Jäätmevaba

Jäätmevaba, often translated as "zero waste" in English, is a philosophy and a set of practices aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced and sent to landfill or incineration. The core principle is to redesign the way resources are used and materials are managed so that all products are reused and there is no waste. This concept goes beyond simple recycling, emphasizing the prevention of waste creation in the first place.

The zero waste movement encourages a shift towards a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. This involves a hierarchy of actions, typically starting with refusing unnecessary items, reducing consumption, reusing materials and products, repairing broken items, and only then recycling or composting as a last resort before disposal.

Practical applications of jäätmevaba include avoiding single-use items like plastic bags and disposable cups, choosing products with minimal packaging, composting organic waste, and repairing or repurposing items instead of discarding them. It also involves advocating for systemic changes in production and consumption patterns, encouraging businesses and governments to adopt more sustainable practices. The ultimate goal is to minimize the environmental impact associated with waste, conserve resources, and create a more sustainable lifestyle.