Zero Waste - Public Submissions

Reducing waste, reusing where possible, and ultimately sending zero waste to landfill.

In the UK we see waste as anything but a useful resource. When we are done with something we simply throw it away and forget about it. The One Planet vision is of a future where resources are used efficiently, waste levels are close to zero and ultimately zero waste is sent to landfill.

This means using the waste hierarchy as a management system, prioritising waste prevention first, then re-use, recycling, and composting and lastly, energy recovery, before disposal to landfill. There is a presumption of promoting resource efficiency and avoiding wasteful consumption. One Planet Communities promote recycling of waste to high value uses and fostering ‘closed loop’ recycling. Currently around 70% of household waste is able to be reused, recycled or composted, yet recycling rates are no way near this high.

To see commissioned photographer Sophie Gerrard’s response to this category click here.