How to Encourage a Zero Waste Community. | June 1st, 2021.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb
This proverb holds true in many cases where systemic change is sought, and it certainly applies to adoption of zero-waste principles. Individual action is a vital part of generating widespread change to be sure, but get an entire community involved in zero-waste practice and the impact is sure to be felt.
Most of us understand the importance of collective action intuitively, but knowing how to encourage a zero-waste community can be a different matter. We either imagine the task to be too hard, or we don’t know where to start in the first place. Thankfully, this need not be the case.
You don’t need to testify to Congress or deliver a treatise on environmental stewardship to be an effective advocate for a zero-waste community. Instead, you just need some willingness to share your passion for the environment, and a bit of time to invest in a cause you already understand the importance of. So, here are eight zero-waste tips that you can take to start encouraging your neighborhood to become a zero-waste zone.
1. Join a Community Garden
One of the biggest sources of biological material waste lies in the food industry — and Americans feel the results of it every day. By purchasing canned or packaged foods, we not only deprive our bodies of healthier fuel, but of all the benefits that gardening brings.
From a better food awareness and increased local commerce to enjoyable relationships and a reduction in food miles (the distance your food has to travel to get to you), joining a community garden is a great way to spread zero-waste awareness.
2. Donate to a Local Food Pantry
Similar to the high carbon footprint associated with long-distance food travel, food waste is a serious contributor to discarded byproducts. What’s worse, the majority of food waste comes from those who have a food surplus already, so those without enough food continue to struggle.
By contributing to your local food pantry, you’ll be able to reduce food waste while getting valuable food sources to those who need it most. In the process, you’ll also be able to share your zero-waste values with people who will likely be receptive to your message.
3. Help Clean Up
Litter is a natural consequence of wasteful consumption. Unsightly and long-lasting in all the wrong ways, litter can hinder environmental growth and even harm wildlife.
Many communities have dedicated days or seasons for community-wide cleanup projects, and joining in is more than just a great way to beautify your neighborhood — it also helps people form relationships with other environmentally-conscious citizens. These are exactly the kind of people you’ll need to connect with in order to establish a zero-waste community.
4. Organize a Get-together
If no community-led events are available in your area, a coffee shop can do just as well. A simple gathering between like-minded individuals is an excellent way to cultivate a broader initiative, so why not invite some friends (perhaps the ones you met at the community garden?) to discuss zero-waste practices in a comfortable setting? Some snacks and a few cups of coffee may be all it takes to plant the seeds for your zero-waste community.
5. Start a Workshop
Workshops are another great tool for spreading the zero-waste message while doing something fun. Many local libraries and civic centers are receptive (and even eager) to host workshops or events, especially if they involve environmental responsibility.
At your workshop, devote a few minutes to explaining how your activity eliminates harmful waste, then spend the rest of the time on a hands-on activity. A few fun ideas include making soaps, disinfectants, cosmetics, and more. You might even decide to make art using recycled materials.
6. Stay Informed
The current political climate has left many feeling jaded. While this is understandable, initiating widespread change requires that we be aware of the issues at hand — at both the federal and local levels. Find out how your elected officials feel about zero-waste practices and what they’re doing to make your neighborhood a zero-waste community.
By gathering a petition, understanding the issues raised at town hall meetings, and advocating for officials who share your values, you can play a role in shaping the way decisions are made — and influence others to do the same.
7. Talk to Local Business Owners
Elected officials aren’t the only people worth speaking to about reducing waste. Local entrepreneurs can be also convinced to adopt zero-waste measures at their organizations — as long as they see the value in it.
Write a letter to a local business owner that you identify with — or one whose practices prevent you from shopping with them — and tell them what you appreciate first. Next, identify a concern that you have (the use of excess plastic, for example), and explain why they could benefit from changing their practices.
If you can demonstrate that a significant portion of your community (and their target demographic) share your concerns, they will get the message.
8. Start a Zero-waste Community
The beauty of zero-waste implementation is that you don’t need the permission of any politician or business to enact it in your community; a few conscientious conservers is all it takes. If you’ve garnered enough interest through your get-togethers and community projects, you can start setting up a zero-waste community right where you live. Start by getting your neighbors on board and begin your zero-waste conservation initiative today.
Miniwiz: Your Zero-Waste Authority
Perhaps you value environmental stewardship and the idea of a zero-waste community appeals to you, but you’re not fully sure where to go from there. At Miniwiz, we offer insight on all sorts of zero-waste issues at the local and corporate levels.
Feel free to browse our solutions to understand what zero-waste practices are all about and join our community. Now that you’re doing your part, you can include others in developing a zero-waste community and build a better world for everyone.