Is a Zero Waste Future actually Achievable – a Discussion
Canada as a zero waste country is a high goal. As to how achievable this goal might be, that is certainly up for debate. For decades, North America has seen its recycling movement growing. Even today however, recycling rates can always be better. More regions across Canada are seeking to go zero waste. Though the journey there may be long, if it can be achieved in a municipality and if the concept can be proven, there might be a chance to adopt it country-wide.
The recycling movement has always been focused in Canada on the three Rs – recycle, reuse, and reduce. As tech advancements have been made, a wider variety of materials can be recycled today than ever before and recycling has been made easier for communities across Canada. As environmentally sustainable commitments have been made by businesses small and large, some materials are being recycled and reused in new applications. At the same time, as it pertains to materials that are more difficult to recycle or that cannot be reused in any format, reduction in their consumption is key.
When we speak of ‘zero waste’, we mean the act of a society consuming the resources and materials they need while producing no waste. How achievable this is remains to be seen however what’s not debatable is how we are closer to that than ever before.
Canadian households and commercial businesses are getting involved in composing, recycling rates are up all around, and municipalities are looking for creative ways to divert traditional waste away from its landfills. Construction, renovation, and demolition projects are working alongside partners to collect waste and distribute it to the necessary parties for recycling. Reusable containers are being used nationwide for a variety of waste management purposes. In addition, local hubs have formed of environmentally friendly organizations who have pushed governments to craft new regulations guiding waste management in commercial, professional office, residential, and multi-unit settings.
Throughout the years of doing business across communities in Canada, we have met so many businesses and people interested in working towards zero waste. It’s just a matter of finding the best method to achieve it. Waste management contracts are a high priority for settings that produce significant waste. As an example, restaurants produce high amounts of food waste every day. Composting has the opportunity to make the most from this waste and appropriate waste management efforts might be able to divert some of this waste to parties who can get more from it.
A large component of zero waste is going to be sorting recycling and waste. Contamination in recycling bins is a huge problem right now across Canadian municipalities. By including one material that is non-recyclable, it has the potential to contaminate everything in the bin. Bottles should be rinsed out prior to being dropped in a bin and food should be unpacked prior to being put in to their sorted waste. As communities work to bring more awareness to waste separation, recycling and composting, and waste management techniques, it is our belief that zero waste is achievable within our lifetime.
If you are a commercial enterprise seeking better ways to manage your waste and/or to do in a more environmentally responsible manner, we would be happy to speak with you.
