Learn about the zero-waste lifestyle, its benefits and its goal to overall minimize the waste generated on the planet.
What is ZERO-WASTE?
A phrase gaining popularity in the sustainability field is “zero-waste.” At face value, it literally means no waste is generated. Just take a minute to conceptualize this, think of the garbage cans in your office, bedroom or bathroom. Visualize the packaging waste after a much-needed grocery-shop or shopping spree. Your trash-imprint is controlled by your everyday choices. Understanding and becoming mindful of your intake/output is the first step taken to achieve a zeroed-waste life. Now, don’t get caught up with the number zero, it is simply used as the highest-possible achievement. In reality, committed individuals and communities are focused on transforming the phrase into a lifestyle. A lifestyle embracing all stages of zero, whether it is purchasing bar soaps, refusing plastics or reducing the size of your garbage bins. The zero-wasters appreciate the little changes which lead to little victories.
Core Principles of Zero Waste
These principles act as a compass for any individual pursuing a zero-waste lifestyle. They are a guide to maximize your impact while minimizing your footprint.
REFUSE - “Prevent the problem before it happens”
Refuse what you don’t need
Refuse purchases that conflict with your/zero-waste goal
Support businesses producing reused, recycled, non-toxic or sustainable products
Invest in products that contribute to the circular economy
REDUCE - “Consume less and waste less”
If you’re going to purchase something try to minimize quantity and toxicity of materials used
Minimize ecological footprint required for product, product use and service provision
Choose products that maximize usable lifespan and opportunities for continuous reuse
REUSE - “Repurpose and extend the lifecycle”
Make it a side project - maintain, repair or refurbish
Always try to maximize reuse of materials and products
Get creative! Visit Pinterest to artistically transform your waste
Donate
ROT – “Return back into natural cycle”
The earth is a natural circular economy, it decomposes and absorbs the nutrients from food compost, wood, bamboo or any natural products
RECYCLE – “Minimize plastic pollution”
If you're using plastic, recycle responsibly. Research shows 91% of plastic is not recycled.
How to Find Zero-Waste Certified Businesses
The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) is striving for a world without waste. They reward communities and businesses with a zero-waste business/community certification if they conform to their ZWIA Definition of Zero Waste, ZWIA Zero Waste Business Principles and ZWIA Global Principles for Zero Waste Communities implemented by their National Affiliates.
“The minimum requirement to be recognized as a Zero Waste Business is to achieve 90% or more diversion of all discarded resources from landfills or incinerators.”
Support your local ZWIA certified business by locating your nearest store here.
Is it Possible to Produce ZERO-WASTE?
Yes, producing absolutely zero waste can and is being done. Although for some, it is an impossible goal, it has become a challenge for others. Meet Jen and Grant, a Vancouver couple intrigued by the zero-waste concept and taking extreme measures to eliminate waste from their lives for one year. The couple documented their daily activities, home-made recipes, obstacles and compiled all the footage into a film called the Clean Bin Project. Their documentary captures the grit, humour and dedication of these people to retire all forms of garbage.
To make it interesting, the couple create a competition with one another to see who can swear off consumerism and generate the least amount of waste. The captivating film integrates all elements of waste production by providing insight into the history of plastic, landfills, how to create fertilizer from compost as well, interviews artist Chris Jordan and TED Lecturer Captain Charles Moore.
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