The Ins and Outs of Zero Waste

Tips for Starting a Zero Waste Lifestyle Making the switch to living a zero waste lifestyle is a daunting thought. In this blog post I will detail three steps that I recommend for those you are just starting or looking to begin. Going zero waste is a process and it is better to start by incorporating small changes here and there and then work up to bigger more drastic changes.  Disclaimer: I have not gone completely zero waste, but these are the steps that I created for myself. I started by following these steps and now continue to follow as I slowly become more and more zero waste. Conduct a waste audit - Yes this is gross, but its your trash so its really not that bad. A waste audit is when you go through your trash and take an inventory of all that you threw away in a certain period of time. Look to see what you threw away and what could have been recycled or composted. Knowing what you are throwing away can help you to evaluate what areas of your life you can start to...

The History of Zero Waste Policy The term "zero waste" was first used by Palmer (2004) while receiving resources from chemicals.  Canberra, Australia Places that have adopted zero waste policies. The idea for having a zero waste community originated in Canberra, Australia. ACT (Australian Capital Territory) No Waste by 2010 bill in 1995. The passing of this bill marked the first time ever a city created a zero waste goal.  In there first year of launching the ACT No Waste Campaign, Canberra was able to divert 42% of waste from the landfill. During the year between the beginning of the campaign and the end of the goal year of 2010 there was leveling off and only slight increases. With the being said by 2009 the city was diverting 73% of its waste away from landfills.  The most recent changes that have been made in an effort for Canberra to become zero waste, they have made an adjustment to the 2010 goal, with a new goal of 90% diversion by 2025. This is ...