According to Michael Jessen, humans are the only species on the planet that does not live by zero waste principles. I agree with this statement – being a part of a continuous and endless life cycle, plants and animals contributes to another system’s development after death producing zero waste. In turn, human society creates large amounts of waste on a daily basis polluting the environment. It goes without saying that this tendency should be changed as zero waste has multiple advantages.
First of all, zero waste in the form of recycling and reusing prevents climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Zero waste helps minimize soil, air, and water pollution and conserve natural resources. In addition, as the protection of the environment requires consolidated efforts, zero waste builds communities and improves social equity. Moreover, as this practice leads to less pollution by keeping toxins out of incinerators and landfills, zero waste contributes to the improvement of people’s health and general well-being. Finally, zero waste supports the economy by creating jobs on the basis of composting and recycling programs.
From a personal perspective, in the present day, it is impossible to live with zero waste due to the necessity of progress required for a created quality of life and the absence of reliable technologies that would allow reducing waste completely. Modern society is based on the principles of consumption, and the majority of waste comes from fossil fuels and petroleum products produced by factories and plants. However, the necessity of zero waste has already been identified, and potential solutions are developing. First of all, Zero Waste principles, including product redesign, the reduction of packaging, consumption, waste, and toxicity, recycling, composting, repairing, donation, and many others, are well-established (the United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). Therefore, a considerable number of countries across the globe started to apply these principles to practice.
At the same time, zero waste should be implemented as it is beneficial for the self-development of every person. Aiming to eliminate harmful and toxic materials that may harm the planet, zero waste may be regarded as a highly ethical practice. People who decide to implement zero waste in their lives should change their lifestyles completely making them more healthy and balanced. In addition, zero waste makes people more responsible, practical, and reasonable. At the same time, zero waste brings peace and comfort created by the harmonious co-existence with nature.
Reference
The United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). How communities have defined zero waste.