Every movement needs a celebration to mark its progression, and the zero-waste movement is no different. However, with education and awareness among the core objectives of waste reduction, the internationally-acclaimed Zero Waste Week is much more than a moment to reflect on goals achieved—it is, in fact, an indispensable tool in the fight against waste and our existing “take, make, trash” oriented systems.
Here, we explore what this weeklong celebration of waste reduction is all about and what you can do to get involved.
What is Zero Waste Week?
Zero Waste Week is an award-winning campaign that was founded in 2008 by sustainability consultant Rachelle Strauss. It takes a non-commercial, grass-roots approach to raise awareness about the environmental impact of our waste using a variety of online and real-world events and platforms.
Source: zerowastebloggersnetwork.com
Throughout the week, the campaign encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to be part of the solution by learning to reduce, reuse, recycle, and repurpose waste through education and innovative ideas. This is fuelled by a committed zero-waste community and a collection of Ambassadors that write about and engage with businesses and consumers committed to the cause.
Originally launched as a UK-based campaign, today, Zero Waste Week’s reach has spread to 76 countries, with information on each country taking part found on the Zero Waste International Page. Additionally, through its social media platforms, participants connect with each other from around the world to share ideas on how to further the zero-waste movement through various initiatives and ideas.
When is Zero Waste Week?
Each year, the campaign is scheduled for the first full week of September, and this year, Zero-Waste Week 2021 takes place between the 6th and 10th of September. During Zero Waste Week newsletters are sent each day to those who’ve signed up, with new content regularly created and distributed through the blog and on social media.
Newsletters and blog content are also created throughout the year, and since zero waste is a journey and not a destination, this continuous support helps to keep the momentum flowing in the fight against all types of waste.
Which Other Campaigns are Affiliated with Zero Waste Week?
Zero Waste Week has been adopted by numerous campaigns and organizations over the years, including:
- National Marine Sanctuaries
- Zero Waste Week London
- Zero Waste Scotland
- Northern California Recycling Association (NCRA)
- Harvard University
- Hong Kong Cleanup
- Zero Waste International Alliance
- New York University (nyulocal)
- The Hong Kong Economic Journal (ejinsight)
How Can I Get Involved with Zero Waste Week?
Online and real-world events are announced on the homepage and through newsletters which you can sign up for here. Additionally, Zero-Waste Week, and the wider movement, encourage individuals and businesses to branch out and begin their own zero-waste initiatives.
Source: zerowasteweek.co.uk
To further this idea, the website offers a range of educational and promotional materials available in its online shop. These range from simple zero-waste recipe books through zero-waste guides for schools and other education establishments to promotional and educational waste reduction materials for businesses.
Zero-Waste Week also accepts donations from supporters to help reach more people across the world and inspire them to think differently about waste and adopt more circular habits that actively reduce waste in all areas of society.
For more information on Zero Waste Week, visit the homepage and connect with their social media platforms. Additionally, for more information on what you or your business can do for Zero Waste Week in your city, waste reduction tips & tricks, and a broad range of other zero-waste ideas, check out our blog here or contact us today.