Solving the problem of waste and creating a sustainable future together
March 30th every year is International Zero Waste Day, aimed at promoting global efforts to address the waste crisis and advance sustainable production and consumption practices. This commemorative day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to emphasize solutions for resource recycling, reducing pollution, and protecting human and environmental health.
Resolve the garbage crisis
Approximately 2.1 to 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated globally each year, including plastics, food, and electronic products. However, billions of people lack access to proper waste collection services, leading to severe pollution and environmental degradation.
The focus of efforts to achieve a zero waste society is to treat waste as a resource, reduce waste generation, and promote reuse and recycling. Products must be designed to be more durable and efficient to minimize their impact on the environment.
–The United Nations Environment Programme releases the ‘2024 Food Waste Index Report‘
–The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have released the “2024 Global E-waste Monitoring Report“
The significance of International Zero Waste Day
International Zero Waste Day aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, advocate for the transition to a circular economy, and raise awareness of how zero waste initiatives can contribute to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The waste management industry is an important factor in the triple global crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Every year, humans generate approximately 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste, of which only 55% is managed in controlled facilities. In addition, approximately 931 million tons of food are lost or wasted each year, and up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems.
The Zero Waste Initiative plays a crucial role in promoting responsible waste management, reducing and preventing waste, and addressing the triple Earth crisis. These initiatives contribute to environmental protection, enhance food security, and improve human health and well-being. This day is a platform that emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in creating a sustainable and resilient future.
The benefits of zero waste methods
1：The benefits of zero waste methods
In recent years, the zero waste strategy has become a powerful solution to address many challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental pollution. More and more countries are striving to adopt zero waste strategies to address the adverse effects of climate change, enhance climate adaptation capabilities, and achieve a more sustainable future. A report from the Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives (GAIA) emphasizes that the benefits of implementing zero waste policies and plans are multifaceted and far-reaching.
2：Environmental benefits of zero waste strategy
The zero waste strategy has multiple environmental benefits by promoting waste reduction, prevention, and classification. Zero waste practices help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize the use of landfills and incinerators, and protect natural resources. They can reduce the total emissions of the waste sector by 84%, equivalent to the annual emissions of 300 million cars. In addition, collecting and composting our organic waste helps support food security and make local food systems more resilient to climate related pressures. By reducing plastic waste and promoting the use of reusable materials, the zero waste plan also contributes to the protection of healthier ecosystems and biodiversity.
3：Economic benefits of zero waste strategy
The zero waste strategy also has economic benefits. Transitioning to a zero waste system can create green employment opportunities, stimulate local economies, and provide more sustainable alternatives to traditional waste management. The employment opportunities created by reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing are 200 times, 70 times, and 30 times more than landfill and incineration, respectively. These jobs often offer higher wages, more permanent positions, and the ability to develop skills beyond basic physical labor. In addition, compared to traditional waste management facilities, zero waste systems require lower initial capital investment. Cities adopting zero waste strategies have significantly saved costs. For example, the city of Parma in Italy saves 450000 euros annually on waste management. In Italy, the zero waste strategy has enabled Contarina to limit the increase in its waste management costs to only 8%, while the national average cost in Italy has increased significantly by 70%. The funds saved by such systems can be used for other important public services, promoting sustainable growth and economic resilience.
4：The social benefits of zero waste strategy
The zero waste strategy can also generate social benefits by addressing the negative impacts of waste treatment facilities. Residents near incinerators and landfills often face noise, garbage, traffic, and air pollution. For example, the closure of the Porto incinerator has led to a significant decrease in air pollution levels in the region, which may have adverse effects on health. In Seoul, South Korea, a study found that being close to an incinerator increases the risk of asthma related hospitalizations. Implementing a zero waste plan can reduce these issues, thereby improving community health and the overall quality of life for nearby residents. By adopting zero waste methods, cities can create more livable and healthier communities for residents.
5：Building a sustainable future through a zero waste strategy
The zero waste strategy can bring many benefits and have significant impacts on the environment, economy, and society. They support the achievement of sustainable development goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), Sustainable Development Goal 11 (sustainable cities and communities), and Sustainable Development Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production). By adopting this sustainable approach, we can play a crucial role in building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.
