Launch Zero Waste Oregon
Zero Waste Oregon has the potential to make Oregon the leading state in achieving sustainability ways that support the economy and generate new companies and new jobs. Oregon businesses have already demonstrated successful zero waste outcomes. For example, Nike recently released a new Corporate Responsibility report, noting that sustainability is the key to growth and innovation. Part of Nike’s vision is “reaching a closed-loop business model where the goal is to achieve zero waste in the supply chain and have products and materials that can continuously reused – no pre or post consumer waste.” Recently Nike manufactured shirts for nine World Cup teams out of recycled plastic bottles, diverting millions of plastic bottles from landfill and using a third less energy, one example of the positive impact zero waste approaches can have on the economy and the environment.
Zero Waste Oregon could be structured with a lead NGO to create the framework, invite participation, manage projects, and provide infrastructure and administrative support. Part of the funds could be used to support a collaborative effort among NGOs and other stakeholders to invite those already engaged in zero waste efforts to participate;to identify new initiatives; to provide public education and awareness about zero waste approaches; and to provide training to stakeholders from all sectors. Part of the funds could be used to create an Oregon Zero Waste Fund, which could be guided by the lead NGO and/or the collaborative group, to provide incentives and direct support through small grants. A version of this approach has been successfully piloted in New Zealand, the first country to set a national zero waste goal, where small grants were made to cities that passed a Zero Waste plan and goal. Zero Waste Oregon has the potential to meaningfully engage Oregonians in effectively addressing the most pressing problems of our time and helping to achieve a more sustainable society.
Cheyenne Chapman
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