Zero Waste
What is Zero Waste?
Zero Waste is a concept that challenges the old way of thinking about waste as something that has no value and to be thrown away.
According to the Zero Waste Alliance:
Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.
Nature is the best Zero Waste model. There is no waste in nature and by-products produced become resources for others or are assimilated harmlessly back to the surroundings.
The Zero Waste Hierarchy
Why Zero Waste?
Zero Waste helps to conserve, reduce pollution, create jobs in waste management, reduce waste costs, increase the lifespan of our Semakau Landfill and incineration plants, and mitigate climate change.
“Zero Waste is an extraordinary concept that can lead societies, businesses, and cities to innovative breakthroughs that can save the environment, lives, and money. Through the lens of Zero Waste, an entirely new relationship between humans and systems is envisaged, the only one that can create more security and well-being for people while reducing dramatically our impact upon planet earth. The excitement is on two levels: it provides a broad and far-reaching vision, and yet it is practical and applicable today.”
~ Paul Hawken, environmentalist and author (from the publication, The End of Waste, by the Zero Waste New Zealand Trust)
Can We Achieve Zero Waste?
Zero is the goal but it is important not to be over-focused on the word ‘zero’. What matters is the concept behind Zero Waste. The road to Zero Waste is a long journey and it requires the efforts of individuals, communities, organisations, businesses and the government, working closely together towards Zero Waste. We invite all Singaporeans to support the vision of a Zero Waste Singapore. Yes We Can.
Want tips on how you can do your part in moving towards Zero Waste?
Visit the "Our Work" page, or our blog, where you can find more information, news, and insights on Zero Waste!
What does being
"Waste-Conscious" mean?
01
Waste is not invisible; it is the product of consumption
Every time we use resources to make something to fulfil our needs and wants, we leave behind waste as a byproduct. And that waste needs to go somewhere!
Waste is the result of consumption, regardless of whether we are in a linear or circular economy. Of course when we practice the 3Rs and drive the circular economy, we use less virgin resources and extend the lifespan of existing products instead of letting it go to waste.
THUS THE KEY IS ALWAYS TO PRACTICE MINDFUL CONSUMPTION IN THE FIRST PLACE.
02
Only when we pay attention to waste, can we learn how to manage it
Instead of seeing our waste as something that is whisked away (and taking for granted Singapore's very efficient waste management infrastructure), looking after the byproducts of consumption fosters a sense of communal responsibility.
We not only want to cut down on the waste that is generated, but if and when it is generated, we will want to segregate and dispose of it properly - be it through segregated recycling or general waste disposal.
03
Being waste-conscious is the nexus between zero waste and public hygiene
If we all develop habits to reduce and sort our waste, we keep our environment clean and move towards a zero waste nation, together.
About The 3Rs
The 3Rs
You can take action by practising the 3Rs in your daily lives: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (in order of sequence). The sequence is important, as source reduction is usually the best way to minimise waste while recycling still has some impact on the environment and should be done last.
1. Reduce by eliminating or minimising the waste in the beginning.
2. Reuse by using the waste several times in its original form or for another purpose.
3. Recycle by sending the waste to be processed as a resource for new products.
For example, let us take a look at a plastic bottle of mineral water. Reduce by not buying the plastic bottle and drink from the tap or use your own reusable bottle instead. But if you really have to buy the bottle of water, then reuse it after drinking the water. Reuse the plastic bottle as your water bottle for refilling, use it as a flower vase, use it for storing other liquids, or use it to make art decorative items.
After reusing the plastic bottle for some time and when it becomes dirty or damaged, do not throw it away in the rubbish bin. Recycle the plastic bottle by depositing it into the recycling bag or bin under the recycling programme. The bottle will be collected and processed into plastic pellets that are used as feedstock for making new plastic bottles and products.
You can take action now towards Zero Waste by practising Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Just follow our tips and resources in our blog, categorised into the Reduce, Reuse and Recycle categories.
Our Waste Challenge
Our Waste Challenge
