According to the Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste Initiative, “In a zero waste economy, product development conserves natural resources, product design leads to reuse, repair, recycling or composting, and all discards become assets that benefit the people, the planet and the local economy. Reaching zero waste–commonly defined as achieving a 90% waste diversion rate–is a long-term goal that will require collaboration amongst all parties: consumers, businesses, government, non-profit organizations and institutions.” Read the next issue of Routes for more details about transitioning to a zero waste economy, municipal and
corporate leaders in the field, and how all of this trash talk applies to you and Athens. Can’t wait that long to learn more? Check out these links: http://www.ilsr.org/initiatives/zero-waste-and-economicdevelopment/ http://www.me.mtu.edu/~jwsuther/ Publications/50_Kumar_ASME_05.pdf http://www.athenshockingrecycle.org/downloads/Precycle% 20facts.pdf
Sources: http://www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/municipal/pubs/msw07-rpt.pdf http://www.athenshockingrecycle.org/downloads/Solid%20Waste% 20Plan%20Approved.pdf http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/39000.html http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/elephant http://ruralaction.org/programs/zerowaste/zero-waste-inititativeresources/#zw economy
Who is AOZWI? The Appalachia Ohio Zero Waste Initiative (AOZWI) collaborates with communities to build local wealth and environmental health by increasing waste diversion and supporting the development of a zero waste economy. This approach to resource management that conserves, repurposes, and recycles what otherwise would be buried or burnt, into valuable assets that contribute to environmental, economic and social well-being. AOZWI uses a value chain approach, a systematic way of connecting players in the recycling supply chain to move the sector forward together. AOZWI is coordinated by Rural Action in partnership with the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University, and is funded by the Sugar Bush Foundation.
What are they doing?
Increasing rural access to recycling and education Working to improve recycling infrastructure Supporting recycling businesses Organizing and giving voice to community members
Become part of the action: Visit http://ruralaction.org/get-involved/volunteer/ or email volunteer@ruralaction.org to explore unique internships based on your major and areas of expertise. AOZWI also offers volunteer opportunities including dump site clean-ups and assisting with zero waste events like the Nelsonville Music Festival and Pawpaw Festival! Professors, peer leaders, and student organizations can also request more engagement and learning opportunities for classes and small groups. AOZWI Contact Information: Website: www.ruralaction.org/zerowaste Email: zerowaste@ruralaction.org Phone: 740-677-4047 14