Today we celebrate the first edition "ZERO WASTE" international day from 30.03.2023, officially launched by UNEP and UN-Habitat with the aim of raising awareness among the population of the importance of responsible consumption and production practices and waste management!
Humanity generates more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, of which 45% is poorly managed. Without urgent action, these will rise to nearly 4 billion tonnes by 2050 with a disproportionately negative impact on the poor, with up to 4 billion people lacking access to infrastructure/services for proper waste management.
With increasing amounts of waste, recycling costs and increasing regulations around recycling, the only sustainable long-term solution is to adopting zero waste strategies and the resulting benefits. Important to note, "ZERO WASTE" it does not mean producing no waste at all. The key objective is Reduction and that means less waste and more efficient recycling, along with more reuse and resource efficiency. Moving to zero waste is very achievable for business.
The international day "ZERO WASTE" aims to:
- To bring to the world's attention the consequences of poor waste management and to encourage global action at all levels to reduce pollution and the amount of waste;
- To promote sustainable consumption and production models;
- To support the transition of society towards circularity;
- Raise awareness of how zero waste initiatives contribute to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
"WASTE MANAGEMENT IS ESSENTIAL TO IMPROVING THE LIVES OF PEOPLE EVERYWHERE”, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Mohd Sharif.