TIMES RECORD • August 31, 2021
The ultimate goal is zero waste, which the Zero Waste Alliance defines as the “responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products, packaging and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water or air that threaten the environment or human health.” The first step is to simply reduce consumption. After that, select recyclable or compostable products. If we chip away at it and consider the solid waste hierarchy of reduce, reuse, recycle (or compost), waste-to-energy, and only then using a landfill whenever we make a purchase or disposal decision, we will be well on our way to a better, and cleaner environment. ~ Harry Hopcroft