WHAT IS ZERO WASTE?

What is it?

Zero waste is a philosophy that focuses on the reduction of single-use product consumption through the promotion of sustainable choices and actions.

On a regional scale, as practiced by the Recycling Council of British Columbia, zero waste entails the proper management and processing of waste materials to ensure a low environmental impact and conservation of resources.

On an individual scale, zero waste entails the active and ongoing commitment to making sustainable changes to one's daily routine. Collectively, this ensures that we don't contribute production of mass volumes of waste materials therefore reducing our overall impact.

What are the benefits?

Zero waste has numerous benefits for both our health, the planet and even the economy. Some of these include:

The creation of 20x more jobs in recycling facilities than common waste management
The use of less energy to create new products from recycled materials instead of raw materials
Recycling produces less greenhouse gas emissions than processes that make products from raw materials
Where it is possible, recycling has the potential to promote a sense of community and equity by bringing individuals together to work on solutions

(Source: Toronto Environmental Alliance)

How do I get started?

The key to a zero waste lifestyle is reducing and reusing, not just recycling! Recycling can sometimes lead to unsustainable disposal practices once your waste materials reach the facility.

The following are 10 guidelines that we find useful for getting started with making sustainable choices:

1. Use products that are easily reusable, like glass and metal, instead of plastic.

2. Do your research! - be conscious about what you're buying and how it can be reused.

3. Do less online shopping - if you need to, ensure that minimal single-use packaging is used. (TIP: opt out of express shipping, rushing transportation of your package produces unnecessary carbon emissions!)

4. Dine out less - if you need to eat something on the go bring your own kit!

5. Use what you have - if you need something see if you can make it with what you have at home BEFORE shopping for supplies.

6. Visit the thrift store for new wardrobe - and most importantly wear what you already have!

7. Do your grocery shopping with reusable grocery and produce bags and minimize the amount of products you buy with plastic packaging!

8. For transportation, walk and bike if you are able OR take a bus or try carpooling with others.

9. Reduce wasteful water consumption at home with shorter showers, less use of the dishwasher and turning that tap off when you're not using it!

10. Do laundry the eco-friendly way! - try biodegradable detergent, using dryer balls instead of dryer sheets or even opt for a drying rack.

In need of some inspiration?

Starting your zero-waste journey may be difficult at first, but with a little help from your friends in the zero-waste community, you'll be on your way to sustainability in no time!

You can find blog posts from us for some more guidelines and hacks to go zero waste in no time!

In addition, here are some podcasts you can listen to help you stay informed and inspired:

OR here are some social media accounts you can follow: