A lack of clarity about what Zero Waste really means may be keeping some businesses from reaping its benefits. So let’s dispel the misconceptions.
What Is Zero Waste?
Exact definitions may vary, but to put it simply, Zero Waste is:
- the act of producing less waste through prioritizing waste reduction, as well as reuse, resource efficiency, and recycling with the ultimate goal of closing that loop.
- effective waste management, which is one the most impactful things you can do to improve your business operations, achieve your sustainability goals, and control your waste costs, which are going up every year.
- in terms of certification, such as the TRUE, points are given for diverting 90% or more from the landfill or by other means.
Misconceptions
Going Zero Waste does NOT mean that you will be under pressure to produce no waste at all immediately.
Instead, it is a plan that you commit to putting in place to deal seriously with waste, and a strategy to combat and control rising waste costs.
With the cost of waste removal rising over the past decade (one study predicts waste disposal services to increase at an annualized rate of 2%), reducing waste is increasingly becoming the only long term strategy for effective waste management.
So now you know. It is an achievable goal. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits, and how to start reducing waste in 3 steps.
Have questions? Talk to our TRUE certified experts.
https://greatforest.com/sustainability101/zero-waste-business-in-3-steps/
https://greatforest.com/sustainability101/zero-waste-benefits/