Zero Waste: The idea and Alliance
Waste, garbage,
old, used, worn out, trash … just a few terms to describe the millions of piles
of waste we send to the landfill each week.
Waste that is filling up local landfills, being send overseas to be
burned, harvested and even lived in. Our
waste truly is a global problem.
Depending on the waste there is various levels of biodegradability and
toxicity. While this waste be out of our
minds once hitting the curb, the truth is it is all too often send out to
affect others on all differing socio-economic and environmental levels. Now that is one big stinky pile.
BUT what if we
were to change the way were to think about the “waste” we produce? And better
yet strive to live in a waste free manner? Or at least in a reduced waste manner?
Well, this is not only possible, but is being done!
In fact the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), a
group of individuals promoting public education and practical application of
the Zero Waste principals in an effort to reduce the global waste production. The ZWIA promote positive alternatives to
landfill and incineration and to raise community awareness of the social and
economic benefits to be gained when waste is regarded as a resource base upon
which can be built both employment and business opportunity.
There are
numerous local organizations working towards the same goal. For example the Zero Waste Alliance (ZWA), a
nonprofit organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon is striving to teach
just this message. Operating as a
program of the International Sustainable Development Foundation, ZWA has over a
twelve year history working with industry and communities to identify and
overcome barriers to Zero Waste. ZWA is guided by the principles of open
engagement, a whole systems approach, and a firm belief in power of markets to
transform. ZWA’s work has included the
formation of the Green Electronics Council, the Outdoor Industry Eco-Index, the
Sustainable Oregon Schools Initiative, the International Society of
Sustainability Professionals and the Chemical Assessment and Ranking System.
Through this work ZWA has been a national leader in progressing Zero Waste
movement and overcoming some of the most complex and challenging issues facing
industry and communities.
To learn more please visit,
SO! How can you reduce your waste?
- Producer responsibility at the
front end of the problem: reduce waste in industrial production and
design.
- Community responsibility at the
back end of the problem: reduce waste production through reduced or
smarter consumption, discard use and disposal.
- Political responsibility to bring both community and industrial responsibility together in a harmonious whole.
Many of us do not fit into just one of these categories;
rather we tend to reside in differing degrees in each category. Find out where you fit in, what to you
produce and consume and – the BIG question – what can you do to reduce the
waste?
The best part about waste reduction
is it is a process that not only builds towards a healthier and more sustainable
environment but a healthier and sustainable economy! With a small shift in
perspective we can see a robust economy and fit environment are possible to be
fostered at the same time!
“Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical,
efficient and visionary, to guide people in changing their lifestyles and
practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials
are designed to become resources for others to use. Zero Waste means designing and managing
products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and
toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not
burn or bury them. Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to
land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant
health.” ~ Richard Anthony, founder of Zero Waste
International Alliance
Interested in more? Here are a few recommended articles:
- “So you think you’re recycling at work?” by Amanda Paulson, Christian Science Monitor, September 10, 2001
Great article, i found a lot of new info about zero waste, thank you.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! We are so glad you enjoyed it Lora and that we were able to help you link up to some new information!
DeleteDid you know that our garbage doesn't only go to landfills, but also finds its way to the ocean? There is a garbage heap the size of AFRICA floating in the pacific ocean. The massive waste pile contains 3.5 million tons of garbage, 80% of which is plastic alone. Is there any way to clean this up?
ReplyDelete