Sustainable values
- Details
- Written by Beverly Saunders Beverly Saunders
- Category: Sustainable Values Sustainable Values
- Published: 11 April 2013 11 April 2013
Until now, there was no formal way for businesses to be recognized for achieving Zero Waste according to consistent standards. To address this growing need, Zero Waste Canada (ZWC) has established Canada’s first Zero Waste Business Recognition Program in collaboration with Zero Waste International Alliance.
On March 20, 2013 the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) Board of Directors approved ZWC as their National Affiliate for the ZWIA ZW Business Recognition Program.
ZWIA’s Recognition Program for Zero Waste Businesses provides a framework to recognize businesses operating in their country that meet ZWIA’s definition of Zero Waste and its Zero Waste Business Principles. The program is designed to recognize businesses that have a Zero Waste goal and have reduced their waste to landfill, incineration or the environment by 90% or more. This Program is a stepping stone to ZWIA approved certification programs for Zero Waste Businesses.
Our Zero Waste definition is the first to be peer-reviewed and internationally accepted, and it states: “Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient and visionary, to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them.Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health.”
ZWC is the sole organization in Canada authorized by ZWIA, to recognize businesses that have adopted a Zero Waste goal and have reduced their waste to landfill, incineration or the environment by 90 percent or more. ZWC is also determined to restore Canada’s status as an environmentally progressive nation.
About Zero Waste Canada
Zero Waste Canada is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to educating, advocating and demonstrating how to eliminate waste to conserve resources and protect environmental and human health.
For more information contact Erich Schwartz at: +1.604.790.1490 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.