Fredrika Syren

Sustainability Expert and Environmental Journalist

Fredrika Syren is a sustainability expert and environmental journalist based in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2015 Fredrika began her family’s journey towards a zero waste lifestyle, moving to grow her own food and eat plant-based, commute and travel more sustainably, learning to forage for seasonal foods. She is the founder of The Zero Waste Family, sharing practical zero waste tips, sustainable living guides, urban gardening advice, and budget-friendly solutions for living with less. She is the author of two books, Exo Savings and A Practical Guide to Zero Waste for Families. Fredrika has also been featured on NBC, CNN, National Geographic, Home Sweet Home, and more.

Education

Journalism and Economics degree from Sweden
Degree in media from San Francisco State University

Professional Achievements

Founder of Zero Waste Family, a platform that documents her family’s journey toward zero-waste living while providing practical tools and inspiration for others seeking to reduce their environmental footprint
Author of A Practical Guide to Zero Waste for Families, a hands-on resource offering simple strategies for adopting a sustainable lifestyle at home
More than two decades of experience as a journalist and environmental writer, covering topics ranging from climate accountability to urban gardening and plant-based living
Featured in national media outlets including CNN, FOX, CBS, and NBC, as well as in the documentary Zero Time to Waste
Sought-after speaker at conferences and events focused on sustainability, where she shares her insights on how individuals and communities can make meaningful change
Continues to inspire people around the world to embrace sustainable living, proving that small, consistent changes can make a big impact on the planet

Favorite Piece of Advice

My favorite piece of advice is to start small and stay consistent. You don’t need to go zero-waste overnight—begin with one change, like reducing single-use plastics or starting a compost bin, and build from there. Over time, these small steps add up to a lifestyle that is both sustainable and rewarding.

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Co-authored Articles (4)

How to

Buy Nothing

The proposition to “buy nothing” can seem daunting and difficult to achieve. But buying nothing, even for a year, can save you thousands of dollars and make you more spending conscious. Start with simple adjustments ...

How to

Start an Organic Vegetable Garden

Growing your own organic vegetables is a great way to ensure you have healthy foods for your favorite recipes. When you grow organic veggies, you won't be able to treat them with chemicals or herbicides, so you’ll need...

How to

Live without Electricity

Whether you are passionate about 'getting off the grid' or simply know that you are going to have to deal with a power outage in the near future, you are going to have to know how to live without electricity. While it mi...

How to

Create a Trash Can Made of Plastic Bottles

Wondering what to do with your empty water bottles? You can build a trash can with only 54 bottles. For a great community project, collect 6,000 and build a school room.