Dive summary:

• The U.S. Zero Waste Business Council has started the first third-party zero waste certification for businesses in the United States.
• The organization was founded in California in 2011 and has a set goal of helping companies divert a minimum of 90% of end-use materials from landfills.
• So far USZWBC has issued zero waste certifications to three Whole Foods Market stores in Sand Diego County and has provided educational tools for the community.

From the article:

"We are thrilled to launch the new certification program and to verify the achievements of Whole Foods Market. Our goal is not only to provide credibility to zero waste businesses, but also to offer the resources needed to create value and save money through zero waste practices," Stephanie Barger, founder and executive director of USZWBC, said in a statement. "The US Zero Waste Business Council offers businesses access to recycling markets, peer-to-peer networking, zero waste training and conferences." ...