What is Zero Waste?
Though there are many definitions for Zero Waste, it is simply a "no-waste", sustainable approach to managing the production and life cycle of goods. Such an approach is very much in keeping with the Vermont traditions of thrift and conservation. We are proud to be an ongoing part of Vermont's Zero Waste evolution!
CVSWMD bases its work on a Zero Waste Implementation Plan for the district. We know that a Zero Waste society seems ambitious, but more and more local, national, and international governments, waste management companies, municipalities and others are realizing it is an achievable goal. We're proud to say that CVSWMD is "Vermont's First in Zero Waste", having adopted a Zero Waste plan in 2003. We are Zero Waste CentralTM!
Working toward zero waste means that we work on many levels to salvage all of the resources in "waste products" so they can be reused and recycled in this region. Having manufacturers use non-toxic, recycled, and recyclable materials in their production and offering take-back recycling programs for their products is important to the success of zero waste efforts. Many private waste management companies now use zero waste principles to guide their work and increase their profits, while governments and municipalities worldwide actively promote a zero waste future as the only way to go. Zero waste systems would ease the economic and environmental burden of raw resource extraction. Sound consumer choices play a role as well.
CVSWMD bases its work on a Zero Waste Implementation Plan for the district. We know that a Zero Waste society seems ambitious, but more and more local, national, and international governments, waste management companies, municipalities and others are realizing it is an achievable goal. We're proud to say that CVSWMD is "Vermont's First in Zero Waste", having adopted a Zero Waste plan in 2003. We are Zero Waste CentralTM!
Working toward zero waste means that we work on many levels to salvage all of the resources in "waste products" so they can be reused and recycled in this region. Having manufacturers use non-toxic, recycled, and recyclable materials in their production and offering take-back recycling programs for their products is important to the success of zero waste efforts. Many private waste management companies now use zero waste principles to guide their work and increase their profits, while governments and municipalities worldwide actively promote a zero waste future as the only way to go. Zero waste systems would ease the economic and environmental burden of raw resource extraction. Sound consumer choices play a role as well.
Why Zero Waste?
Vermonters generate about 627,811 tons of municipal solid waste each year, according to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (2008). This translates into nearly one ton per person each year or about the weight of an adult elephant for each of us! Through careful purchasing, reuse, recycling, and composting programs like those offered by CVSWMD, residents kept about a third of those waste materials out of landfills in 2008. That means we still had 419, 957 tons of "waste" to put somewhere!
Vermonters generate about 627,811 tons of municipal solid waste each year, according to the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources (2008). This translates into nearly one ton per person each year or about the weight of an adult elephant for each of us! Through careful purchasing, reuse, recycling, and composting programs like those offered by CVSWMD, residents kept about a third of those waste materials out of landfills in 2008. That means we still had 419, 957 tons of "waste" to put somewhere!
More on Zero Waste
Eco-Cycle is a non-profit located in Boulder, CO, and is considered a pioneer in recycling and Zero Waste. This video provides a good explanation of Zero Waste systems.
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One Japanese town wants to be #1 in Zero Waste. They have learned how easy it is and how profitable it is!
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