What are the 7 R’s of zero waste?

Key Takeaways

• Reduce: Cut down on waste by using less and purchasing sustainable products.

• Reuse: Use items multiple times instead of discarding them after a single use.

• Recycle: Reprocess waste materials into new products to avoid landfilling.

• Rot: Compost organic waste to create natural fertilizer and reduce landfill contributions.

• Refuse: Say no to single-use plastics, unnecessary packaging, and wasteful products.

• Repair: Fix and repurpose items instead of replacing them, reducing resource depletion and waste generation.

• Reimagine: Innovate and explore alternative ways to reduce waste and promote circularity.

What are the 7 R’s of Zero Waste?

The 7 R’s of zero waste are a set of principles that guide individuals and organizations towards reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption. By following these practices, we can minimize our environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.

Reduce

1. Choose reusable items over single-use plastics and packaging.

2. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.

3. Opt for products with less packaging or made from recycled materials.

4. Use digital media instead of printing documents.

5. Repair and maintain items instead of discarding them.

6. Avoid impulse purchases and plan your shopping trips to minimize waste.

Reuse

1. Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers for shopping and storing items.

2. Repurpose old clothes, fabrics, and items for new uses.

3. Donate or sell gently used items instead of discarding them.

4. Find creative ways to reuse packaging and containers.

5. Use reusable diapers and menstrual products to eliminate plastic waste.

6. Choose products designed for multiple uses, such as 2-in-1 cleaning products.

Recycle

1. Establish a comprehensive recycling system at home or work.

2. Rinse and flatten recyclable containers to save space.

3. Check local regulations for accepted recyclable materials.

4. Research innovative recycling technologies and support organizations promoting advanced recycling.

5. Choose products made from recycled materials to close the loop.

6. Recycle electronics and hazardous materials responsibly through designated programs.

Rot

1. Compost organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper products.

2. Establish a home composting system or participate in community composting programs.

3. Use compost as a natural fertilizer to improve soil health and reduce chemical inputs.

4. Encourage urban composting initiatives and support farmers utilizing compost in their operations.

5. Explore anaerobic digestion technologies to convert organic waste into renewable energy.

6. Promote food waste reduction and composting awareness in schools and communities.

Refuse

1. Say no to single-use plastics, such as straws, utensils, and bags.

2. Choose produce without packaging or opt for reusable produce bags.

3. Bring your own containers to coffee shops and restaurants to avoid disposable cups and packaging.

4. Refuse promotional items and materials you don’t need.

5. Advocate for local ordinances and policies that reduce single-use plastics and packaging.

6. Support businesses and organizations that prioritize waste reduction and sustainability.

Repair

1. Fix broken items instead of discarding them.

2. Learn basic repair skills or seek professional repairs.

3. Use repair kits and replacement parts to extend the life of appliances and products.

4. Encourage repair cafes and community repair initiatives.

5. Provide incentives and support for repair businesses and professionals.

6. Promote a culture of valuing and repairing over discarding.

Reimagine

1. Innovate creative solutions to reduce waste.

2. Support research and development of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.

3. Explore zero-waste design principles in product development.

4. Promote circular economy models that prioritize reuse and recycling.

5. Encourage businesses to adopt waste reduction targets and sustainability goals.

6. Reimagine waste as a resource and strive for zero waste communities and cities.