What is it?
Zero Waste is an environmental philosophy and a systematic approach aiming to eliminate the amount of waste that goes to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. The goal is to redesign resource life cycles so that all products are reused, and nothing is sent to landfills or incinerators.
How does it work?
Zero Waste strategy works by following the 5 R’s: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot, in that order. The idea is to refuse what is not needed, reduce what is needed, reuse as much as possible, recycle what can’t be reduced or reused, and rot (compost) the rest. It also involves redesigning the existing industrial system, which is currently a linear “take, make, dispose” model, into a circular economy.
Real-World Impact
Zero waste practices can help reduce the environmental impact of waste. For instance, San Francisco has a goal of zero waste by 2020, and as part of this initiative, they’ve implemented city-wide composting, and have banned certain types of plastic. Companies like Google and Toyota are also adopting zero waste goals, which include strategies like composting, recycling, and repurposing waste.
How to Get Started
To start with a Zero Waste lifestyle, you can begin by analyzing your current waste production. Look at what you are throwing away and find alternatives that you could use instead. Start bringing your reusable shopping bag, produce bags, and water bottles. Buy in bulk or choose items with less packaging. Compost your kitchen scraps and find creative ways to reuse items.
Get the Empress Edge
Understanding and applying Zero Waste principles gives individuals and businesses a competitive edge. For individuals, it can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle, cost savings, and improved health due to less reliance on packaged goods. For businesses, it can lead to cost savings, improved efficiency, and a better public image as consumers are increasingly concerned about environmental sustainability.