Zero-Waste
The single-use plastic problem
We already know that plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose. A product with such a lifespan, mass-produced for single use, only creates problems.
Luckily, different projects in the world are trying to clean up the mess we created. At Bambaw we want to tackle the issue at the source and offer zero-waste swaps that do not contribute to the plastic problem in the first place.
What is zero-waste?
Since the invention of mass-produced plastic in the 1950’s, a throw-away culture has evolved in which obsolescence and single-use are serving the best interests of corporations. In this throw-away culture it is normal for a single-use item to be used for 10 minutes but to remain on earth for hundreds of years.
60 years later, litter is everywhere to be found, wildlife is suffocating on plastic waste and countries do not know how to dispose of their trash anymore. There are so many types of plastic that recycling programs aren’t effective and can only deal with 9% of the problem.
Zero-waste is a lifestyle that aims to reduce the waste generated on earth. It offers the simplest solution to pollution by tackling the plastic problem at its source.
Zero-waste is rethinking the way we consume to avoid using products that will remain on earth for hundreds of years, after being used for only 10 minutes.
The zero-waste movement is about finding beauty in simplicity. About doing more with less and refocussing on what is essential. The movement is made of a community of change makers who all take small steps towards sustainability. Together we go step by step towards a world with less waste. Join the journey. Aim for progress, not perfection.
What are zero-waste swaps?
Zero-waste swaps are alternatives to reduce the waste generated from single-use items. Swaps exist everywhere, whether it is in the kitchen, the office, the bathroom there is always a possible swap around.
Swaps come with three main advantages:
- Swaps generate the least amount of waste possible.
- Swaps usually do a better job than their wasteful counterpart.
- Swaps save you money on the long run as they are reusable.
We design zero-waste swaps to be reusable, recyclable and/or compostable.
Have a look at our zero-waste swaps.

Zero-waste partners
About 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic ² have already been created since the mass production of plastic in the fifties. This is equivalent to how much 822.000 Eiffel Towers would weigh. Out of the 8.3 billion metric tons, 6.3 billion metric tons has become plastic waste. Those billions metric tons of trash still have an unknown impact on nature. Understanding the problem is crucial to create a waste-free world. From knowledge comes caring.
At Bambaw we fund research campaigns to ensure that we can grasp the consequences of waste on our environment quicker.
Our research and awareness partners are: 5gyres and the Plastic Soup Foundation.

5gyres does research, educates and lobbies for a radical decrease of plastic pollution. Several legislations such as the American Microbead-Free Waters Act, signed by former president Barack Obama, were made possible by 5gyres among other organisations.

The Dutch foundation campaigns for clean-ups and less waste production to save the oceans. The organisation got its name from Charles Moore who researched plastic in the water and framed the term ‘plastic soup’.