How We Work
Cities, towns, counties, and states across the country are working to implement cutting edge Zero Waste policies. In doing so, they are proving that Zero Waste programs protect public health and the environment, save money, and create local jobs. This momentum, and the examples set by communities, advocates, and lawmakers throughout the country, form the foundation of Just Zero’s work. We study the progress being made and work new ideas and lessons into the legislative toolkits, draft bills, policy recommendations, and educational resources that we create. And we work together with communities to avoid the pitfalls and corporate misinformation we’ve seen derail progress in some places.
Our Approach
Just Zero partners with community groups, environmental organizations, grassroots leaders, and lawmakers across the country to implement just and equitable solutions to climate-damaging and toxic production, consumption, and waste disposal practices. We prioritize a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to help shut down dangerous waste facilities and advance the right policy solutions to reduce and divert waste.
Education
We use conversations, written and visual resources, and educational events to spread awareness about Zero Waste initiatives and to push back against dangerous false solutions to our waste crisis.
Policy
We draft legislation, review proposals, work with lawmakers and advocates to support nation-leading Zero Waste proposals, and advocate before regulatory agencies faced with important waste-related decisions.
Community Engagement
We work directly with community groups, grassroots organizations, and coalitions to give them the tools and resources to protect their environment and blaze their own Zero Waste trails.
We back community-centered solutions
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to enacting sensible and effective Zero Waste solutions. Communities have their own Zero Waste priorities and know the political realities of their area. We work alongside local groups to support the solutions that they know are most appropriate for their city, town, and state.
Bottle Bills
Help consistently reduce litter, raise recycling rates, and generate green jobs.
Food Waste Policies
Eliminate most food waste and compost any scraps that remain.
Greenwashing Policies
Hold companies accountable for their environmental claims.
Local Resistance
Partnering with communities to oppose polluting waste facilities and practices.
Packaging Policies
Require companies to redesign products to be reusable and less toxic.
Policy Protections
Ban or limit toxic practices like landfilling, incineration, and spreading sludge.
Public Awareness
Exposes the toxic lies that fuel the waste industry’s attacks on your community.
Single-Use Bans
Target needless items that can be replaced with reusable alternatives.
Solid Waste Plans
Tools to completely re-evaluate your community’s relationship with waste.
Partnering with Communities
We know that Zero Waste solutions start at the local level. When invited to join a local or state effort as national Zero Waste experts, we follow the community’s lead and work to support their campaigns to stop polluting waste facilities or advance policies that reduce waste, improve recycling, and protect public health and the environment.
