There is now more trash than people inhabiting our planet. We don’t need statistics to warn us about the threat of excessive garbage production; we face its dire consequences daily through the polluted air we breathe, clogged waterways, and rising temperatures from its emissions. 

While individual waste may seem insignificant, multiplied by billions of people, it collectively burdens the Earth with a disturbing consequence — piles of trash that end up in mismanaged landfills. 

Nonetheless, an online community seeks to address the escalating waste dilemma by promoting a zero-waste lifestyle, offering a spark of hope to the otherwise alarming issues that our environment has to face.

Sustainability one trash at a time 

Zero waste entails producing little to no waste to prevent excess garbage. This can be achieved by adopting a sustainable mindset — repurposing discarded items to extend their value for as long as possible.

In 2017, Buhay Zero-Waste launched its Facebook group with the goal of reducing daily waste production. This community shares eco-friendly tips and ideas for public use, from properly disposing of items like styrofoam and old furniture to where one should drop off plastic and e-waste for recycling. 

To illustrate, one member posted photos of upcycled plastic products by The Plastic Flamingo, a social enterprise aiming to tackle pollution, to encourage the donation of clean plastic waste. Pictures of egg racks and paper bags were also uploaded for recycling.

So, before you toss your waste into the bin, embrace the concept of BZW, where one’s trash can be a treasure for others. 

Dumpster diving made online 

Buhay Zero-Waste Preloved, BZW's affiliate, was established in 2018 to promote sustainable practices and connect those wanting to dispose of unwanted items with people who can use or repurpose them. All items in this group are free.

"This community aims to become a platform for online dumpster diving for people to be able to donate or give away personal belongings. The community was created in the hopes that people would send less trash to landfills," the group said. 

Some items up for donation include used books, clothes, shoes, pants, phone cases, mattress foams, old magazines, wine bottles, and assorted wood. 

For the Earth to be habitable in the decades, we must consume more with less by buying only what we need and repurposing "trash" for a sustainable planet; otherwise, we risk losing our shared home. This principle should guide us in our journey to zero-waste living: Waste will become waste only if you let it.