What's Zero Waste?

Zero Waste is a waste management philosophy and goal that seeks to eliminate all waste by redesigning systems and products so that materials are reused, recycled, or composted rather than sent to landfills or incineration. The objective of zero waste is to create a closed-loop system, where products and materials continually circulate within the economy, minimizing resource extraction and environmental impact.

Key principles of zero waste include:

• Design for Reuse and Durability: Creating products that are long-lasting, easy to repair, and suitable for reuse to reduce the need for disposal.
  
  

• Source Reduction: Minimizing the materials used in manufacturing and packaging to prevent waste generation.
  
  

• Composting and Recycling: Diverting organic and recyclable materials from landfills to create nutrient-rich compost or new products.
  
  

• Producer Responsibility: Encouraging companies to take responsibility for their products’ entire lifecycle, including end-of-life disposal or recycling.

Zero waste aims to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change by minimizing landfill use and promoting sustainable consumption. It is a guiding principle for organizations, municipalities, and individuals striving to create more environmentally responsible waste management practices.