International Day of Zero Waste promotes switch to circular economy
International Zero Waste Day promotes circular economy Resource.co
sdgtalks
International Zero Waste Day Campaign
Promoting Sustainable Development Goals
Organised by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and Zero Waste Europe, International Zero Waste Day (IZWD) promotes sustainable production and consumption in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
A Month-Long Campaign
IZWD takes place on 30th March this year, but a month-long campaign has been launched leading up to it, with each week focusing on different aspects of zero waste, such as ‘prevention first’ and ‘thriving communities’.
Encouraging Participation
UN Member States and organisations, as well as groups from civil society, the private sector, academia and youth, are encouraged to organise events that platform national, subnational, regional, and local zero waste initiatives. The UNEP website lists events taking place all over the world.
Promotion through Social Media
The IZWD campaign has also been promoting stories and information via social media and online publications.
Jack McQuibban, Head of Local Zero Waste Implementation at Zero Waste Europe, commented: “What inspires me this IZWD is seeing the hundreds of communities in Europe leading the way in showcasing what it truly means to be a zero waste city – with citizen-centred policies being introduced to transition towards systems that recognise the true value of resources and materials.”
One example of these local zero waste initiatives is the EU-funded ‘NoToWaste’ project, led by Zero Waste Austria. Lorraine Wenzel, Chairwoman of the group, said: “We’re reshaping mindsets and crafting actionable strategies to tackle food waste. Together, we’re transforming what once seemed utopian into a tangible reality of zero waste.”
The Need for Zero Waste
In a report released last month, UNEP highlighted the significant costs of the global waste crisis, including its impacts on human health, biodiversity, climate change and pollution. In financial terms, inaction on global waste management is estimated to cost over USD 600 billion per year by 2050.
Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Anderson, shared her thoughts on the importance of reducing waste: “Zero waste makes sense on every level. Keeping materials in the economy and bolstering waste management will lead to enormous financial savings, prevent greenhouse gas emissions, avoid damage to the nature that sustains us, and reduce ill health and deaths.”
“On International Day of Zero Waste, let us remember: nature doesn’t waste. Nor should we.”
Humanity generates between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, of which only around 60 per cent is managed in controlled facilities. Some 2.7 billion people lack access to solid waste collection.
Without urgent action, annual municipal solid waste generation is projected to rise by two thirds by 2050. We must “decouple waste generation from economic growth” by adopting waste prevention and circular economy approaches globally, the UN says, as “many fast-growing economies are struggling under the burden of rapid waste growth”.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse | The article mentions the promotion of sustainable production and consumption in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. It also highlights the need to adopt waste prevention and circular economy approaches globally to decouple waste generation from economic growth. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | The article mentions the need for zero waste initiatives at the local level, such as the EU-funded ‘NoToWaste’ project, which aims to tackle food waste and reshape mindsets. It also highlights the impacts of the global waste crisis on human health, biodiversity, climate change, and pollution. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | The article mentions the impacts of the global waste crisis on human health and emphasizes the importance of reducing waste to avoid ill health and deaths. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: resource.co
Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.
