{"id":1796,"date":"2021-11-05T12:15:29","date_gmt":"2021-11-05T12:15:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coolboxsolutions.co.uk\/?p=1796"},"modified":"2022-01-24T12:50:47","modified_gmt":"2022-01-24T12:50:47","slug":"set-goals-zero-waste","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coolboxsolutions.co.uk\/set-goals-zero-waste\/","title":{"rendered":"Set Goals to Obtain a \u201cZero Waste\u201d Lifestyle"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\u201cZero waste living\u201d is one of the newer buzz-phrases circulating that is linked to more eco-conscious, environmentally friendly ways of working and living. Broken down, \u201czero waste living\u201d is focused on the reduction of waste and waste prevention, thus reducing, and stopping waste being sent to landfills, being incinerated, or dropped into the ocean.<\/p>\n
Whilst the aim of \u201czero waste\u201d may seem daunting, setting obtainable goals is one way of working towards this target without feeling overwhelmed at the start. These goals are best to be based on the 5 principles of zero waste, which are:<\/p>\n
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REFUSE <\/strong>\u2013 this is the idea of refusing to buy into concepts and practices that produce excess waste or utilise unsustainable practices \u2013 for example, using disposable or one-use items.<\/li>\n
REDUCE <\/strong>\u2013 Reducing the number of products you buy, focusing on quality over quantity; for example, unnecessary cosmetics or gimmicky items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1797″ animation=”Fade In” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n
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REUSE (+REPAIR)<\/strong> \u2013 The concept of thinking \u201ccan I reuse or repair this?\u201d as opposed to, \u201cI\u2019ll throw it away (or recycle it) and buy a new one?”.<\/li>\n
This applies to both items you already own and buying new items \u2013 for example, taking a reusable cup to a coffee shop instead of using one of their cups (even if that cup can be recycled).<\/li>\n
ROT<\/strong> \u2013 aka \u201ccomposting\u201d \u2013 is this something you already do, or is it something you need to look into? There are different ways to compost such as using composting bins at home, creating a worm bin, or saving scraps to give to farmers or local compost companies.<\/li>\n
RECYCLE <\/strong>\u2013 whilst recycling is definitely preferable to putting items in landfill, this process does still use resources that would otherwise not be in use if you REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, REPAIR or ROT the items you do not need. That said, recycling has its place in a zero waste lifestyle and it is important to recycle items such as glass, applicable plastics and cardboard if you cannot do anything else with them.<\/li>\n
It\u2019s really important to know what is kerbside recyclable and what isn\u2019t \u2013 this basically means what your local council will and won\u2019t accept through their recycling scheme. Often, items that are billed as being recyclable are still not accepted by local councils, as they have to be broken down into their individual component parts before they can be processed for recycling, which is too time heavy and costly for councils to invest in. Whilst we are hopeful that councils and recycling plants will keep investing in new technologies that will mean items not currently classed as kerbside recyclable are moved into this category, this is a long term aim, and as such consumers need to be aware of what can be picked up from the kerbside and what can\u2019t.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n
Obtainable Goals<\/h2>\n
REFUSE<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Buy nothing new except the essentials \u2013 every new item you buy has a manufacturing footprint, not to mention the sheer amount of plastic packaging a lot of items are wrapped in.<\/li>\n
Research the companies you do buy from \u2013 do they operate with sustainable practices, are they making the effort to do their bit for our planet?<\/li>\n
If you fancy a treat, make sure it\u2019s a sustainable one \u2013 don\u2019t take a straw from a fast food restaurant, use your own (reusable) one instead. The same for coffee cups, and don\u2019t forget to take a drink bottle out with you instead of buying a drink on the go.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
REDUCE<\/strong><\/p>\n
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As well as refusing to buy or use certain items, reduce what you\u2019re actually buying, even if what you\u2019re buying are living essentials. An example of this would be making the choice to reduce the amount of cosmetic items you buy, or household cleaners in different scents, for example.<\/li>\n
This also relates to gimmicky items \u2013 an example here would be looking to buy quality presents for friends and family or giving vouchers or money instead of gifts they may not want or use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
REUSE + REPAIR<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Before you make the choice to throw something away, look at it in a different light \u2013 can you reuse it, even if not for the original purpose you bought it for. A simple example here could be reusing cardboard cereal boxes \u2013 yes they can be recycled, but you can also reuse them for storage or kids crafts.<\/li>\n
The same idea applies to repairing items \u2013 instead of throwing them away, can you repair them, even if you have to pay a specialist to do so.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
ROT<\/strong><\/p>\n
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As discussed above, composting is a great way to stop food waste going to landfill. Even though this will biodegrade, this will release methane and other gases into the atmosphere without benefiting organic processes such as plant growth, and does not contribute to a circular economy.<\/li>\n
As such, if you don\u2019t already have a compost bin or area in place, why not look to set this up. Many councils now provide compost bins and collections, it is definitely worth researching this as a starter.<\/li>\n
Even if you don\u2019t have a council compost scheme in your area, another goal could be to set up a worm bin \u2013 these are popular in built up areas where people do not have space for composting. Worm bins turn kitchen waste such as food scraps into nutrient rich compost and liquid fertiliser which can then be used on plants and allotments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
RECYCLE<\/strong><\/p>\n
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Most people are clued up on recycling these days as councils across the country have been promoting this for a number of years now, but if you don\u2019t already recycle, now is the time to start. Whilst recycling does still have a carbon footprint, it is a better alternative to putting items into landfill!<\/li>\n
If you don\u2019t recycle already, a good starter goal is to buy or apply for a recycling bin from the council (check what their scheme allows first, as all councils are different). Once you know what can be put into the recycling bin, make a list of everything you regularly dispose of (i.e. plastic bottles, glass jars, cardboard boxes etc) and whatever you can recycle, recycle!<\/li>\n