Zero Waste for All? Sustainable Practices in a Small-Scale Zero Waste Community from a Universal Design Perspective

Anna-Sara Fagerholm, Henrik Haller, Anders Warell and Per-Olof Hedvall ()
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Anna-Sara Fagerholm: Department of Design Sciences, Lund University, LTH, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
Henrik Haller: Department of Natural Science, Design and Sustainable Development, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 852 30 Sundsvall, Sweden
Anders Warell: Department of Design Sciences, Lund University, LTH, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
Per-Olof Hedvall: Department of Design Sciences, Lund University, LTH, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-22

Abstract: Since 2003, Kamikatsu in Japan has established a sustainable zero-waste practice that has achieved a recycling rate exceeding 80%. By exploring how the community has shaped itself around the zero-waste concept, this paper aims to enhance our understanding of zero waste in practice from a universal design perspective. Interviews and photo documentation were used to gather data. The zero-waste concept was not driven by technical solutions. Instead, the results highlight what initiatives contributed to the design of the zero-waste concept. Key themes presented include fostering a lifestyle shift, changing norms, creating co-located experiences, establishing an incentive system, and developing self-awareness routines. The paper also addresses the challenges and opportunities from a universal design perspective when applying zero waste, emphasizing the importance of designing for diverse needs while promoting long-term environmental sustainability. This research contributes to the understanding of zero waste practices, combining the ecological dimension with the social dimension of sustainable development.

Keywords: zero waste; universal design; community of practice; circular design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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