Frequently Asked Questions

As an affiliate of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), we hold to this peer-reviewed internationally accepted definition of Zero Waste: 

“Zero Waste: The conservation of all resources by means of 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.” – ZWIA

As we see, by following zero waste principles, companies design products so that they are used according to the principle of highest and best use. This is so that resources are conserved and nothing is sent to landfill or for incineration.

Additionally, Race to Zero Waste recognizes that zero waste lifestyles and policies can not be implemented without special regard to social equity and environmental justice issues. Our zero waste movement has compassion and understanding that we are often bound by circumstances in our ability to participate. Whatever your circumstances, know that taking any action that is accessible to you is a step forward to show that we, as a society, are ready for systemic change.

#ZeroWasteMonth is an annual campaign put on by Race to Zero Waste. During Zero Waste Month, we turn the Race to Zero Waste into a SPRINT! Join in and make an extra effort, try something new in your journey toward zero waste, and share on social media! 

Throughout #ZeroWasteMonth, we highlight expert voices and advocacy groups that are advancing the zero waste mission. We also discuss equity and accessibility concerns within the zero waste movement.

Each week during Zero Waste Month, we focus on a theme to guide the conversation and provide some ideas. During each weekly theme (see below ‘What are the weekly themes?’) we share educational content and starter tips, we dive a little deeper with expert interviews, and we ask participants to share their experiences and get involved in their community!

To participate in this social campaign, share your zero waste actions on social media using the hashtag #ZeroWasteMonth! Invite your friends and community to join 

We kick off Zero Waste Month on October 1st, a day filled with excitement as it marks the beginning of our efforts. It brings us joy to acknowledge the United Nations' declaration of March 30th as the International Day of Zero Waste. We honor both occasions, celebrating on March 30th and October 1st. Let us take proactive measures to minimize waste throughout the month of October, embracing #ZeroWasteMonth.

Zero Waste Month (formally Zero Waste Action Month) was started by Teresa Bradley, founding member of Race to Zero Waste in 2019. Here goal was to highlight a simple global social media campaign that was accessible to a wider audience to reduce waste. In the Northern Hemisphere much consumption takes place as it leads up to holidays and in the Southern Hemisphere consumption takes place with events, festivals, and backyard barbeques. 

The metaphorical Race to Zero Waste is an ultra-marathon. During Zero Waste Month, we turn the race into a SPRINT! #ZeroWasteMonth is a global grassroots campaign that coalesces actions and ideas in order to encourage each other to dig a little deeper and make an extra effort! In the northern hemisphere much consumption takes place as it leads up to holidays and in the southern hemisphere consumption takes place with events, festivals, and backyard barbeques. 

Each post inspires us with ideas and initiatives that we can support or begin to implement in our own communities and brings new people into the zero waste movement. Since we know there can be fluctuations in our motivation to keep going or to try out new things, #ZeroWasteMonth is for sharing your efforts and getting excited about collective action!

It’s easy! To participate in this global social campaign, signup on our homepage for weekly updates and share your zero waste actions on social media using the hashtag #ZeroWasteMonth! Don’t forget to tag us @racetozerowaste on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn! Invite your friends and community to join the SPRINT!

We believe the future of Zero Waste is an equitable circular economy, where no one is excluded! 

By participating in #ZeroWasteMonth, you are helping to make it clear that the public (that’s all of us!) is shifting our perspective away from a consumer society to one that is conscientious of our resource use and how it affects other communities around the world. This shift in public opinion is what informs businesses and politicians that they need to start making changes!