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 critical role of the Zero Waste Hierarchy in shaping sustainable waste management policies. Titled "In Our Opinion: Policy leaders should embrace the Zero Waste Hierarchy," the article serves as a pivotal call to action for policymakers to adopt this framework for more strategic and sustainable decision-making.

The op-ed discusses the updated Zero Waste Hierarchy (Version 8.1), which introduces refined definitions, stronger ethical guidance, and a heightened focus on prevention and equity. These updates are the culmination of insights from zero-waste leaders and organizations globally, showcasing a unified approach to systemic change. Kaminski highlights the significance of this publication, stating, "This piece is a call to action for policy leaders to strengthen their commitment to upstream prevention and embrace frameworks that create lasting, positive change for the environment and our economy."

The Zero Waste Hierarchy is designed to guide policymakers, businesses, and individuals beyond the traditional 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), prioritizing actions that foster a circular economy. It stands as a key tool for developing Zero Waste strategies, aiming for a sustainable future. For those interested in delving deeper into the op-ed, it is available on the Resource Recycling website, and more information on the Zero Waste Hierarchy can be found at zwia.org.

This publication not only underscores the growing influence of the Zero Waste Hierarchy but also reinforces the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable waste management solutions. The op-ed is a testament to the dedication of the zero-waste community and its leaders, like Kaminski and Liss, in advocating for policies that prioritize environmental and economic sustainability.