Zero waste: what it is and how to be it

As its name indicates, the movement or philosophy of zero waste or zero waste focuses on trying to generate the minimum amount of waste of any kind, that is, reducing the generation of waste as much as possible, also in the elimination of existing ones, through of reuse and recycling. Finally, another of the pillars of zero waste is to promote the manufacture and use of new products, of whatever type, that are made with reusable and recyclable materials, as well as that they are durable. A simple example of this is using a cloth shopping bag instead of a plastic one.

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

The zero waste philosophy of life began in California throughout the 1970s . The promoter was Paul Palmer . This man always defended the idea that it makes no sense to manufacture containers that are to be thrown away after use and that are very resistant, for example with plastics, and that they are for something that we are going to use for a short time. For example, plastic cups and plates for parties or coffee or tea take-out cups from coffee shops. This is a material that is intended for single use and then thrown away, but at the same time it is so resistant that it takes hundreds or thousands of years to completely break down in nature and, depending on the plastic, even much longer. Paul started with this idea and from there began the zero waste movement.

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

If after reading the above, you still have doubts about the reasons for becoming zero waste , take note of these data on the waste we generate around the world.

• We dump millions of tons of plastics into the seas and oceans. Specifically, 165 million tons in recent years.
• In the last half century, plastic production has multiplied by up to 20, but scientists have calculated that, if it continues like this, it will triple in the next 30 years, exceeding 1,100 tons.
• This ratio 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.
• Still, almost 95% of plastic containers are thrown away and accumulate in the environment with just one use.

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

Studies continue and reports, but one of the biggest contributor in the last few years was the report The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics of World Economic Forum ^[1] .

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

Check a zero waste blog

There is a great variety of these blogs and websites, since in recent years many have emerged and in all languages. We recommend that you find one of your liking or, even better, that you follow several, to collect as many ideas as possible from people who already carry out a zero-waste lifestyle in their day-to-day lives . You can also join communities and forums on this topic, so you can always share your experiences and ideas and ask questions.

Reduce as much as 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 responsibly consume any type of product, that is, buy thinking well about your real needs. Avoid buying to buy, because you like the packaging, the smell, the color, etc., stick to the products you need and from the offer you have, choose the most eco-firendly that you find and like.

It is also very important that you reduce energy consumption at home. This other AgroCorrn article on How to save light at home can help you .

Use eco-friendly canvas bags

One of the easiest things to do to eliminate plastics abandoned in the environment is to stop using plastic bags and start using paper, cardboard or cloth, that is, the ecological options.

Here we give you several ideas of Alternatives to replace plastic bags .

Buy in bulk

If you have the option while shopping, feel free to buy the products in bulk, rather than picking up bundles and packages of packaged goods unnecessarily. If you look at supermarkets, sometimes there are products that have a large amount of plastics and cardboard that are not really necessary, such as double or triple packaging. This will be easier if you go to buy organic and organic supermarkets but there are more and more stores that offer these options again.

Do things yourself (DIY)

As much as possible, choose to do it yourself. Although it may seem like you are wasting time, you will really save money, health and help improve the environment. You can make at home from your own colognes and artisan soaps , to laundry detergent and dish soap and household cleaning products.

Use bars of soap

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

Use a water filter

By opting for a filter for the faucet, you will use much less plastic bottles, because at least you will leave out the water ones. In this other AgroCorrn post we leave you a tutorial on How to make a homemade water filter to drink .

Give clothes a second life

We recommend both buying second-hand clothes in good condition, and giving yours to those who may need it. Another option for clothes that you no longer use but that are no longer in an acceptable state, is that you cut them up and reuse them in creative ways or, at least, as cleaning rags, extending their life to the maximum.

Reuse and recycle

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

In this other article we show you several Tips to reduce the use of plastics and packaging .

Although it may seem very complicated right off the bat, it just gets easier, again. I say again because, really, before the large supermarkets, all the food stores, personal hygiene products, etc., in fact, produced minimal waste compared to the current ones. To find zero waste stores , you mainly have to make sure that they sell their products in bulk , offer paper or fabric bags or allow you to bring your own container (bottle, lunch box or tupper, etc.) to be able to take the products home.

Some stores even offer their products in reusable containers , so that the next time you go shopping you can take it with you and refill it, instead of taking a new one. This is the case, for example, of some perfumeries that manufacture their own natural perfumes.

To find them you can search the Internet in your area , in this way you will be able to know both the exact location and the opinions of the users. You can also talk with your family, friends and neighbors, that is, with people who live in the same area as you, so that they can tell you if they know of any store of this type, be it a small one of all life or some of the newest that are emerging more and more, especially in large cities.

If you want to read more articles similar to Zero waste: what it is and how to be it , we recommend that you enter our Recycling and waste management category .