by Jeffry T. Del Pilar & Bubot V. Sueta, JANUARY 2023
Shifting into a zero-waste lifestyle is undeniably a challenging task. Who wouldn’t be having a hard time living with zero waste when almost all the things here in the world are designed to contribute a waste.
The sudden shift to a zero waste lifestyle may seem impossible to do so, but with sincere determination and care to the world you live in, this way of living is a big yes towards combating climate change.
One of the basic principles of the zero waste is to change the way you look at your trash.
Existing way of Waste Management
3 R’s of SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Solid Waste Management is a system of managing waste from individual to communal level. It involves the collection, treatment, and disposal of solid wastes.
Generally, it’s about the 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Reduce – decrease the amount of waste thing you have in your daily living
Reuse – find new use from old things through upcycling or donation
Recycle – send plastic and other recyclable materials to proper
material recover facilities
New Way of waste Management
5 Rs of Zero Waste Management
Right now, Is it really possible to live with zero waste at all? The term “Zero waste” here doesn’t entirely mean zero waste thrown. Rather, “zero waste” means that the least possible amount of trash should end up in landfills. In this lifestyle, managing your waste is quite different.
Instead of practicing only the commonly known as 3 Rs (Reduce. Reuse, Recycle), you should live by the 5 Rs of zero waste.
Refuse
The first of the 5 Rs is about saying NO!
Learning to say NO is a substantial step towards zero waste living. Practice saying no to single use plastic such as paper cups, disposable utensils, plastic straws, and other unnecessary items. Aside from politely saying no, equipped your NO with a reusable item ready on hand. For full and phenomenal impact, don’t also forget to bring to-go containers such as lunch boxes, tumblers, and eco-bags.
Reduce
If possible, practice minimalist living. Downsize everything and stop buying non-essentials. It is beneficial not only for the environment but also for your pocket. When you practice zero waste living, you also practice how to discriminate expenses.
Try your best to avoid non-recyclable or non-compostable packaging. Buy goods with little to no packaging to cut waste. Also, don’t be quickly captivated about spending on trends. You’re not just securing your financial future but also the future of the planet.
Reuse
Be creative! Don’t throw items that is still in excellent condition. Maximize its purpose by repairing or upcycling it. Don’t toss it immediately inside your trash bins.
Old clothes, Transform it magically into convenient reusable bags or fashionable items.
Food scraps, Convert them into an easy Quiche, tasty fried rice mix, or flavorful soup stock.
Plastic container, Let your indoor plant basin.
Take a second look before throwing your things out. What you might discard away today would be your regret of tomorrow.
Rot
Don’t bother yourself about biodegradable waste such as food scraps. Let it rot. Make a compost system and always separate them from the other types of garbage. You may also search for some nearby food scrap drop-off center (like a farmer’s market or community garden) within your place. Best of all, you may start your garden and use your compost to supplement your plants.
Recycle
Recycling should be the LAST RESORT in the 5 Rs. If it’s difficult for you to refuse, reduce, reuse, or let it rot, then it’s time to recycle. Start with researching the recycling systems in your area. That would be your very first step.
In recycling any plastic, paper, glass, or metal, always clean them thoroughly before throwing them into the bin. This would increase your recyclables’ chances of being processed as you just lessened the risk of contamination from dirt.
Change is continual. As waste pollution is becoming more alarming these days, it is also important to upgrade our solid waste management. The traditional solid waste management system, 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), is not enough to solve the waste pollution.
Instead, go zero waste and practice the 5 Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Rot, and Recycle). This waste management system promotes a circular economy that pays attention to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Unlike the traditional system, it only represents the linear economy, which rapidly depletes the Earth of its natural resources.
https://www.circlewaste.co.uk/blog/
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About the writers:
Jeffry T. Del Pilar. I am not a fan of titles, positions, or work hours to define leadership… It is about the correct mindset and relationship with the people.
Bubot V. Sueta. Environment Safety and Health Specialist, father of three beautiful children, a loving and faithful husband…. Graduated from Centro Escolar University with a degree of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication Major in Broadcast. A Safety Officer for 10 years. Safety at work and home are his priorities. Ensures that the Project Site is free from hazards, all workers at the site are knowledgeable on their activity, and have a core value of safety awareness. The goal is to deliver the project on time with quality and most importantly with ZERO Loss Time Incident.
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