The Zero Waste Agenda: Goals, Objectives and What They Mean for You
The Zero Waste Agenda: Goals, Objectives and What They Mean for You
Join us for Part 2 of our blog series that will explore the origins of the fast fashion phenomenon: the problems with it and the proposed solutions within the Zero Waste movement.
You’ve already read about fast fashion and how it greatly affects our environment. We were left with a ton of questions, but no answers.
The answer isn’t that far off. To offer an alternative to fast fashion…the quick ‘I want it now’ lifestyle…simply dive into the alternative: sustainability.
Sustainability is the crux of the Zero Waste movement. So what exactly is Zero Waste? Simple, it is aiming to send nothing to the landfill. Reducing. Reusing. Composting. The goal of the Zero Waste Movement is to redefine our eco-system. Instead of immediately running to the landfill for help with trash and recycling, we want to try to inspire alternate uses of trash and help corporations see their impact.
The average American sends approximately 4.4 pounds of trash to the landfill every day.
How did this Zero Waste movement begin exactly? It started with one woman: Bea Johnson. Little by little, she began to reduce the waste among herself and her family. Going to the grocery, she would take her own produce bags, grocery bags, even glass jars to fill with deli meats and cheese. Bea saw the needs of our environment and chose to do something about them.
This goes beyond recycling. We’ve accumulated too much waste as a whole to keep up with the amount of recycling that actually needs to get done.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
There is a reason why “recycle” is at the end of that mantra. It should be a *last* resort. We should first try to reduce the amount of waste we accumulate.
Don’t just use plastic because its there.
Don’t just fall into fast fashion because its easy. Importantly, we have to start having the conversation about making these principles a symbol of status. When this happens everything changes. We have seen this in the history books time and time again. Sneakers and bags don't have to look the way they do.
The brand became the attachment that consumers wanted. We believe the answer is to make sustainability a desire.
Reuse the things you have. Drop off clothing at thrift shops. Reuse grocery bags. If you have exhausted all resources in reducing and reusing then consider recycling. But make sure to do it properly... otherwise it will be useless.
More and more, we can see that people are choosing to live a zero-waste lifestyle. They understand the importance of saving our planet and how one person can be extremely important to the process. We also are seeing the examples that it doesn't have to be a chore, it can be a way of life. It can actually deepen our relationships and foster community.
Many companies are doing their best to achieve zero waste status, while some have already achieved that goal.
Zero waste will minimize pollution. It will conserve our resources. It will allow our planet to last longer than formerly projected.
With all that being said, it brings up another point about the visuals that we have traditionally been left with when we think of recycling. We often never see anything that has a tangible use. Through zero waste it trains us to see our footprint and more importantly, we can show that imprint to others.
Each and every day, people are living a zero-waste lifestyles and including their fashion choices in that decision. You don’t have to have one without the other – you can live fashionable and sustainable. It may just take a little more effort on your part. It is not only up to the consumer its up to the brands and companies that make things to lead the way forward.
Up Next: Join us next week for Part 3 of our series on fast fashion and the zero waste movement as we look into a few key stakeholders of the Zero Waste Movement and how they make their mark on sustainable fashion.