The concept of life without waste is not new. In fact, it is how our societies used to function in the past. Our grandparents and parents probably remember returning milk bottles to the local dairy or using reusable bags, containers and jars in the kitchen and grocery store. They understand the concept of zero waste and may even wonder just when our wasteful practices became the norm.

Many of the fundamental concepts behind zero waste can be traced back centuries, if not millennia. However, there are some notable differences and developments that have ensured that the concept of Zero Waste fits in with modern levels of consumption, population growth and the pace of our lives.