Although most discussions of zero waste begin with an acknowledgement of the need for effective policies at the local, state and national level, ultimately it is the implementation of programs that moves us closer to achieving our zero waste goals. Planning and the adoption of policies and resolutions mark the beginning of our efforts to provide a solid foundation for action. Each of these program areas initially begins with the development and adoption of policy, as described in Unit Two.

But the purpose of these policies and resolutions must be to translate a community's shared vision into action, into measurable reduction to the amount of waste produced, the amount of resources discarded, the amount of pollution created. This is where the rubber meets the road.

An examination of the programs that actually help to reduce and eliminate waste reveals many examples of communities throughout California, and beyond, that are effectively stretching our knowledge and understanding of what can be accomplished.

The purpose of this toolkit is to provide a brief discussion of each program area, accompanied by specific examples of, and links to, communities where these programs are working today. There is a wealth of information available through the Internet to those who must design and implement programs. In fact, there is so much information that the task of sorting through all the links and web pages can become a job unto itself. This toolkit hopes to serve as a bridge between local waste reduction staff and that world of information by performing this research on your behalf, and by helping to direct you to sources of additional useful information.

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