Embrace the 3 R’s toward a zero waste and a thriving circular economy

Key Steps Towards a Sustainable Future of Zero Waste

Zero waste strives to eliminate waste through ongoing reduction and recapture methods, while the circular economy aims to accurately value resources and promote their resale and recovery. Although recycling is beneficial, adopting the 3 R’s below can lead to more impactful action toward a sustainable future.

Refuse

Towards a zero waste and sustainable future, consuming less and refusing unnecessary items, maybe a good start. Review your procurement budget regularly to identify items that can be removed. Eliminate single-use items, use recycled content supplies, and encourage reusable containers to reduce plastic waste. Support the recycling industry by cooperating with nearby facilities and vendors.

Repair

Regular equipment and service maintenance are crucial for preserving value and extending the life of assets. Checking the completeness of service plans and implementing repair and preventive action plans can reduce the demand for expensive new equipment. Supporting the “right to repair” initiatives gives consumers the resources they need to maintain their products, promote circular practices, and zero waste.

Recycle

The focus on recycling alone is not enough. It is highly important to increase the value of items we use by returning them to their original value streams. Disposal should be carefully considered to ensure that items with inherent or potential value are not wasted. Assessing waste streams is the best practice to maximize value transformation. Donating furniture or old equipment is a helpful way to support the community and encourage reuse. Hazardous material disposal should be limited, and its environmental impact must be considered.

To achieve zero waste, we need to change our mindset and value items in a different way. Single-use items are costly and wasteful, and it pays off to maintain their value. We can find use in our waste streams by adopting a circular economy and zero-waste thinking. Adopting these approaches can help build a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet and communities.

Do you want to gain the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the net-zero and circular economy progress? Join our Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program, Leadership Edition 2023, Digital Version with Live Zoom Sessions, USA Focus. Upcoming dates: June. 14-15 & 16, 2023.  Reach us at [email protected]