Maybe it’s too late. Maybe Oahu has been locked into the "burn or bury" syndrome for too long, but there is another option.

It would take a bit of work, a real commitment to the environment and a willingness to change — but communities across the country, businesses large and small, and nations around the world are moving in a new direction — adopting the principles of "zero waste."

Zero waste is a set of policies and goals based on the concept of "waste as a resource."

It is part of a sustainable solution for our islands’ economy by conserving resources rather than throwing them away, by investing in a zero waste infrastructure, rather than pouring money into huge landfills or incinerators.

Waste is not seen as "waste" but as resource. Instead of managing waste, we will manage resources and strive to eliminate it. This will change the way we view the materials and products we consume each day.

Zero waste is a design principle where instead of buying, using then throwing away, we focus on:

» Reducing. Not creating waste in the first place — reducing consumption, minimizing packaging, buying in bulk, buying longer-lasting durable goods.

» Reusing. Finding another home for things no longer wanted or needed, or finding new uses for things.

» Recycling. Turning discards into new products.

What zero waste is not is a simplistic solution to a complex problem. It’s not something that someone else can do for you. zero waste is not about getting to zero. It is about being on the path to zero.

Oahu already has most of the basic elements of a zero waste management system in place (though it could use a system to manage hard-to-recycle material). The city just needs to expand capacity and effectiveness, and fully support reduction and diversion efforts. Some policy issues to be addressed:

» A residential "pay as you throw" system: incentivizing recycling by charging more for the more trash thrown away.

» Expanding business recycling: Requiring businesses to have a recycling plan.

» Initiating a construction demolition diversion program: Many mainland communities now require diversion plans as part of the building permit process.

» Developing a statewide extended producer responsibility program. Also called product stewardship, this approach holds producers liable for the costs of responsibly managing their products at end of life.

The concept of zero waste management is spreading across the country: numerous communities have adopted Zero Waste, including California, Colorado, Arkansas, North Carolina and Vermont. Business such as Honda, Toyota, Xerox, Pillsbury, Hewlett Packard and Fetzer Vineyards have embraced zero waste policies and are saving money.

In Hawaii, zero waste is the sustainable and economical solution to our islands’ solid waste problems.