 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Ann Leonard, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Multinational Resource Center, 1405 McGee Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94703, 510-524-4000, aleonard@essential.org
Zero Waste refers to a system of policies and practices to reduce both the toxicity and volume of materials used and waste created. Through implementing Zero Waste practices both upstream (e.g. product redesign, clean production, toxics use reduction) and downstream (e.g. materials recovery, re-use, recycling and composting), many communities and institutions around the world have made significant progress towards Zero Waste.
Moving beyond the "waste management" system to "Zero Waste" requires a fundamental paradigm shift in how society relates to materials. Piles of waste are no longer seen as an inevitable burden to be burned or buried. Zero Waste combines changes in production processes and products to prevent waste at source with systems to recover those materials which are discarded. This approach prevents pollution, conserves natural resources and invests in local economic development. While we recognize that communities can not eliminate waste overnight, Zero Waste provides a vision, a direction and a goal to guide materials and waste management decisions.
A comprehensive Zero Waste approach embodies the precautionary principle throughout. Since materials production and disposal both pose environmental burdens, precautionary action is prioritized over risk management at every point in the materials-waste stream. Rather than debating the comparative risks of burning or burying waste or seeking regulatory systems to manage toxic risks, a Zero Waste approach designs toxics and waste out of the system preventing it from ever becoming waste.
Learning Objectives:
Related Web page: www.no-burn.org
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.