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Mismanagement of waste is part of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Every year, 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal waste is generated, of which at least one-third of this waste is not managed in an environmentally sustainable manner.
To tackle waste pollution head on…
It is critical that integrated solid waste management strategies that include a rights-based approach are implemented at national, regional, and city levels to envision a zero-waste future.
Ambitious actions and strategies
#BeatWastePollution calls for sustainable actions towards zero waste by mainstreaming the reduce, reuse, and recycling practices where waste is viewed as a valuable resource that can have a second life and secondary raw materials are safely recovered.
UNEP's International Environmental Technology Centre (IETC) provides developing countries with technical and advisory support through in-country demonstration projects and innovative waste prevention and management methods and technologies to improve human well-being, reduce the impact of climate change, increase resilience, and create job opportunities to envision a zero-waste future.
In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 77/161, promoting zero-waste initiatives and environmentally sound waste management practices that advances sustainable development.
“Our societies must go circular because we can no longer keep taking resources from the belly of the earth and then simply discard it back as waste into the planet. This is a task for everyone," - Inger Andersen
Here are some positive actions that can be taken to envision a zero-waste future.
Governments
Government institutions can take action by:
- Implementing laws and regulations that reduce the amount of waste generated at the source, discourage open burning and closing dumpsites, and manage waste in a more environmentally sustainable manner.
- Promoting a circular economy by incentivizing the private sector to prioritize Extended Producer Responsibility schemes.
- Increasing collaborative relationships and raising awareness among stakeholders to implement sustainable waste management practices
- Monitoring the progress of waste reduction, improving existing waste management systems, while financially investing in more efficient waste management infrastructure.
Businesses and Investors
Businesses and investors can take action by:
- Implementing more sustainable practices within manufacturing and production processes to minimize waste.
- Designing products to be zero waste through minimal packaging or transitioning to compostable materials.
- Collaborating with suppliers to reduce waste across production lines and along transportation networks.
- Prioritizing the end-of-life approach by attributing EPR schemes.
Civil Society and Individuals
Individuals can take action by:
- Practicing the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) whenever possible.
- Consuming in a sustainable manner by choosing products with minimal packaging, that can be reused multiple times, and that are designed with biodegradable materials.
- Promoting sustainable waste management behaviors and lifestyles while advocating for policy change.
- Joining zero waste activities such as clean-ups and social media campaigns.
Interactives
Advocacy Materials
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Initiatives to Follow
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Beat Pollution aims to build and nurture a larger narrative on a pollution-free planet that weaves interrelated aspects of climate and nature and connects different forms of pollution to the larger issue of pollution and waste. The goal is to optimize human health and environmental outcomes through enhanced capacity and leadership in the sound management of chemicals and waste and increasing circular processes.
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