Zero waste lifestyle: The necessity of bringing it back

The saying "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors we borrow it from our children" originates, from Native American culture. This quote tells us the importance of preserving the environment. It Sheds light on why more people are embracing the zero -waste lifestyle. According to the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), zero waste is described as conserving all resources by producing, consuming, reusing and recovering goods, packaging and materials without incinerating or releasing any substances into the air, water or land that could pose risks to human health or nature. A zero-waste lifestyle's main goal is to cut down on the quantity of waste dumped in landfills, which exacerbates global warming and climate change. By following this way of living we can mitigate impact on the environment, support biodiversity, encourage sustainable practices and maintain a healthy balance in ecosystems. Striving for zero waste can aid in preserving resources extending the lifespan of items that can be recycled or reused, decreasing landfill waste accumulation and reducing carbon emissions released into our surroundings.

India generates 62 million tonnes of waste per year with only 43 million tons are collected, and the rest ends up untreated or in landfills. By the time we reach 2030, global economy based on fast-shifting consumerism will have resulted to about 165000000 tons of municipal solid waste. On July 28, 2023, the world encountered its first Plastic Overshoot Day as documented by Switzerland-based research consultancy Earth Action (EA). This is when the number of plastics exceeds the capacity for worldwide waste management. As per this report, twelve countries that include India contribute to over half of total global mismanaged plastic wastes. The Mismanaged Waste Index (MWI) determines a country’s Plastic Overshoot Day. According to a recent study conducted by EA, India is ranked fourth in MWI with approximately 98.55% mishandled litter from total quantity generated annually. The country also fails woefully in relation to managing plastics made out of trash.

There are two different types of economic models – linear economy and circular economy.

Traditional business model buys goods, uses them and then discards; that is the linear economy. It is an "extract-make-dispose" system with no recycling or reusing in mind. The exploitation of natural resources that happens under a linear economy often comes at a cost to the environment and society without any limits on both its ability to renew itself or regenerate (Ellen Macarthur Foundation 2012). On the contrary, in circular economy, one can reuse, fix and recycle materials as well as products attempting to cut waste and minimize its negative effects on the environment and society. The main objective of a circular economy is to increase or maintain product value in all stages of its life cycle. The four Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, and recover—are the fundamentals of the circular economy. By making durable goods easier to recycle and repair, new avenues for economic development open up while fostering creativity.  India had a circulation economy long before it was colonized or industrialized or urbanized; it must return back to such sustainable practices.

• Take into account the following actions to cut waste:

1. Dispose away single-use items such as paper and plastic cutlery, straws, and bottles. Invest on reusable items instead of buying new plastic bottles, such as metal silverware or linen napkins

2. Keep a trash journal to track down waste sources and improve your waste management techniques.

3. Recycle by shipping used goods to facilities or finding new uses for them.

4. Shop at thrift stores for used apparel and home items that can be upcycled into practical products.

5. Put everyday objects like cloth bags, bed linens, and Mason jars to new uses.

6. Compost food waste to provide organic nourishment free of hazardous methane by-products, such as eggshells or fruit peels.

7. Use reusable tote bags for fruits and vegetables; carry your own containers for meat. 

8. Make the switch to rechargeable batteries for electronics to reduce waste from plastic packaging and save money. 

9. Join a zero-waste community; communities all around the world have effectively adopted this way of life. These groups can provide knowledge and encouragement to assist you in adopting a zero-waste lifestyle.

   
   

In India, there are still traces of life before plastic: tea is served in glass cups on the street, fruits and vegetables are purchased at markets and placed in cloth bags, water is stored in ceramic jugs to be shared from a shared cup, and rice, biscuits, and dried fruit are sold in large quantities. Food and snacks are kept in metal tiffin boxes. Reiterating the maxim "reduce, reuse, recycle" and practicing consumer awareness are necessary to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle.

By,

Anvita Kadam,

III BA LLB

ILS Law College, Pune.