European Week for Waste Reduction 2023: An In-Depth Understanding
With growing awareness of the environmental problems facing our planet, 2023 sees the arrival of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), a powerful initiative to raise awareness and encourage active participation in reducing our ecological footprint. But what does this really mean for us?
The Six Pillars of the EWWR
The EWWR has identified six main areas that are essential to the success of this mission:
1- Waste prevention :
It all starts here. Before we even think about recycling or throwing away, we need to think about prevention. This encompasses eco-design, where products are designed with the environment in mind, the fight against over-packaging, and the challenge of disposable products filling up our landfills at an alarming rate.
2- Hazardous waste prevention :
Certain types of waste, because of their chemical composition, present a danger not only to the environment but also to human health. From batteries to chemicals, their management requires special attention.
3- Combating food waste :
At a time when famine is still a reality for many people, food waste is an affront. It is also a major source of waste, as uneaten food decomposes, producing greenhouse gases.
4- Promoting composting :
Our organic waste can have a second life. Instead of ending up in landfill, they can be composted, returning to the soil and enriching it for future planting.
5- Reuse/Repair/Repurpose :
Before we throw things away, let’s consider: can we repair or reuse? Every product that finds a second life is one less piece of waste.
6- Cleaning days :
Together, we can look after our spaces, raise awareness and inspire others to do the same.
The Impact Of Packaging: The Truth
2023 met en lumière un coupable majeur: les emballages. They are everywhere, encompassing almost everything we consume. But at what price?
Packaging has many advantages. They protect goods, make them easier to transport and, from a marketing point of view, make a product attractive. However, the other side of the coin is less bright.
- 5.3 million tonnes of household packaging only in 2021. It’s a mountain of packaging, much of which will end up in landfill or, worse still, in our oceans.
- 369 million tonnesof plastic were produced in 2019, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
But perhaps the most alarming statistic is that only 30% of packaging is recycled. When you compare it with 85% for glass and 70% for paper, it’s clear that plastic is a major challenge.
Sorting and recycling, while vital, cannot solve the problem on their own. We need to rethink our relationship with packaging, prioritise waste reduction at source and consider sustainable alternatives.
CircularPlace : One Step Forward
Our marketplace not just a platform; it’s a vision of a greener future. With clearly defined stages – from pooling resources internally to reselling, donating to charities and recycling externally – CircularPlace offers companies a unique opportunity to align themselves with ethical and sustainable practices while promoting the circular economy.
The road ahead
European Week for Waste Reduction is not just one week in our calendar. It’s a call to action. It’s a recognition that every little bit counts. By embracing the principles of the EWWR and supporting initiatives like CircularPlace, we can all contribute to a greener, cleaner and more sustainable future. After all, it’s not just the planet we’re saving, it’s our shared future.
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