In commemoration of World Biodiversity Day, let's explore some of the ways that zero waste contributes to the conservation of species and ecosystems.
First, what's the big deal about biodiversity?
Biological diversity--biodiversity--is the sum of all the variety of living things on the planet, from the tiniest single-celled organism to a massive blue whale. We rely on biodiversity as our life-support system; from it, we get our food and water, clothing and shelter, medicines, and more.
Biodiversity shows us how life evolved to fill different niches and when one kind of life is drastically reduced, or disappears, ecosystems are thrown off-balance. Removing one species causes a domino effect whose consequences we may not anticipate.
For example, white-tailed deer have nearly become a pest in some areas of the US due to their population growth after humans killed and/or chased off its natural predators. And that's just one species; biodiversity loss is happening at such a rate that many experts hypothesize that we are in a sixth mass extinction.
Balanced biodiversity means a balanced Earth that we can continue to thrive on.
How does zero waste come into play?
Since zero waste principles are applicable to everyone and every sector, it's just a matter of looking at the consequences of reducing consumption. Think about it:
Zero waste prevents pollution
Single-use products can be harmful to wildlife and marine life when they become litter. By reducing our reliance on these products, we help safeguard healthy biodiversity. A simple example is when I take my reusable water bottle with me and refill it, I don't need a single-use bottle. Therefore, I don't risk that single-use bottle becoming litter, even if it were an accident.
On a larger scale, if industry leaders like Coca-Cola went back to a return and refill model, the potential for litter and harm to biodiversity would be notably different. A return system would be a welcome change from all the single-use bottles that are found in brand audits across the world today.
Zero waste conserves resources
By reducing consumption (and waste), we decrease the need to extract natural resources, thereby conserving at-risk ecosystems and species.
Deforestation, overfishing, and desertification are the direct result of us taking up too many finite resources. When we follow zero waste principles, reducing, rethinking, and reusing what has already been produced, resource conservation is an automatic result.
Zero waste preserves habitats
Related to conserving resources, reducing consumption by implementing zero waste reduces mining, logging, and other destructive extractive industries that uproot and displace vast swaths of forests, savannas, coasts, and other habitats.
If we can decide collectively, as a society, that we don't need so much new furniture or electronics, for example, then we don't need to cut down trees or dig up lithium. Instead, we should reuse, repurpose, and remanufacture what has already been taken from the earth, which means that all the places that would be affected by mining or logging can stay in tact.
Following zero waste principles also significantly reduces the need for landfills, which is a silly use for land when it could remain a safe home for an array plants and wildlife.
Zero waste protects ecosystem services
Biodiversity plays a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and water filtration. Zero waste practices help conserve healthy ecosystems that also help us.
Dr. Thomas Lovejoy summed it up well in speaking with the United Nations Foundation in a quote from this article: “Even though we are often oblivious to it, this diversity of life is what provides clean water, oxygen, and all other things that end up being part of our diet, as well as clothing and shelter. It provides a lot of psychological benefits too, which are not much appreciated.”
Start a zero waste habit this World Biodiversity Day
It's not only up to us as individuals, but our individual actions do add up. They demonstrate to businesses and policy makers that we are in favor of circular economy systems. Today is as good as any day to try out a waste audit, reduce what you buy online, say no to a plastic-wrapped treat, or any other action that can add to your zero waste journey!
Need inspiration? Check out our YouTube channel for deep dives, action ideas, and other zero waste examples.
