Is a zero waste utopia within reach?

In a society where over-consumption is normalised, imagining a world of zero waste can be challenging. But we must do so if we are to meet net zero, reverse the decline in our natural environment and reduce water stress.

Keeping precious materials in use longer through a circular economy is key to reducing the impact of material extraction. The UK is a high user of virgin material: over 90%, or one billion tonnes per annum, is from virgin sources. We can and must do better.

Material use is intricately linked to greenhouse gas emissions; better understanding, measuring and ultimately reducing those emissions associated with the ‘stuff’ we buy is part of the journey we must accelerate.

We need to look for opportunities to change what and how we consume – whether it’s through individually or collectively making informed choices about the products we purchase, looking for ways to support ethnical supply chains, the standards of buildings we want for our communities, the transport choices available, and how and where we invest our time and money.

Remember, it only takes 25% of the population to start making societal change; local authorities have been leading, and will continue to lead, the charge.

The need to be bolder

While the last decade has seen an increase in community-led refill, reuse and repair, we need to be bolder: imagine your future zero waste community, where we have shifted from ownership to leasing, renting and sharing.

Standardised refill packaging is the default, and our grocery stores are filled with local seasonal produce. Food poverty is a thing of the past as surplus is redistributed, and fuel poverty is replaced with smart local renewable energy systems and energy-efficient homes. The green economy is thriving with socially inclusive sustainable economic growth and connected communities living in clean, resilient and green urban landscapes.

Delivering this vision has already started but more work is needed – join Local Partnerships at the Local Government Association conference on Tuesday 22 October in the Innovation Zone, where we will be discussing our free GHG Accounting Tool and Waste Emissions Calculator, and on Wednesday 23 October at our workshop on the role of local authorities in building a zero-waste society of the future.

Click here to find out more.