8 Ways of Becoming a Zero-Waste Society

There has always been a series of discussions regarding zero-waste societies and how we can achieve it. Some goes against the idea but I think there is still a way in attaining a society with zero-waste. It all depends on how we define the term waste and how we look at it.

According to www.dictionary.com, waste used as a verb actually means - being gradually consumed. Therefore in a much micro-perspective, to be consumed means to be used as much as possible as long as it is still usable to some living thing. Whether it is between both humans or between bacterias, as long as it serves it's purpose, I think that is the best way in understanding the word waste.

So, I made up a list that I think is the best way for us to attain zero-waste culture, and here they are.

8 Ways of Becoming a Zero-Waste Society:

1. Minimize Product Packaging - Whenever I go to any store, whether an appliance store or a retail store of shoes, it seems that the packaging of most items are made to impress people just to make them feel that what they are buying is pure quality. I believe that minimizing the product's packaging will zero the waste since while maintaining it's allure to the consumers. Added benefit is that the manufacturer can save a lot from raw materials in packaging their products. There are brands that are commendable in reducing the total cost as well as the raw materials used when they are packaging their items. I believe as consumers, we can influence the manufacturers way of producing these packaging by being effective product stewards in choosing the most cost-effective and eco-friendly items in the stores.
2. Go For Biodegradable Items - if you are planning to go for a camping trip or family picnic, or do something that you only do once or twice, try purchasing biodegradable items so that just in case your friends or family members throw it away carelessly, you are assured that somewhere in time, those items are eco-friendly and are easily converted to biodgradable form.
3. Composting: Not Rocket Science - some won't go for composting because they think they can't do it or it's difficult. Well, I say it's not and it's actually fun when you get used to it. All your compostable waste will turn into FREE FOOD for your plants. :) Just follow the proper waste seggragation scheme.
4. Reusable Containers are the Future of Pack Lunches - I went to the supermarket the other day and I just found out that there is a dedicated rack for reusable, microwavable containers in different sizes and colors. I think this is a good way in zeroing out waste since it will help us reduce our consumption of plastics.
   
5. Recycle - this is an obvious suggestions.Try to recycle all items that you think is recyclable. If you are unsure of an item if it can be recycled then go online. Search for the product specifications and where is the nearest factory that can disposed of that item in your area.
6. Go for Long Term - when buying a product, go for brands that you think will last you the longest. I know that there is an economic crisis today but when you look at it at a bigger perspective, the longer you have it, the more savings you will have since you won't go buying the same expensive item over and over again.
   
7. Effectively Dispose Non-Usable Leftovers - for items that are no longer usable, try to separate them from your other usable items and practice searching for best ways in disposing them. Online communities are great when it comes to that. Your junk might be a treasure for someone else. :)
8. TAKE THE FIRST 7 STEPS AND PUT IT IN YOUR HEART - the first 7 steps are useless if you don't take it yourself to care. So start caring!

A Low Impact Woodland Home

Ecological crisis is not a future possibility but a current reality. As we open our doors to globalization and free trade, we also allowed the technological changes that comes with it. But it was not foreseen that technological changes is not equal to a sustainable environment. Majority of our human lives are dependent on fossil fuels to motorized our community. As we urbanized our environment, we also increased our usage of hazardous materials in order to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Now as I stumble upon websites, I managed to see this site named A Low Impact Woodland Home. It features a house created by a family to fight global warming. I know it's not a five star type house but it really helps the environment and also teaches us (human beings) how to be sensitive in the world we live in. It teaches us how we should adapt a lifestyle that is productive and efficient while assuring the future generations that we can still live comfortable lives.

Anyway, visit the site and be amazed on how these people put up this "green" home together with friends, family, and even travelers who happen to pass by their area.

Climate Change May Drown Cities

Is this photo familiar? Yes, you got it right! It is a scene from the movie, A Day After Tomorrow - a horrifying version of the world drowning because of sudden climate change.

This movie made me realized how valuable the environment is and how we should focus our attention in downsizing the effect of greenhouse gasses. Erratic thunderstorms and rising of sea levels are some of the signs that there is indeed a shift in our temperature and it's not good. More obviously, it is not good when it comes to cities that are near the ocean or are residing near the sea.

According to a recent study, half of Asia will suffer if a rise in sea level happens. This will force third world countries to evacuate their sea-residing cities and move it somewhere high which in return will cause another problem of overpopulating these areas.

The people of Dhaka, main city of Bangladesh, are now aggressively using CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) in their vehicles in order to battle global warming. This alternative is producing less greenhouse emissions and way more environmentally cleaner than petrol. Dhaka is one of the 3,000 cities identified by UN Habitat's State of the World Cities 2008/2009 as cities that are faced with the possibility of sea-level rise and induced-flooding. A very alarming situation since what the photo above is showing is most probably will happen in the near future if we do not act today.

Now looking at the demographics of these cities, Asia will cater 50% of the cities facing this "possibility" while 27% comprises Latin America and the Caribbean, 15% in Africa, 2/3 in Europe and 1/5 of all cities in North America are in the low elevation coastal zone.

Just think, if ever this world faces the tragedy depicted in "The day after tomorrow" - no policy or legislation will ever save us then... Only Action can spare us from this and only Action can minimize the effect of global warming... So ACT now! Stop Global Warming!