Zero Waste: The Idea and Alliance
A Sustainability Case Study
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 which is filling up local landfills, as well as being sent overseas for burning, 'harvested', and even lived in. Our waste truly is a global problem. Depending on the waste, there are various levels of biodegradability and toxicity. Though this waste may be out of our minds once hitting the curb, it is all too often sent out to the rest of the world, only to affect others within differing socio-economic classes and on many environmental levels. That is one big, stinky pile.
BUT... what if we were to change the way we think about the “waste” we produce? And better yet, what if we were to strive to live in a waste free manner or, at least, in a reduced waste manner? This is not only possible, it is being achieved!
Introducing The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA). The ZWIA is 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 people at ZWIA promote positive alternatives to landfill and incineration, in order to raise community awareness of the social and economic benefits gained when waste is regarded as a resource base, upon which employment and business opportunities can be built.
There are numerous local organizations working toward the same goal. As an example, The Zero Waste Alliance (ZWA), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is striving to teach this message. Operating as a program of the International Sustainable Development Foundation, ZWA has more than twelve years of history working with industry and communities to identify and overcome barriers leading to Zero Waste. ZWA is guided by 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.
BUT... what if we were to change the way we think about the “waste” we produce? And better yet, what if we were to strive to live in a waste free manner or, at least, in a reduced waste manner? This is not only possible, it is being achieved!
Introducing The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA). The ZWIA is 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 people at ZWIA promote positive alternatives to landfill and incineration, in order to raise community awareness of the social and economic benefits gained when waste is regarded as a resource base, upon which employment and business opportunities can be built.
There are numerous local organizations working toward the same goal. As an example, The Zero Waste Alliance (ZWA), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon, is striving to teach this message. Operating as a program of the International Sustainable Development Foundation, ZWA has more than twelve years of history working with industry and communities to identify and overcome barriers leading to Zero Waste. ZWA is guided by 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.
SO! How can you reduce your waste?
The best part about waste reduction is that it is a process which not only builds a healthier and more sustainable environment, but a healthier and sustainable economy, as well! With a small shift in perspective, we will see that we are able to foster a robust economy, as well as a 'fit' environment 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: ·
- 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. Bring both community and industrial responsibility together in a harmonious whole.
The best part about waste reduction is that it is a process which not only builds a healthier and more sustainable environment, but a healthier and sustainable economy, as well! With a small shift in perspective, we will see that we are able to foster a robust economy, as well as a 'fit' environment 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: ·
- “10 Fixes For the Planet“ by Anne Underwood, Newsweek, April 14, 2008
- “The Urban Quest for ‘Zero’ Waste“ by David Ferry, Fortune, September 12, 2011
- “Can we make garbage disappear“ by Ivan Amato, Time Magazine, November 8, 1999
- “So you think you’re recycling at work?” by Amanda Paulson, Christian Science Monitor, September 10, 2001