Zero Waste - the third generation resource theory
The next resource theory after recycling
This group is to explore and publicize the methods of Zero Waste as a design theory, one that obsoletes theories dependent on finding homes for discarded commodities. In simpler terms, Zero Waste makes the methods of recycling obsolete. Zero Waste goes beyond finding a few "cute" uses for unwanted products. Zero Waste asks how commodities can be redesigne ...learn more
GROUP DETAILS
Created: Jul 16, 2008
Updated: Nov 21, 2009
Membership: Open
Semi-Private
Topic: Action Plan for Activism
Posts (1 - 2 of 2)
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I found the blog piece on washing a rice bowl, thought provoking. I liked it as a metaphor for zero waste– you can find it in the document section of this group. Any thoughts on how that metaphor might work, in relationship to chemicals and your larger question of how to get greater awareness of the concept?
Maybe the "No Impact Man" might be interested in helping out? He wrote the washing the rice bowl piece. source: http://noimpactman.typepad.com/blog/2009/04/design-that-doesnt-waste.html
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These are some suggested steps that are needed to bring zero waste analysis into the mainstream:
1. Clear statement of the principles and core approaches.
Hopefully, already done
2. Intellectual adoption by a core group of activists and interested parties
How can this be fostered?
3. Financing. Grants. Contributions.
4. Creation of widening circles of awareness : newsletters, articles, video creation etc.
Unfortunately, this means coming up against devotees of recycling, but hopefully in gentle and persuasive ways which lead them to want to adopt an analysis rather than relying on mere assumptions. Some recycling operations are successful,
which means they will not change, but recycling is in a crisis now with organizations and prices collapsing.
5. Training classes for increasing the depth of the discussion.
Always with public feedback, so long as it doesn’t dilute or corrupt the core principles.
6. Setting up major presentations at environmental and business gatherings.
7. A project for product redesigns. Perhaps thru the establishment of one or more research centers. Expansion of the redesign
concept into systems and processes as well as products.
Further discussion needed: timetables, outreach, other tasks, making connections, funding, more ?...