Zero Waste: Steps for Eco-Friendly Living and Sustainability

What is zero waste? What is its purpose? What measures should we take? Details...

What is Zero Waste?

Zero Waste is an approach based on the principle of recycling or reusing all kinds of waste without it going to landfill. This approach aims to reduce, efficiently utilize and manage waste at every stage from production to consumption in a way that does not harm the environment. Zero Waste does not only focus on eliminating waste, but also aims to use resources more efficiently while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.

The sustainability of domestic and industrial waste is gaining importance day by day. In Turkey, per capita waste per day is 1.17 kg day-1. Municipalities spend around 20-50% of their budgets for solid waste management. In order to alleviate the burden of the budget allocated for solid waste management, some new processes are being implemented. One of these is the “Zero Waste” practice.

The zero waste approach actually started to emerge in the 1890s. George Washington Carver and Henry Ford are recognized as pioneers. In an article published in 1893, Carver explained how many wastes can be reused as raw materials. He described waste as “another resource in disguise”.

In the 193s, Henry Ford produced car parts such as horn buttons and gearshift levers with soybean meal.

Today, zero waste is applied in many working areas, from mining to the office environment.

The concept of zero waste shifts the emphasis from 'waste management', which prescribes waste generation, to 'resource generation', which reduces or prevents waste generation. This approach aims to achieve 100% efficient use of energy, raw materials and human resources, zero solid waste, zero hazardous waste, zero emissions, zero waste in production and management activities, and zero waste in the product life cycle.

In Turkey, the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization is currently carrying out activities related to zero waste implementation. Support is provided for system installation in many places such as workplaces, schools, hospitals, hotels, marinas, housing estates, etc.

What are the Basic Principles of the Zero Waste Movement?

The Zero Waste movement is based on 5 basic principles:

1. Reduction: Minimizing consumption directly reduces waste generation. Avoiding unnecessary packaging in shopping and preferring durable and long-lasting products are examples of this principle.
2. Reusing: Making used items reusable prevents waste generation. For example, refurbishing old furniture or reusing glass bottles.
3. Recycling: Recovering waste as raw material. Reprocessing and reusing materials such as plastic, glass, metal and paper is an environmentally friendly approach.
4. Rot (Composting): The biological decomposition of organic waste into fertilizer. Food waste is recycled back into the soil instead of harming nature.
5. Refuse: Rejecting unnecessary products and packaging helps to reduce waste generation to zero. Rejecting items such as plastic bags and single-use bottles is an example of this principle.

For more information: https: //sifiratik.gov.tr/

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