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July, 2007
From Our Green Business Issue
*Online Exclusive: Zero Waste
by Lisa Tiffin
 A great place to start on the journey towards sustainable, green business practices is with waste. The Zero Waste Movement focuses on the goal of reusing, recycling or composting all waste.
Linda Christopher, executive director of the GrassRoots Recycling Network says it is important to remember that zero waste is about both how we recycle our waste and how well we prevent waste in the first place. She explains:
“Zero waste is not 100 percent recycling, and it’s not just about looking at what’s at the end of the pipe and trying to divert materials from landfills and incinerators. It’s actually looking upstream to the source of the problem.”
For the business sector, looking upstream can mean anything from innovative package design to thoughtfulness in reducing employee waste. Companies can focus their efforts on their product design, attempt zero waste buildings and even hold zero waste events. Whether the steps taken are large or small, each has the potential to lessen a company’s impact on the environment.
Resources:
GrassRoots Recycling Network including links, resources and a zero waste event kit: www.grrn.org.
Zero Waste Alliance supports businesses and organizations as they implement profitable zero waste strategies. It includes links to events, workshops and other resources: www.zerowaste.org.
BSM
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