Maybe—not in my lifetime—but YES, it’s achievable! It requires major changes from industries and governments and a commitment from us, the consumers, to reduce our consumption of unnecessary things. Refuse plastic that emits methane as it degrades. Repair what we can. Recycle what we must use whenever possible. WE can. WE must. WE will.
Why is this so important?
The biggest concerns around waste are the methane emissions produced in landfills, primarily from two major contributors: plastics and food scraps. Methane from our local landfill doesn’t stay local; it circulates globally. In response, our forward-thinking state is taking steps with new plastic laws and the upcoming SB 1383 mandate to remove food scraps from our trash bins—and landfills—starting next year.
This is a global issue, too. The United Nations launched the International Day of Zero Waste (March 30) to promote sustainable consumption and raise awareness about the shift toward a circular economy. A circular economy keeps resources in use—reused and recovered—over and over again.
We need to rethink our relationship with stuff—overconsumption, convenience, and waste—while prioritizing the well-being of our communities and planet. With a growing population and dwindling resources, we risk leaving future generations, including our grandchildren, without enough.
What can we do?
As consumers, we can:
Reduce what we consume in the first place.
Reuse and repair as much as possible.
Recycle or compost everything else.
Simple steps, but powerful when we commit.
Take electronic waste, for example—the fastest-growing waste stream globally. In the U.S. alone, we generate about 6.9 million tons annually, leaching toxins into the soil. Yet only 20% of valuable materials are successfully recycled. Locally, WM accepts e-waste at the Transfer Station, and Staples takes most items except TVs. Let’s support the circular economy by ensuring e-waste is recycled.
Clothing is another major contributor. We can make a difference by buying only what we need, prioritizing quality items that last. When done with clothing, pass it on to extend its life. Many young people today are embracing secondhand shopping, finding everything from shorts to wedding gowns in thrift stores or online. Patagonia’s Worn Wear program leads the way, offering repairs, trade-ins, and pre-owned gear. For clothing too worn to reuse or repair, services like Retold Recycling recycles textiles responsibly.
To reach zero waste, we need to stop waste at its source—because the best waste is the one that doesn’t exist. This is our opportunity to act. Thank you for being part of the solution!
November 2024
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