Waste Strategy
Introduction
In the UK we still create far too much waste which goes directly into landfill. Recycling is important but not the whole answer, we need to look at our lifestyles and find ways to reduce our production of waste in the first place.
Recycling
Recycling points are available on all ZED sites, but are subject to the local boroughs waste collection programs. Some boroughs are happy to collect all recyclable wastes others only collect specifics such as paper and glass.
‘Reduc-yling’
However we promote the approach of reducing waste production in the first place. This is done by encouraging local deliveries of fresh produce and dried goods which come in minimal brown paper packaging and kitchens designed to accept packaging free goods, for example glass storage jars can be used to store dry produce instead of plastic packs. Brown paper can then be torn up and used as a bulker for compostable materials. We can also encourage residents to use a purpose made shopping bags instead of endless disposable plastic bags.
Composting
In all ZEDfactory schemes we encourage some sort of home cultivation. What better way to recycle kitchen waste than composting, putting back into the soil what has been taken out. Composting drawers in kitchens can be accelerated with the use of Bokashi. In larger developments ‘rocket composters’ can be utilised to turn kitchen waste into usable compost in 2 weeks, which can then be used on site or collected and used elsewhere.