Founding Member Spotlight

Kim Paymaster

Kim is one of three sisters behind the Simply Haraa Instagram account and newsletter.  They focus on simple actions that people can take to reduce waste, advocate for change and support local businesses with sustainability at their core.  Follow them for facts about and tips for reducing waste, as well as information on local circular businesses.

Why did you join Circular Philadelphia?

I am excited to see an organization solely focused on reducing our city’s waste and environmental footprint by creating opportunities for businesses to create sustainable processes and products. I try to limit my own use of packaging and focus on refillable products, but without a city-wide strategy, there aren’t enough options for a large number of Philadelphians to do the same.

What kind of work do you do and/or interests do you have?

I am currently enrolled in a graduate certificate program in Environmental Sustainability and am excited about linking my interest in circularity and environmental justice to my career. I also volunteer with the Weaver’s Way Plastics Reduction Task Force and Citizens Climate Lobby, and have started a newsletter/social media account called Simply Haraa (Simply Green) with my sisters to spread information around sustainability to others. I love the strong sustainability community that has formed and is growing in Philadelphia and am excited to be more engaged in this work.

What does a circular economy mean to you?

It means providing ALL residents and individuals with the products they want and need, without the wasteful packaging that has been clogging our waterways, streets, and sanitation systems. It also means reducing demand for plastics, and as a result, reducing profits for the oil and gas industry which is harming marginalized communities throughout Pennsylvania.

What advice would you give to someone to help move the circular economy forward?

It takes focusing on both the supply and demand side – even as businesses are trying to change, the public needs to understand why a circular economy matters and how it affects their lives. Additionally, as customers demand a more circular economy, the business side needs to incorporate equitable access so that the circular economy in Philadelphia can impact those at the lower and higher income levels.