"We are committed to working towards a zero waste economy as part of the transition to a green economy and our commitment to be the greenest government ever. Communities and businesses can help us become a first-class zero-waste economy and unlock the real value in the goods that people no longer want." Caroline Spelman, Secretary of State, Defra. Waste Review June 2011
How can Zero Waste be realised?
In one sense, achieving Zero Waste
means more of the same, the 3Rs of waste: reduction, re-use and
recycling. All three must increase.
But Zero Waste also implies a new
mind set. Waste must be viewed as another resource to be managed. Also
scarcity of supply and rising disposals costs will give this resource
ever greater value.
The aim in recycling is to close the
loop, so recovered waste materials are fed back into the production
cycle, creating a virtuous, closed circle, as in nature.That thinking is
now being applied at the macro level to how the economy works.
Currently we "take, make and dispose it's a linear model. So
recycling and resource management is an afterthought or bolt-on.
The circular economy offers a
different business model one that values resources, energy and
emissions at each stage of the process from cradle to cradle. In other
words, it eliminates waste by designing products and using materials
that allow disassembly, re-use, remanufacturing or refurbishment, with
minimal energy. The biological parts are non-toxic so they can be safely
composted.
Policymakers and business experts
have begun to see the opportunities, if not yet the necessity, of
shifting to a circular economy. But it's a huge challenge that requires
action by many players.
Who will bring about a Zero Waste Economy?
The answer, ultimately, is that everyone will have to play their part.
But the Zero Waste Awards aim to celebrate the trailblazers and inspire others to follow.
The recycling and waste management
sector, of course, has a vital role to play, supporting its customers
with a variety of solutions from recycling, composting and anaerobic
digestion through to energy-from-waste.
Product and packaging designers and manufacturers can make waste prevention and minimization a core aim when producing goods.
The service and public sectors from
manufacturers, hotels and retailers to local authorities, and hospitals must seek to eliminate waste from their own operations as well as the
supply chain.
Innovative and creative solutions will also be needed from technology providers, inventors and the voluntary sector.
The Zero Waste Awards will recognise advances in these and other areas.
