HSR Zero Waste President Advocates for Zero Waste Hierarchy in Industry Publication

The recent op-ed co-authored by Jamie Kaminski, President of HSR Zero Waste, and Gary Liss, vice-chair of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), in Resource Recycling magazine, brings to light the evolving significance of the Zero Waste Hierarchy in environmental policy. Titled "In Our Opinion: Policy leaders should embrace the Zero Waste Hierarchy," the article serves as a pivotal discussion on the necessity for governmental and institutional adoption of the Hierarchy to foster sustainable waste management practices.

Kaminski expressed pride in the feature, highlighting it as a recognition of the collective efforts within the zero-waste community. The op-ed not only celebrates the publication of their work in a revered industry magazine but also acts as a clarion call for policymakers to prioritize upstream prevention and sustainable frameworks. This approach is deemed essential for generating long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Central to the op-ed is the discussion on the updated Zero Waste Hierarchy (Version 8.1), which introduces refined definitions, enhanced ethical guidelines, and a stronger focus on prevention and equity. These updates, as detailed in the article, are the culmination of global insights from zero-waste advocates, showcasing a unified direction towards impactful systemic change. For those interested in delving deeper into the subject, the full op-ed can be accessed here, or by visiting the Resource Recycling website.

The Zero Waste Hierarchy, as outlined in the article, offers a comprehensive framework for preventing waste, recovering materials, and managing resources sustainably. It extends beyond the conventional 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to advocate for actions that propel the transition towards a circular economy. This framework is instrumental for policymakers, businesses, and individuals alike, serving as a cornerstone for developing strategies that align with zero-waste objectives and sustainability goals. Further information on the Zero Waste Hierarchy is available at zwia.org.