What is zero waste? I believe many people have never search these two words through Google on the internet though. Basically, zero waste is meant by a concept to extend the current recycling to form a circular system which the waste can be reused and minimized. In order to solve waste disposal problems, zero waste has been largely implemented in many Western countries such as US and Canada. However, even though the 3R program (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) has been introduced in my country, I always agree that zero waste is a must for every country to adopt as 3R is only a part of it.
In fact, zero waste has the strategy to turn disposal into the raw material for other products. In other words, zero waste can turn useless outputs into useful inputs. For example, a Coca Cola glass bottle is primarily produced with a potential to be recycled and reused in the factory. When the bottle is recycled and washed, the only wastage will be the wash-water and energy loss will be minimized. Apparently, the idea is different from 3R. It is not only reusing the waste but it also relates to the redesign of the goods which has potential of reuse. As a result, the outputs will not be disposed entirely.
Besides that, zero waste has created good job opportunity for the people in these struggling communities. This has been a key factor in New Zealand, where zero waste is regarded more as a driver of local economic development than a matter of environmental conscience. (Collins, 2002) For instance, people just have to recollect and classify the wastage they created, and resell them to certain recollection centre. In addition, it always creates benefits even it is little. Who does not want the profit? Zero waste can really help the poor and grow the country, indirectly.
In summary, zero waste proposes a new idea of producing recyclable goods and increases the economic growth in a country. Although zero waste cannot be strictly zero, it always approximate to zero if the idea is well applied. As a future engineer, I strongly think that zero waste should be adopted in my country as soon as possible.
Reference
Collins, J. (2002, Oct 3rd). Radical plans for waste could herald a big clean-up. The Guardian Weekly. P.25.
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1 comment:
Zero waste system has great advantages. I hope all parts of the world can apply it someday in the future.
However, I believe for most developing countries, zero waste cannot be applied at present for many reasons. I have mentioned them in my article about it
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