTION FOUNDATION

In 2021, SAF kick-off projects focused on "truth in labeling". When products are mislabeled and greenwashed, consumers cannot make informed purchasing decisions. SAF shared educational materials and aligned key stakeholders to increase public awareness on "truth in labeling". NSAC was successful at passing Truth in Labeling legislation AB 818 (Bloom) in California in 2021 to ensure wipes that were not flushable are clearly labeled with the words, “DO NOT FLUSH”. This led to the introduction of The WIPPES Act, which promotes "truth in labeling" at the national level.

NSAC was successful at sponsoring SB 343 (Allen) in 2021 in California which defined what is “recyclable” and can use the chasing arrows symbol. SB 343, the most important bill passed in the waste management industry in the US in 2021, led to other states considering adopting similar policies, such as Maryland.

SAF worked hard to promote these new definitions and requirements and held webinars and workshops for producers, retailers, governments, and advocates addressing the many issues around truth in labeling of products regarding toxicity, recyclability, recycled content, flushability, and more. To learn about SAF's current educational priorities, click here.