Zero Waste

On this last day of Waste Reduction Week lets think about what is the ultimate goal.  The concept of Zero Waste seems like an impossible goal but it is a philosophy that can not only help our environment but also build a sustainable economy. 

The idea is to reduce consumption as much as possible by using design-for-environment in all products and their packaging, and to make all products and packaging recyclable.
Achieving Zero Waste depends on designing products and industrial processes so that their components can be dismantled, repaired and/or recycled.
Zero Waste means linking communities, businesses and industries so that one's waste becomes another’s feedstock. It means preventing pollution at its source. It means new local jobs in communities throughout British Columbia.
Many communities in British Columbia are commiting to the concept of Zero Waste including;
 •Metro Vancouver

•Central Kootenay Regional District
◦City of Nelson
•Central Okanagan Regional District
◦City of Kelowna
◦Lake Country
•Cowichan Valley Regional District
•Regional District Kootenay Boundary
◦City of Trail
◦City of Grand Forks
◦Village of Fruitvale
◦City of Rossland
•Regional District of Nanaimo
•Sunshine Coast Regional District

The Town of Smithers is developing a zero waste action plan.  Maybe its time for Cranbrook to start thinking about a similar effort. To read more about the concept of Zero Waste go here http://rcbc.bc.ca/education/zero-waste