The Importance of Zero Waste Strategy

Weve been hearing a lot of save the environment and for Mother Earth movements lately. Environmentalists and advocates for sustainable development had been pushing companies and communities alike to adopt zero waste process. Many corporations and companies have put up environmental sustainability as one of their core operating principles. Their main focus is to achieve a zero-waste strategy by incorporating resource-saving and recycling initiatives to their work structure.

What is Zero-Waste?
According to Zero Waste Alliance (2004), Zero waste refers to : 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.

In this definition, zero waste becomes both a philosophical ideal and form of practice. The main focus is always on reusing all products by extending their life cycles. Products dont go to waste after being used by consumers; instead, they will be given a new use or a new form so as keep their life cycle from being stagnant.

The main goal of zero-waste is to maximize the use of resources without generating waste in the process of production. This involves all forms of resources such as raw materials like minerals and fuel, as well as other valuable resources like time and workforce. Zero-waste strategy then refers to efficient work and production structures that dont waste material, time, and energy. However, some advocates and environmentalists contend that not all forms of recycling can be regarded as zero-waste strategy, particularly those that involves the products that are being re-manufactured into different forms. They say that instead of not generating waste, the process which is aimed at saving materials become an excuse for throwing out plenty of time and energy.

The Importance of Zero-Waste Strategy

Of course, the overshadowing importance of Zero waste strategy is that our raw materials and resources will not be depleted.

But there are also micro-perks for employing zero waste strategy, particularly for the independent communities and corporations.

For the Communities

Even the simple task of reusing and some forms of recycling are considered as a component of zero-waste strategy. Most communities right now employ a single stream recycling program for their neighborhoods. In single stream recycling, the managing body of a community places a single-stream recycling hopper (giant waste bins) where all the households would put in their recyclable and refuse materials. This is one important step for achieving zero-waste goals, and most state governments are supporting this initiative from their local communities by allocating funds in these projects. Some of the community benefits for zero-waste strategy are: Cleaner environment Lesser health problems Improved well-being of community members

Less expenses for medical bills Save up on personal and local state medical funds

For the Companies/Corporations

Just recently, many companies are incorporating zero-waste techniques in their work structure. It is particularly notable that many companies in the mining and textile industries are increasing their commitment for sustainable development. Because they are being regarded as the number one contributor of environmental degradation, manufacturers of textile products are reforming their workflow process to reduce waste. They are finding ways to minimizing fuel use in the process of creating products like chair covers, tablecloths, and linens. Some of the benefits of zero-waste management to corporations are:

Develop better relationship with the government. Law-enforcing agencies and local state authorities will not try to go after you and your company if

you adhere to their standard operating rules, which commonly includes not harming the environment Stronger brand with solid advocacy: Zero waste strategy adds to brand value. Most consumers are patronizing products from companies they deem responsible, and having zero-waste strategy makes you an instant hero. You earn their respect, and they will tend to trust your products more. Zero waste strategies make halo effect for the organization. Reduced production cost: Eliminating waste enables your company to save money in three ways: first, you save up on costs for raw materials. Second, you save up on costs for your waste disposal. Third, you save up on workers insurance. Better health for workers and surrounding community. Zero-waste strategy also happens to create a safer environment for your workers. Reduced wastes means less chances of acquiring disease from waste materials.

Adopt a Zero-Waste Strategy Now!