International Day of Zero Waste- How can we make a difference as Individuals

 

Waste in the Landfills, waste on roads, waste in the rivers, waste in the forests, waste is not just an eye sore, it is a major threat to human health, environment and biodiversity.  The International Day of Zero Waste ( 30 March )  led by UN Environment Program and UN Habitat is a reminder for all of us to rethink what we consume and how we as individuals can collectively make efforts to reduce waste.

Every year we generate between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste. If we don’t act now,   annual waste generation will hit 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050.  (https://www.unep.org/events/un-day/international-day-zero-waste-2025)

This year the theme is centred around waste in fashion and textile sector. With rising incomes and disposable incomes, the consumption of various products including appliances, gadgets, clothing has increased multi fold. With every new feature, pattern, trend, people tend to buy latest products. All this is ok, but it is time to think that we consume, whether the product can be reused, recycled, basically everything related to circularity and sustainability.  The fashion industry alone generates 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually, largely due to overproduction and overconsumption. So effectively it is equivalent to  a truckload of clothing being sent to landfills every second.. Therefore we must be conscious of what and from whom we are buying. For eg. Waste PET bottles are now converted into garments, such and many other recycled products or materials need to be encouraged. Sustainable textile recycling has its benefits,it reduces the textile waste, paves the way to create value added products promoting sustainability.  

Waste in any form if not disposed off properly poses a huge challenge. But the human spirit and collective efforts have far more power, we can change this. 

 

What can we do as individuals?

• Segregate waste properly into dry and wet waste
• Dispose electronic items and appliances to authorised collectors
• Be aware of what we consume, prioritize eco-friendly products
• Instead of single use plastics, use resuable items
• Compost- Kitchen Waste, Food Waste Garden Waste  
• Choose companies that prioritize eco-friendly packaging and ethical production.

Join local NGOs and Volunteering groups for clean-up drives

 

Be Part of the Solution

Governments and businesses will play their in tackling waste, but individual action is just as important. The more we demand sustainable options and make mindful choices, the more difference we will be able to make.