Zero Waste: 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
The Zero Waste movement is a global one, calling people from all walks of life to reevaluate their relationship with the environment and focus on ways to use resources in a more sustainable way. The International Day of Zero Waste was established by the UN in 2022, with each year since then focusing on a specific theme, reducing waste in various areas of industry. People around the world use the term “Zero Waste” to describe their lifestyles, products, and businesses, to signal to others that they’re making an effort to reduce their waste as much as possible.
Although we often opt for the term “Low Waste” to describe Life Unplastic, the ideal of truly producing no waste, while ultimately unachievable in today’s society, is an important vision to hold on to. The Zero Waste movement represents a persistent hope that the climate crisis can be improved.
Of course, change – at both the systematic and individual levels – is needed to get closer to this goal, and we believe that engaging with the local community is a fantastic way to start that process. Zero Waste Week is a collaborative effort between Zero Waste Gainesville, The Repurpose Project, Life Unplastic, and various other community contributors. Each year, we host a week of events and promotions that educate, celebrate, and incentivize shifting to a more low waste lifestyle. Learn more about each year’s festivities below!
Read more about our Low Waste practices in our Eco Chat!