Zero Waste - Is It Attainable?

[LillyF]

The topic of Zero Waste was discussed at a class I recently attended. Not having heard the term before, I found the concept to be very interesting. The discussion in the class was enlightening and inspired me to do some additional research.

Following is one of the definitions of the term found on a recent internet search:

“Zero Waste is a philosophy and a design principle for the 21st Century. It includes ‘recycling’ but goes beyond recycling by taking a ‘whole system’ approach to the vast flow of resources and waste through human society.

Zero Waste maximizes recycling, minimized waste, reduces consumption and ensures that products are made to be reused, repaired or recycled back into nature or the marketplace.”

The philosophy of Zero Waste can seem overwhelming at first, but the more we discussed the subject, I realized that I was guilty of needlessly disposing of items (other than the regular recyclables) into the trash that could be reused instead of ending up in a landfill.

“Every time you throw something ‘Away’ it goes to a place that is usually worse than when you had it”.

The above statement really hit home for me, so I decided to research how I could take steps to implement a system of a Zero Waste concept for my family.

We all know that items marked with #1 and #2 recycling identification codes are commonly recycled in the blue recycling bins. A member of the class informed us that the plastic tubs with the #5 code can be recycled locally at the Whole Foods Store.

The subject of Styrofoam (Polystyrene) #6 containers used in restaurants for leftovers, carryout items, or meat packaging was of particular interest to the class. Polystyrene foam takes an incredibly long time to break down in the environment; therefore it is a serious concern regarding its negative impact in waste management.

Following are a few suggestions I found for keeping polystyrene out of the waste stream:
.
1) Save all of your Styrofoam fast food containers and foam food trays. When you think you have enough, shred with a pair of scissors. This now can be used for packaging for presents to be sent away or you can make a nice warm cushion for your older dog with them. The Styrofoam holds in the heat so these are great for dogs with achy bones.

2) To lighten the weight of a planter (indoors or outside), fill the bottom quarter of your pot or planter with packing peanuts or Styrofoam. This is really a four in one tip:

A. It lightens the total weight
B. It enables you to 'stretch' your potting soil.
C. It is good for the roots of plants
D. It aids drainage

3) Check with local craft shops, they may take Styrofoam as their customers use it in their craft projects.

4) Research The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, it offers a mail back program whereby you send the polystyrene in by mail.
These are just a few suggestions for working towards a Zero Trash Concept and with the continuing awareness of the importance of environmental issues more solutions and ideas will become available.

I recently read a statement that emphasized that we are only at the foothills of where we need to be in relation to protecting the earth’s resources. So any effort we make to promote waste reduction in our own communities will help us climb these mountains faster.


(

[Dr. ZZ]

Hi Lilly -- Thanks for a great article. It's absolutely true. Our household recycles everything. Thus, we usually put out one container of trash per month (compared to our neighbors' two and three containers twice a week). It never fails to amaze us how little we end up throwing away. Many blessings, ZZ