Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons Participates in Circularity Forum in St. Louis
St. Louis — Greenville Mayor Errick D. Simmons participated in the MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance Circularity Forum, which focused on strengthening local recycling systems, promoting circular economy solutions, and reducing plastic pollution. The event brought together mayors, policy experts, industry leaders, environmental advocates, and recycling professionals.
Simmons was joined by Remelda Lewis, director of the Greenville Circularity Center — the first facility of its kind in Mississippi. The center aims to turn circularity concepts into local action by reducing waste, recovering resources, educating residents, and fostering a sustainable economy, according to a city release.
The mayor praised Jenny Wendt of the MidAmerica Clean Future Alliance for her leadership in advancing the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative, circularity, recycling, and partnerships among governments, nonprofits, and industry. Simmons credited Wendt with helping bring stakeholders together to develop solutions to plastic pollution and recycling challenges.
Simmons participated in discussions on extended producer responsibility, plastic pollution reduction, and recycling infrastructure. He emphasized that smaller communities along the Mississippi River need a voice in policies affecting their residents and budgets. He also highlighted Greenville’s leadership in addressing plastic pollution through initiatives like the Mississippi River Plastic Pollution Initiative.
The event concluded at the National Blues Museum, where Simmons delivered welcoming remarks at the MidAmerica Circularity Social reception. He connected environmental efforts with Mississippi River culture and history, underscoring the importance of partnerships and innovation in solving environmental issues.
“Local governments are on the front lines of waste management and plastic pollution, but we cannot solve these challenges city by city,” Simmons said. “Through partnerships, innovation, and local leadership — including the work of Ms. Lewis and the Greenville Circularity Center — the Mississippi Delta can help lead this conversation and be part of the solution.”
From Greenville to St. Louis and beyond, the city continues to play a role in shaping regional and national strategies for sustainability and pollution reduction, officials said.
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