Waste Reduction
Zero waste - there is no garbage. There are no landfills. There is no "away". All materials remain part of a closed loop system. In nature, nothing is wasted. Material from one organism becomes food for other organisms, maintaining the closed loop system. By mimicking the natural world, we identify new opportunities for triple bottom line success.
Waste is a cost - costs to handle, dispose of, and mitigate future risks. Not to mention the fact that you bought something that you are throwing away.
However, looking at waste as an unsold by-product, as a potential raw material for another business inspires innovation. Designing for the life-cycle of products (cradle to cradle) instead of cradle to grave linear design creates new business opportunities for those with an eye to see the possibilities. Waste is a business opportunity.
Key Questions:
- How can your business benefit from setting a zero waste goal?
- What new business opportunities will be created to support zero waste region?
- How does one design a product that will create no waste?
First Steps
- Complete a waste sort (link to how to)
- Calculate how much you spend on waste hauling each year
- Recycle cardboard, paper, plastic, glass and metals
- Take home coffee grinds for garden
Next Steps
- Compost food waste and compostable dinerware
- Take to vendors to reduce packaging
Bold Steps
- Plant a salad garden to reduce packaging waste from take out lunches
- Take tupperware to restaurants to take home left overs
- Set a Zero Waste by 2019 BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
E4S Action Network: Zero Waste NEO
The Zero Waste NEO Network is a growing network of leaders from all sectors who are interested in the value and benefits of zero waste business strategies.
In today's economy it is becoming more important to incorporate sustainable business practices. Waste is an area in which all organizations can find opportunities to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and create new job and business opportunities.
