Zero Waste Initiative

Cities around the world are facing the challenge of mounting waste which is posing ever increasing threat to health and environment. In 2020, 2.2 billion tonnes of waste were produced worldwide—this comes down to 376 kg of waste per capita. The amount of waste will continue to grow with rising population, income, and urbanization. Indeed, the World Bank estimates that waste will increase at a pace triple that of population growth (World Bank, 2023).

Landfill in Hangzhou, China (BBC, 2019)

Zero waste management is therefore important for the sustainable development of cities. The creation of a "zero waste city" aims to minimize landfill waste while reducing the environmental impact of solid waste to the lowest possible level. By adopting the concept of the circular economy, zero waste initiative promotes efficient use and regeneration of resources, while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

As a global citizen what can we do to help build “zero waste city”?  Here are some useful tips.

What can we do at home?

• Minimize waste

• Separate dry and wet waste

• Use recycled paper/tissue

• Use LED lights for energy saving

• Purchasing simple packaged goods instead of over-packaged products

• Minimize the use of plastic bottles,

• Buy and consume fresh produce, minimize the consumption of processed food

• Use reusable bag when shopping

• Use public transport, reduce the use of private cars.

• Use refill bottles and containers for toiletry, washing liquid, detergent, and food

What can we do at school?

• Use refilled bottle at school

• Use recyclable stationery

• Opt for bulk buying and products made from recycled materials

• Buy second hand uniforms and books

• Create paperless school, go digital

• Ask students to take only what they need in school canteen to minimize waste

• Use compost from canteen/cafeteria food scraps to enrich the soil of school garden

What can we do in office?

• Create paperless work environment, go digital

• Printing double sided  

• Reduce disposable paper cup usage, use office mugs/reusable bottles

• Opt for bulk buying and products made from recycled materials

• Use recyclable stationery

• Install designated recycling bins for paper, plastic, glass and other recyclable materials

Here, we would like to set up an urban sustainable forum for all to contribute and share best practices in the city you live. Please feel free to post your contribution.

Bibliography

‘No Time to Waste: A Sustainability Challenge for Cities’. World Bank Blogs, https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/opendata/no-time-waste-sustainability-challenge-cities.

A Rubbish Story: China’s Mega-Dump Full 25 Years Ahead of Schedule. 15 Nov. 2019. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50429119.