Living with zero waste
What do we do?
- Refuse (Avoid unnecessary waste)
- Reduce (Minimize consumption)
- Reuse (Look for sustainable alternatives)
- Repurpose (Get creative with waste)
- Recycle Properly (Follow recycling guidelines)
- Support Circular Economy (Repair and maintain item)
5 Step guide in zero waste journey
- Minimize Consumption
- Reuse and repurpose (Ex. Turning an old shirt into reusable grocery bags)
- Choose sustainable alternatives
- Maximize the Use of What You Have
- Clean, care, and maintain belongings to extend life span
- For items not regularly used, borrowing is possible instead of buying
- When You Can’t Reuse, Recycle Properly
- Rinse out containers and remove labels
- Break down items that combine different materials
- Create a System of Organic Waste
- Backyard composting
- Use small, lidded container in the kitchen to collect food scraps
- Make sure everyone knows what can and cannot go to into the compost
- Collect rainwater for compost moisture
- Continually Improve and Adapt
- Stay informed with the current technologies, tools, and techniques (Ex. Smart Sorting Bins & Sorting Technologies, Water & Digital Waste Reduction Tools)
- Expand your waste reduction efforts by participating in community led programs and projects on solid waste management
Why is there a need to segregate?
Waste segregation facilitates the process of reuse, recycling, and recovery of waste. Segregating waste can improve the recycling process (Eda, 2008). For example, segregating wet and dry waste is a simple technique to assist recycling organizations.
Segregating garbage is also important for public health, particularly when it comes to distinguishing between hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Did you know?
Recycling a single aluminum can save enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours!
