Op-Ed Highlights Growing Influence of Zero Waste Hierarchy in Shaping Global Sustainability Efforts
In Our Opinion: Policy leaders should embrace the Zero Waste Hierarchy
Port Coquitlam, BC – Aug 6, 2025 – HSR Zero Waste is proud to announce that its President, Jamie Kaminski, has co-authored an op-ed published in Resource Recycling magazine, a leading industry publication in North America. The piece, co-written with Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) vice-chair Gary Liss, highlights the growing influence of the Zero Waste Hierarchy and the importance of policy frameworks that support it.
The op-ed, titled "In Our Opinion: Policy leaders should embrace the Zero Waste Hierarchy," underscores the need for governments and institutions to adopt the Hierarchy as a foundational tool for making more strategic and sustainable waste management decisions.
"Being featured in a publication as respected as Resource Recycling is an honor and a testament to the hard work of our team and the broader zero-waste community," said Jamie Kaminski. "This piece is a call to action for policy leaders to strengthen their commitment to upstream prevention and embrace frameworks that create lasting, positive change for the environment and our economy."
The article details the recent update to the Zero Waste Hierarchy (Version 8.1), which refines existing definitions, strengthens ethical guidance, and places a clear emphasis on prevention and equity. The co-authors note that these principles are a result of collective insight from zero-waste leaders and organizations around the world, reflecting a growing alignment on effective systems change.
Read the full op-ed here or visit the Resource Recycling website to learn more!
The Zero Waste Hierarchy provides a structured framework for waste prevention, material recovery, and sustainable resource management. Designed to guide policymakers, businesses, and individuals, it expands on the widely recognized 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) to prioritize actions that drive systemic change toward a circular economy. The Hierarchy serves as a key policy tool for developing Zero Waste strategies and fostering a more sustainable future. Learn more at zwia.org
HSR is a leading provider of expertise and solutions for facilities aiming to minimize waste generation. Established in 1988, the company began as Happy Stan’s Recycling Services Ltd. and has since expanded to offer a range of resource management solutions. HSR operates through two main divisions: HSR Services and HSR Zero Waste.
HSR Services provides hands-on recycling services and practical waste management strategies to support businesses and communities. HSR Zero Waste, its consulting division, helps organizations achieve certifications through Zero Waste Canada, LEED, BOMA, TRUE, and Green Marine, guiding them toward a sustainable future.
Learn more at happystan.com