These days, a term ‘zero waste’ has started being widely used and many people have getting more opportunities to hear the word. However, what does actually ‘zero waste’ mean According to the Zero Waste International Alliance, zero waste is “The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.”
The zero waste lifestyle can be divided into 5Rs which are
- Refuse – avoiding products that come in disposable packaging, especially plastics.
- Reduce – making careful choices about purchases and buying only what you actually need.
- Reuse – purchasing used goods whenever possible, repurposing existing items, and opting for reusable alternatives to single-use products.
- Recycle – diverting as much plastic, cardboard, glass, and metal as possible to programs that reduce the need for more raw materials.
- Rot (compost/biodegrade) – composting household waste using bins and other tools to break down organic material and convert it into nutrient-rich soil.
It is some assumptions that a Zero Waste lifestyle has more negative sides as it takes time and effort mentally and physically. However, it is likely that a Zero Waste lifestyle has a lot of advantages and surpass those downsides. One of the most obvious point is that making less waste will result in less waste to dispose of and this lifestyle reduce the amount of pollution that has a negative impact on the environment all around you.
Still, it seems that incorporating these lifestyle into daily life is quite difficult. However, it doesn’t have to be something big, small things can have an impact if it is done in the proper way. To start with, set small, achievable goal for your self and add new habits. Expecting too much from the start can be discouraging and gradually keeping a slow transition is more likely to succeed over the long term. For example, opting for a refillable water bottle or a reusable coffee mug. and bringing your own containers when you dine at restaurants to preserve leftovers.
To sum up, a zero waster lifestyle has a lot of benefits in many ways. This lifestyle can be started with easy steps and done on an individual level. By doing this, people also care more about the environment and will likely to take steps against the environment on a daily basis.
References:
Is Zero Waste Actually Sustainable? (+ 5 Common Myths Busted) (citizensustainable.com)