Less Waste. More Impact.

At the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference, great stories inspire action. Increasingly, that spirit of stewardship extends beyond the stage.

Following the 2026 Conference, we’re proud to share an exciting milestone from year two of our sustainability journey: together, we diverted 83.4% of all Conference waste from the landfill, bringing us within striking distance of our ambitious goal of 85%. That’s a meaningful increase over our 78.1% diversion rate in 2025.

Even more encouraging, we generated nearly 1,000 fewer pounds of waste overall than we did in 2025—proof that our efforts aren’t just diverting waste but reducing it in the first place.

This progress builds on the foundation established last year, when SVWC launched a comprehensive sustainability initiative focused on reducing waste, lowering our environmental footprint, and protecting the extraordinary landscape that makes Sun Valley so special.

In 2026, attendees embraced reusable and compostable alternatives, carefully sorted waste into compost and recycling streams, and helped make sustainability a shared community effort. By the end of the Conference, more than 12,000 pounds of material had been collected, with composting accounting for the largest share of diverted waste. Materials including cardboard, metal, plastic, and glass were also kept out of the landfill through local and regional recycling partnerships.

These results demonstrate what can happen when thoughtful planning is paired with collective action. Every reusable cup, properly sorted compost bin, and small choice made throughout the weekend contributed to a measurable impact.

Our commitment extends beyond Conference operations. Last year, SVWC partnered with the National Forest Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service to support the planting of 28 acres of native trees on Bald Mountain, helping restore local forest ecosystems.

This year, inspired by our 2026 theme, “Currents of Change,” we also partnered with the Wood River Land Trust to support the Warm Springs Preserve river restoration project and the future Floodplain Overlook—a community gathering space dedicated to river stewardship, education, and storytelling.

Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we’re encouraged by what we’ve accomplished together in just two years. Reaching an 83.4% diversion rate while reducing our total waste demonstrates that meaningful progress is possible when an entire community shares a common goal.

To every attendee, volunteer, vendor, sponsor, and staff member who helped make these results possible: thank you. Every choice mattered, and together we’re helping ensure the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference continues to protect the place we call home for future generations.

Want to get involved?

If this year’s discussions inspired you to learn more, here are a few organizations and movements connected to the ideas shared by our 2026 presenters and our theme “Currents of Change.”

Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group

Co-founded by SVWC speaker Amy Bowers Cordalis, this Indigenous-led nonprofit partners with Tribal governments and communities to protect and restore lands, waters, fisheries, and cultural resources while advancing Tribal sovereignty. Based in the Klamath Basin and working with Indigenous communities across the country, Ridges to Riffles played a key role in the historic Klamath River dam removal—the largest river restoration project in U.S. history. ridgestoriffles.org

River Rights Network

Inspired by the work of SVWC speaker Robert Macfarlane, this global coalition supports the growing Rights of Rivers movement, which seeks to recognize rivers as living entities deserving of legal protections. Macfarlane’s writing explores our relationship with rivers, landscapes, and the natural world, encouraging readers to see waterways not simply as resources, but as living communities worthy of care. riverrights.org

Wood River Land Trust

Based right here in the Wood River Valley, the Wood River Land Trust is a local nonprofit dedicated to protecting the region’s clean water, wildlife habitat, working lands, and open spaces for future generations. SVWC was proud to partner with the organization during our 2026 Conference to support the Warm Springs Preserve and future Floodplain Overlook. woodriverlandtrust.org

National Forest Foundation

The National Forest Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. The organization works nationwide to restore forests, improve watersheds, reduce wildfire risk, and connect people with their public lands. Through this partnership, SVWC helped support the planting of 28 acres of native trees on Bald Mountain. nationalforests.org

Photo credits: Steve Dondero, courtesy Sun Valley Resort

This list is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or vetting by the Sun Valley Writers’ Conference.