Zero Waste

Shortly after I moved to Colorado I become more active about saving energy and water and doing a better job of recycling. Starting this blog has made me read more about issues, ideas, and shifts relating to ways to slim down our waste footprint. The more I read and research the more I realize how much I am NOT doing. It's one of those things; you begin to read a topic which leads you to another topic and another. I've learned a hell of a lot, but I am realizing how much I don't know.

The other day my colleagues and I headed out to lunch (I typically bring my leftovers in to work. Not only is it more cost effective, but I waste less). I noticed on our way out of the restaurant this little newsletter "eco-cycle times". You can find their website here. The newsletter is naturally printed on post-consumer recycled paper and is less than 10 pages, but it is packed with incredible insights, ideas, and initiatives. One powerful concept is the idea of Zero-Waste (ZW) which describes the practice as a circular process of reusing waste as much as possible. Zero Waste actually goes beyond just recycling.

Ecocyle.org is currently geared toward the Boulder, Colorado region but the ideas presented are ones anyone can use anywhere. The site also has a list of links other Zero Waste websites that may serve your area.

A more in-depth description on Zero Waste can be found at wikipedia.org. The article mentions the first mention of Zero Waste in the form of a company's name. The founder (Paul Palmer) authored a book "Getting to Zero Waste". I found it on Amazon, but I'll check it out at the library. Hopefully, they carry it.

The Zero Waste International Alliance lists communities around the globe that have adopted the Zero Waste plan. Communities as far as in the Philippines are Zero Waste. That is awesome!

Getting to Zero Waste is by no means an easy feat, but it is in all of our interests to make a serious effort. The world's population is expected to hit 9 Billion very soon and we are digging ourselves deeper and deeper into a hole by continuing with our disposable lifestyles. Zero Waste appears to be an answer, if not the answer.