Waste

Had a good time tonight at a PNDC event, our annual member meeting and social. Great people, venue (Governor Hotel), and food. The presentations were insightful, informative, and most of all, inspiring. Towards the conclusion of the evening a discussion ensued regarding waste, and how to get rid of it.

Waste is a bigger thing than what's left on the plate after you're full. Rather, it is as far reaching as the calculation of unnecessary movements to complete a task, or the fault in logic of not improving what's always been done before. There are so many ways to reduce waste, including physical, in measurements of time, or in exerted energy. All of which can be more efficiently engineered to provide a more (here it comes) sustainable existence.

We began getting rid of waste 5 years ago. Today we are probably 30% better than 5 years ago, although we have trimmed more than 10% per year, we have grown and filled some those gains with new waste. It is continual improvement and analysis that drives the train, and a diligent effort is required.

Tonight I carried the garbage to the street - a weekly ritual. Just think - What if I only did it every other week? Or once a month? What kind of impact would that have, and if everyone did that what kind of impact would we have overall? I would think it would be pretty impressive...