Zero-waste is a growing movement that aims to reduce waste production, promote sustainable consumption, and preserve the environment. From small-scale initiatives to large-scale projects, there are several inspiring examples of zero-waste projects around the world. Here are 6 of the best zero-waste projects in the world:
Bornholm Island, Denmark
Bornholm is the easternmost island of Denmark located in the Baltic Sea with a permanent population of 40.000 citizens. Bornholm Island has set a goal to become a zero-waste island by 2032. The island has implemented several measures to achieve this, including a waste sorting system that eliminates landfill and incineration as waste management options. By 2032, all waste on this island will be treated as resources, and thanks to proper sorting, recycling, and new technologies, the island should succeed with the transition towards a garbage-free society.
In addition, the island has launched an education campaign to raise awareness about zero-waste practices among residents and tourists, which annually visit the island in an amount higher than 600.000.
(photo: Alamy)
Zero-waste house, Melbourne, Australia
The Zero-waste house in Melbourne is an inspiring example of how sustainable living can be achieved. 87 square meters house built by zero-waste evangelist Joost Bakker is located in one of Melbourne’s most prominent addresses on Federation Square. The house was built using recycled materials, has a solar-powered system, and uses rainwater for irrigation. “Greenhouse” operates as a self-sustaining and productive system, with all waste generated on the site being repurposed to generate energy to power the home.
In addition, the house has a composting system, an aquaponics system, a charcoal tank, a closed-loop shower, a water oxygenation system, and a vegetable garden to reduce waste and promote sustainable living. It can grow and cultivate fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish, or even mussels and snails. This zero-waste approach showcases the incredible potential that homes have not only to provide shelter but also to produce food and generate renewable energy.
Kamikatsu, Japan
Nestled in the mountains of Japan’s Shikoku island is a small town of roughly 1,500 inhabitants that is taking impressive strides toward achieving a zero-waste lifestyle. Kamikatsu made history in 2003 as Japan’s first municipality to commit to zero waste, and since then, the town has revolutionized its waste disposal practices from open-air burning to a circular system of consumption and disposal, all with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. As of now, the town has already made substantial progress, estimating that it has surpassed the 80 percent mark in its journey towards reaching its zero-waste target by 2030. The town has implemented a strict waste sorting system that requires residents to separate their waste into 45 different categories, even paper is sorted in nine various ways.
To encourage sustainable practices among its residents, the town has implemented an incentive program that rewards people with recycling points for their efforts in recycling. These points can then be redeemed for a range of eco-friendly products. The town even has its own zero-waste brewery, a thrift shop for citizens called Kuru Kuru (Round and Round), or a ride-share system, where even the mayor is signed up as a driver.