“If you are not for Zero Waste, how much waste are you for?”
The Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 brought together global sustainability leaders, policymakers, and innovators to advance the collective mission toward a circular, waste-free future. Representing Zero Waste Canada, our President Jamie Kaminski attended the forum as an official partner. He reflected on the forum as an extraordinary opportunity to connect with global leaders and witness the movement’s progress firsthand.
Jamie was inspired by the enthusiasm and collaboration of participants, from established Zero Waste pioneers to emerging voices from around the world. He noted that while the forum highlighted Türkiye’s leadership in advancing Zero Waste initiatives, it also reinforced the international scope of the movement and the critical role that communities and organizations play in driving systemic change.
The forum reaffirmed the Zero Waste Hierarchy 8.1, developed by the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA), as the guiding framework for global Zero Waste policies and definitions. This milestone strengthens global alignment on what “Zero Waste” truly means by prioritizing prevention, reuse, and systemic solutions over disposal. Speakers emphasized that achieving Zero Waste requires addressing the root causes of waste and pollution while ensuring that economic and social systems make sustainability accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
Across all sessions, participants and leading voices agreed that Zero Waste is not simply a waste management goal but a commitment to systemic change. It addresses the root causes of waste and pollution while protecting both human and environmental health.
HSR Zero Waste works closely with Zero Waste Canada as part of a shared commitment to advancing the Zero Waste movement. Through ongoing collaboration on event and facility certification initiatives, both organizations continue to strengthen Canada’s leadership in building sustainable and circular systems.
As the forum concluded, one question resonated deeply across all discussions:
“If you are not for Zero Waste, how much waste are you for?” Elena Mateo, Zero Waste Costa Rica
This sentiment captures the urgency and clarity the movement needs as we collectively push forward. HSR Zero Waste celebrates this global collaboration and remains dedicated to driving measurable impact through education, certification, and community action.
Learn more about Global Zero Waste Forum 2025 at globalzerowasteforum.org
About Zero Waste Canada (ZWC)
Zero Waste Canada (ZWC) is the Canadian national affiliate of the Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) ZWC connects local initiatives with global standards to promote responsible resource use and sustainable waste reduction.
Through education, advocacy, and certification programs, ZWC supports communities, governments, and organizations in transitioning toward systems that prioritize waste prevention, resource recovery, and circular economy solutions. The organization’s mission is to advance Zero Waste practices across Canada by promoting the Zero Waste Hierarchy, reducing reliance on landfills and incineration, and ensuring materials are used to their highest and best purpose. Learn more at zerowastecanada.ca
About HSR Zero Waste
HSR Zero Waste is a leading environmental consulting firm specializing in Zero Waste strategies, waste diversion, and sustainability education. Serving businesses, communities, and organizations, HSR Zero Waste is dedicated to helping clients achieve their environmental goals through innovative, tailored solutions.
As an official certification support partner for Zero Waste Canada, HSR Zero Waste helps organizations navigate the process for Zero Waste Canada Facility Certification and Event Certification, offering guidance and education to ensure a smooth, effective certification journey. This collaboration enables organizations to achieve credible and measurable sustainability results. Learn more at hsrzerowaste.com
About the Global Zero Waste Forum
The Global Zero Waste Forum is a pivotal international gathering dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy worldwide.
Bringing together a global coalition of city leaders, policymakers, industry innovators, and community partners, the Forum drives tangible, systemic action toward a world without waste. Hosted in collaboration with UN partners, the event focuses on transforming policy into practice, scaling innovative solutions, and mobilizing finance for local, inclusive initiatives. The Forum's mission is to rethink consumption and production systems and solidify a collective international commitment to the core principles of Zero Waste. Learn more at globalzerowasteforum.org
