Introduction
Good day, good afternoon, good evening, wherever you are from Sustainable Circular Economy. We are a boutique firm in Vancouver, Canada, dedicated to assisting companies do the world a world of good by focusing on real sustainability and the circular economy that considers life-cycle impacts on people, the planet and profitability.
We are always curious, seeking answers environmental questions. For example, "Is zero waste possible or only an illusion?"
What Does Zero Waste Mean?
The zero-waste movement is an eco-friendly lifestyle that aims to reduce the amount of waste an individual creates on a daily basis. The primary purpose of this lifestyle is a commitment to sending as little waste to landfills as possible maximizing recycling, reuse and repurposing.
"While it is impossible to create zero waste, there are many ways to reduce consumption that can benefit the planet. People can prioritize recycling and reusing products and goods rather than purchasing single-use items that clog up landfills and contribute to climate change and global warming."[1]
Reducing towards Zero, like anything we want to do to combat climate change and begin what will do the world a world of good with the benefits of the circular economy, will take patience and persistence. But there are many great projects that a family can do together, to support each other and baby steps at the beginning are better than no steps at all.
We quickly came to the conclusion, cut down on what we buy, cut down on what we cook and that will lead to cut down what we throw away. And, the strategy worked. Instead of buying a 2.5 kg plastic bag of carrots, we bought 1 kg of loose carrots and took our own bag. I know, some will say, buying in bulk is cheaper - yes, on the surface, but look at the cost of what you throw away. Is it really cheaper?
We have cut our throw away waste by more than 70%. What Zero Waste means to me is engaging to cut down on the throw-away mentality, to get to as close to Zero as possible.
Who can argue that is not good for the people, the planet and profitability? It is in my book and below are some simple projects any of us can do to do the world a world of good through the circular economy.
What are Some Projects?
Your Own Herb Garden
Growing your own herbs is easy with the kits that are available today, and it is much more sustainable than buying them from the supermarket. It means less food waste, no packaging and zero transport emissions. Your produce can also be organic as you control the number of pesticides you use (if any at all).
Composting
Our building has a composting program - if you live in a condo and no composting program is available, why not contact your strata council to get them on side?
No single-use items
Simple ones are, get rid of single use straws and cups. I used to want a big hunking coffee in a 24-ounce cup but now am satisfied with carrying around my 12 ouncer that works just fine.
Reduce Food Waste
One evening, I took a look at our under-the-sink garbage bin. It was full of thrown away food - the scraps from the table and our plates; the skins from vegetables, squishy tomatoes, and.... what a waste!
We quickly came to the conclusion, cut down on what we buy, cut down on what we cook and that will lead to cut down what we throw away. And, the strategy worked. Instead of buying a 2.5 kg plastic bag of carrots, we bought 1 kg of loos carrots and took our own bag. I know, some will say, buying in bulk is cheaper - yes, on the surface, but look at the cost of what you throw away. Is it really cheaper?
We have cut our throw away waste by more than 70% and who can argue that is not good for the people, the planet and profitability? It is in my book.
Is Zero Waste Possible at a Larger Scale?
Anything is possible if we put our collective minds to it. In Japan, one town of 2,000 people has reduced its throw-away to landfills by 22.5%, now recycling more than 80% of materials that were previously going into incineration and landfills.
If they can do it, why cannot we do it too? It only takes organization and a mindset.
Conclusion
Adopting a zero-waste lifestyle is challenging. One has to unlearn wasteful behaviours while learning to practice mindful consumption. By making small incremental changes, like starting a compost pile, recycling, or repurposing household items instead of purchasing new single-use items, one can begin the zero-waste journey. Anything is possible when we put our minds to it, all towards doing the world a world of good through the use of a circular economy that considers the impacts on people, the planet and profitability.
For a new approach, new ideas and new successes, contact us today. At Sustainable Circular Economy, our name says it all and we are always available to help you and your business to do the world a world of good by working sustainably.
Sustainable Circular Economy - Who are We?
We are not just another company or program to implement, or policy to follow. We understand that personal and business activities impact the earth and its resources. We focus our efforts to protect and enhance our living environment while helping people and businesses on a pathway to do the world a world of good. We will help you achieve results. Based upon the principles of the Circular Economy, we help individuals and businesses to:
a) Eliminate waste and pollution b) Circulate products and materials to their highest value c) Assist with a pathway to sustainability Contact Sustainable Circular Economy today! Do you want to know if your company is doing the world a world of good? It is the right time to seize the new era of opportunity and innovation through integration of a circular economy and sustainability into your life and your business. Best wishes from all of us at Sustainable Circular Economy.
Comments