Wenzhou's zero-waste lifestyle development is featured in the newsletter of BCRC China. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]
Wenzhou's efforts to become a zero-waste city have earned international recognition, with the city's recent community-driven initiatives featured in the newsletter of the Basel Convention Regional Center for Asia and the Pacific (BCRC China) by the United Nations Environment Programme.
The coverage highlights activities held in March 2025 in Puxieshi subdistrict, including its successful development of zero-waste units.
In Puxieshi, green practices have been integrated into daily life: Residents compost kitchen waste using the "hamburger method" and nourish community gardens with the resulting soil. A shared vegetable garden now thrives in local neighborhoods, turning waste into food and bringing neighbors together.
The allotment is shared by 30 residents of the community. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]
Markets have embraced the movement, too. The historic Shuangjingfang market, now Zhejiang's first zero-waste business area, rewards shoppers who bring reusable bags with discounts and gifts. Since launching monthly zero-waste member days, the initiative has cut plastic waste by one metric ton daily and boosted foot traffic by over 10 percent.
Behind the transformation lies a national vision. Since 2018, China has piloted zero-waste city programs across multiple regions. Wenzhou alone has built over 1,600 zero-waste cells — from factories and islands to schools and communities — making green living a part of everyday culture.
As one resident said, "We're not just sorting waste — we're rediscovering a cleaner, warmer way of life."
Residents compost kitchen waste in the community. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]
