Zero Waste or Zero Waste: What is and examples

As the name implies, philosophy or he motion from Zero Waste, Zero waste, zero waste or zero waste It focuses on seeking generate the minimum waste of any kindthat is, to maximize the generation of waste, also in the elimination of existing ones, through reuse and recycling. Finally, another of the pillars of the Zero Waste is to promote that new products, of the type that are made with reusable and recyclable materials, as well as that they are durable. A simple example of this is to use a fabric bag for purchase, instead of a plastic.

Before entering the subject more, allow us to clarify another very important aspect on this topic: The zero residue really does not existbut Zero waste can exist. It is impossible not to generate a single residue, because this is nothing more than what comes out and left over the use of materials or elements (for example, when we breathe we leave a residue: CO2) and this happens in nature. What seeks to achieve this movement is to reduce them to the maximum possible, especially the most pollutants, and it does seek to eliminate the garbage that are considered elements that can no longer be used. If we look at nature, in this there are waste of all kinds (which are used), but we will never see “natural garbage” (waste that cannot reuse nature).

The philosophy of life from zero waste It started in California, throughout the 70s. The driver was Paul Palmer. This man always defended the idea that it makes no sense to manufacture containers that are to discard after use and that are very resistant, for example with plastics, and that they are for something that we are going to use a short time. For example, plastic vessels and plates for parties or vessels to wear coffee or tea of ​​coffee shops. This is a material that has been thought for only one use and then throws, but at the same time it is so resistant that it takes hundreds or thousands of years to completely get rid of nature and, depending on how plastic is, even much more. Paul departed with this idea and from there began the movement of producing zero garbage.

Apart from the founder of this thought, there are people who have become a reference, such as Lauren Singerthat is a young environmental activist who lives without producing garbage in New York, one of the most populated cities in the world and, therefore, more garbage produce. Other relevant people in this movement and who share their knowledge so that we all join Bea Johnson and Kathryn Kellogg.

If after reading the above you still have doubts about the reasons to begin to be Zero Waste or Zero Waste, take note of these waste data that we generate throughout the world.

• We pour the seas and oceans Millions of tons of plastics. Specifically, 165 million tons in recent years.
• In the last half century it has Multiplied plastic production Up to 20, but scientists have calculated that, if it continues, it will triple in the next 30 years, exceeding 1,100 tons.
• This proportion indicates that there would be 1.1 tons for every 3 tons of fish in the oceans. This means that there will be much more plastic than fish.
• Even, almost 95% of plastic containers discard them and accumulate in the environment with only one use.

In addition, many of these are among the waste that takes longer to disappear. Check how long the waste takes to degrade.

Studies and reports are still being carried out, but one of the ones that contributed the most in the last few years was the report The New Plastics Economy: Rehinking The Future of Plastics of World Economic Forum⁽¹⁾.

How to start having a life Zero Waste or zero waste? It may seem a bit overwhelming at the beginning, because after all it is about making a good change of mentality for our day to day, but you will see that it will be very easy following these tips:

Check a waste blog zero

There is a great variety of these blogs and websites, because in recent years many have emerged and in all languages. We recommend you find one of your pleasure or, even better, to follow several, to collect the maximum ideas of people who already carry out a zero waste lifestyle. You can also join communities and forums on this subject, so you can always share your experiences and ideas and consult your doubts.

Reduce everything possible

As we have already indicated at the beginning, this point is vital to improve the problem of pollution on the planet. To do this, try to consume any type of product responsible, that is, buy thinking well about your real needs. Avoid buying for buying, because you like packaging, smell, color, etc., give yourself to the products you need and among the offer you have chosen the most eco-firendly you find and like it.

It is also very important that you reduce energy consumption at home. This other ecology article can help you about how to save light at home.

Use fabric or ecological bags

One of the simplest things to end the abandoned plastics in the environment is to stop using plastic bags and start using paper, cardboard or fabric, that is, ecological options.

Here we give you several alternative ideas to replace the plastic bag.

Bulk purchase

If you have the option while you buy, do not hesitate to buy bulk products, instead of taking packages and packages of unnecessarily packaged products. If you look at supermarkets, sometimes there are products that have a large number of plastics and cards that are not really necessary, such as double or triple packaging. This will be easier for you if you go to buy organic supermarkets and organic products but there are more and more stores that offer these options again.

Do things yourself (DIY)

In everything possible, choose to do it yourself. Although it seems that you waste time, you will really save money, health and help to improve the environment. You can do at home from your own artisanal colonies and soaps, to detergent of clothing and soap for dishes and products for home cleaning.

Use soap pills

Related to the above, we always recommend you to use soap pills instead of soap, shampoo or liquid detergent. The reason is that in its liquid version we spend much more than necessary without just realizing.

Use a water filter

Opting a filter for tap, you will use many fewer plastic bottles, because you will at least set aside those of water. In this other post of ecology, we leave you a tutorial on how to make a homemade water filter to drink.

Give clothes a second life

We recommend both to buy second -hand clothes in good condition, and give yours to those who may need it. Another option for clothing that you no longer use but is no longer in an acceptable state, is that you make pieces and reuse of creative ways or, at least, as cleaning rags, lengthening its life to the fullest.

Reuse and recycle

To complete the 3R, apart from reducing as much as possible, it remains only to reuse and recycle the rest of the waste generated. To reuse something you just have to think about what other forms that material can be used or, it may only need a small repair to remain useful for much longer.

Although it may seem very complicated from good to first, it is getting easier, again. I say again because, really, before the large supermarkets all food stores, personal hygiene products, etc., in fact, produced minimal waste compared to the current ones. For Find Zero Waste storesmainly you have to notice that they sell their Bulk productsoffer paper or fabric bags or allow your own container (bottle, cold room or tupper, etc.) to take the products home.

Some stores even offer their products in Reusable containersso that the next time you go to buy you can take it and fill it, instead of taking a new one. It is, for example, of some perfumeries that manufacture their own natural perfumes.

To find them you can Search on the Internet in your areaIn this way you can know both the exact location and the opinions of the users. You can also talk to your family, friends and neighbors, that is to say with people living in the same Zone that you, to be told if they know any store of this type, whether a little girl of a lifetime or some of the newest that are increasingly emerging, especially in the big cities.

Now that you know more about what is the Zero Waste movement or zero residue and examples of actions to carry it out, among many more details, we recommend you read this other ecology article about food waste: causes, consequences and how to avoid it, another key point to apply in this philosophy. In addition, in this video you can learn more about what happens to the garbage we generate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN7MCLIEW6C

If you want to read more articles similar to Zero Waste or Zero Waste: What is and exampleswe recommend that you enter our recycling and waste management category.