By John Dillon, VP Superfy, 30 March 2023
UN Zero Waste Day
Since joining Superfy, I’ve learned a significant amount about waste and recycling management and the need for improvements for a sustainable world. I’ve visited numerous facilities in recycling, composting and incineration and I’ve been inside many waste and recycling vehicles. I’ve inspected and photographed so many bins and containers, my children have nick-named me ‘the bin inspector’!
Today, March 30th, marks the annual UN Zero Waste Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption and production. The theme for this year’s event is “Zero Waste Cities: Building Equitable, Resilient and Sustainable Communities”.
The United Nations estimates that the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, with a projected increase to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. This staggering amount of waste has negative impacts on the environment, including pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the depletion of natural resources. It also affects public health and quality of life, particularly in low-income communities that are disproportionately affected by waste-related issues.
The Zero Waste Cities theme for this year’s UN Zero Waste Day highlights the critical role that cities play in promoting sustainable consumption and production. Cities are responsible for a significant amount of waste generation, but they also have the power to lead the way in reducing waste and implementing circular economy principles.
Superfy has been working with several cities around the world to support their steps towards becoming a zero-waste city. These cities have implemented policies and programs to reduce waste, promote recycling and composting, and encourage sustainable consumption practices. I am proud to support this effort, through my work at Superfy.
To mark this year’s UN Zero Waste Day, cities and organizations around the world are hosting events and activities to promote waste reduction and sustainability. Reducing waste is crucial to achieving a sustainable future, and the UN Zero Waste Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to take action. By promoting circular economy principles and sustainable consumption and production practices, we can create more equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities for all.
As I reflect on my own learnings and observations, I am very optimistic about the future of the sector and for the cities in pursuit of zero waste. While there is a lot of room for improvement, there are many great initiatives happening around the world, and together – citizens, organizations and governments can make it happen.