Is recycling really the answer to household waste? How do we eliminate microplastics from our wastewater? How do we avoid consumer goods that are designed to break? How do we stop the oceans being trashed? Towards Zero Waste offers practical tools for change in your own kitchen, on your weekly shop and around your home, as well as in the wider world. Learn how to live a circular life, recycling and upcycling your junk and turning your waste into resources and fertility.
Féidhlim Harty explores how and why we need to go zero waste, firstly looking at where waste currently goes, and revealing the hidden world of food and product miles and embodied energy. He shares how to reduce waste room by room, at events, parties, during our travels, and at work.
Having minimised waste for over two decades, Féidhlim and his family share their clever ideas to eliminate junk, buy wisely, free yourself from useless packaging, reduce not only your eco footprint but your household bills, compost all biodegradables, and reuse, repair and reroute. They share five simple steps to zero waste and inspire us to be active and push for change.
There is a hunger now within society to address the root causes of plastic waste, right back to the point of oil and gas extraction. People want no part in adding to plastics in the oceans or spreading microplastics into our water, soils and food. Nor do they want to be subjected to the cynical betrayal of consumer built-in obsolescence. Patience with government policy and corporate greenwashing is wearing thin. Towards Zero Waste offers clear guidance for anyone wanting to actively be part of the solutions and not the problems in the world.
Feidhlim Harty is a writer and director of an environmental consultancy company specialising in reed bed system design and other eco-friendly sewage options. He is the author of three other titles, including Permaculture Guide to Reed Beds; a how-to manual for DIY reed beds and constructed wetland systems.
"Towards Zero Waste is my new bible! Whether you've just started your journey to living with less plastic or have been a zero-waste geek for years, this book is a treasure. Packed full of well-researched and well-lived advice it s taught me new things, honed my commitment and – most importantly – inspired me to act!"
– Natalie Fee, author of How to Save the World for Free and founder of City to Sea
"This book summarises remarkably the impacts of our wasteful consumption! It is a powerful source of inspiration on your journey towards zero waste, an invitation to create change and to become a mindful consumer. It should be kept to hand to access its goldmine of information at any time, for the love of planet earth and all living beings."
– Tristram Stuart, author of Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal and founder of ecological charity Feedback
"Whether you have just begun your endeavour towards a more zero waste life or you have been at it for years and are looking to step up your game, this is the book for you. This book has the ability to help us all live in better alignment with our earth and to live with greater health, happiness, and purpose."
– Rob Greenfield, activist and author of Dude Making a Difference