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Because every action we take can make an impact.
Because every action we take can make an impact.
Zero waste is “the conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” – Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA, 2022)
Zero waste is a goal and a mindset shift that requires you to think of your discards as resources so you can start reducing the waste you create as an individual and as a community through preventative measures like reducing, reusing, repurposing, and recycling.
It’s about understanding the big picture of your purchasing habits and how the different resource disposal methods affect your community and the planet –and then doing something about it.
Because really,
If you’re not for zero waste, then how much waste are you for?
An average San Diegan throws away eight pounds of trash a day. The U.S. average is four pounds a day.
Every ton of paper recycled saves 17 trees! And 1 ton is equivalent to a weight of a giraffe or great white shark!
Recycling 1 aluminum can saves enough energy to run your TV for 3 hours!
It takes 65% less energy to recycle paper than it does to make it out of virgin material.
The materials that make up the resources we use regularly have various decomposing timelines, with many remaining in the environment after being “thrown away.”
Feed the soil, not the landfills!
Did You Know?
17% methane in the atmosphere comes from landfills!
The materials that make up the resources we use regularly have various decomposing timelines, with many remaining in the environment after being “thrown away.”
Feed the soil, not the landfills!
Did You Know?
17% methane in the atmosphere comes from landfills!
The Zero Waste Hierarchy (ZWH) is designed to reduce the amount of resources going to landfills or incinerators by helping people think about their actions and thought processes, and how they can move towards the ultimate goal of zero waste.
At each progression through the ZWH, you can ask yourself a single question:
To achieve a truly circular economy, we must collectively work together to enact zero waste programs that directly contribute to reducing climate change, protecting health, creating green jobs, and promoting local sustainability.
Below you’ll find some ideas to start sustainably managing your resources in your business, community, or school.
What does it mean to be a...
Below are our go-to resources for all things zero waste in the greater San Diego County area.
Below are resources and tools to help you learn more and connect with others as you navigate your Zero Waste journey.
The Managing and Transforming Waste Streams Tool features a table of 100 measures communities can employ to reduce waste and recover materials.
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance is a national research and advocacy organization that partners with allies across the country to build an American economy driven by local priorities and accountable to people and the planet.
Zero Waste International Association advocates for a shift from waste management to resource management as part of the transition towards a sustainable future. There can be little doubt that a sustainable society must be a zero waste society.
Zero Waste USA’s mission is to facilitate the transition to a just world without waste, promote the zero waste brand – No Burn, No Bury, No Toxics, and ensure it is not diluted by short term interests.
Protecting California’s environment for the health and prosperity of future generations through the reduction, reuse, and recycling of resources, environmental education, and the transition from a disposable to a circular economy.
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Zero Waste San Diego is on a mission to become a change agent for Earth’s resources through sustainable education, awareness, and action.
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