Zero Waste

Zero waste is a philosophy and design principle that aims to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources. It's based on the idea that all materials should be designed to be reused, repaired, or recycled, rather than ending up in landfills or incinerators.

The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) defines zero waste as:

1. Conserving resources through responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery
2. Avoiding burning and discharging materials into the environment
3. Diverting 90% of waste from landfills and incinerators

Zero waste aims to:

1. Create a circular economy where materials are continuously reused
2. Eliminate threats to human, animal, plant, and planetary health
3. Reduce consumption
4. Recognize materials as valuable resources

To achieve zero waste, you can:

1. Reuse, repair, or repurpose materials
2. Recycle items when you can't reuse them
3. Avoid buying new things all the time
4. Look for things you can reuse or repurpose around your house

The 5 R's (refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot) can help guide you toward a zero-waste lifestyle.