What is Zero Waste?

What does Zero Waste mean to you?

For many, “Zero Waste” is defined as literally that: no waste. Period. That includes producing no waste, putting no waste out at the curb (which would otherwise be send to the landfill or incinerator), and not disposing of waste in any other way (e.g. litter).

Others define “zero waste” as producing only one jar of garbage for a year. I’ve often heard these people referred to as “zero wasters”.

Me, I have a more liberal interpretation.

My focus, of course, is on reducing how much ends up in my waste bin. But equally important is reducing how much ends up in my recycling bin as well as my compost bin. For me, Zero Waste means reducing how much single-use plastic packaging I bring into my home. It also means reducing how much food I waste by ensuring what I can’t eat (e.g. egg shells) ends up in the compost bin and not the waste bin, storing foods in a way that extends their shelf life, and ensuring that I compost only food waste (not wasted food!).

We may never get to the “Zero” in Zero Waste, but as I always say: Aim for progress, not perfection!