It is time to set forth the topic of the maximization of resources. The conditions we live in urge an effective system for the proper management of waste generated globally every day. The duty is almost unavoidable since the figures are not very encouraging. As defined in the latest World Bank’s What a Waste 2.0 report, by 2050, global waste will increase by 70% unless urgent measures are taken to prevent it.
From the daily separation of trash carried out by millions of people at home to large companies implementing recycling actions on a larger scale, there are multiple efforts undertaken by different segments of society. Also, to eliminate as much waste as possible, this approach seeks to leverage, increase and extend the useful life of materials.
The challenge is enormous when it comes to recycling, according to Verisk Maplecroft, a global risk research firm, only 16% of garbage is recycled.
Why is recycling so important?
Before answering the question, let’s begin by explaining that rubbish not only pollutes our drinking water, air, and soil, it also damages ecosystems and affects our living conditions.
Waste is no longer a problem when it is turned back into raw materials. In this way, components are ready to be used in other products without the need to extract more natural resources.
Here are some important benefits of recycling:
1.Transformation of the current consumption system: Recycling turns linear economy into a circular one.
2. Public health improvement: Proper waste management leads to reducing and eliminating landfills which are harmful and toxic.
3.Global warming mitigation: Using recycled materials to create new products helps to reduce energy consumption in future production processes; therefore, greenhouse gases are reduced.
4. Creation of jobs: The formation and expansion of companies dedicated to this area, is a cornerstone for the creation of employment opportunities.
Current challenges in this area
Having mentioned the main benefits of proper waste management, it is important to emphasize that the most significant challenge to be faced by civil society, government and entrepreneurs is to develop and increase the recycling culture.
Recycling deserves to be seen not only as an option that emerged to eliminate waste but as a complete system that involves all components of society.
This process, in addition to extending the product life cycle, addresses the pressing problem of renewable and non-renewable resources being extracted excessively.
Companies and Responsibilities
Every corporation, regardless of their line of business, needs to assume their social, economic and ecological commitment with the community by supporting efforts that improve the quality of life and reduce the environmental footprint.
There are multiple multinational corporations concerned and focused on solving the problem of waste disposal. REDWAVE, the Austrian recycling and waste treatment solutions company is a good case in point, the corporation offers efficient and innovative sorting technologies that facilitate the recycling process, thus benefiting the society and the environment.
Plastic, paper, glass, electronic scrap, scrap metal or single-stream, REDWAVE provides viable solutions to recover the required materials.
For a liveable future
We cannot afford to postpone any action that reduces pollution, improves the ecological situation and promotes a cleaner and more sustainable present to current and future generations.
The goal for 2050 is quite clear: zero waste.
How will we achieve it?
We can start by assuming individual and collective responsibility in the next three important aspects:
Reconsider our current use and disposal behaviour to create responsible consumption habits.
Support companies that are already making a positive impact on the environment.
Join initiatives that demand and encourage corporations to take environmental responsibilities.
This way we can build the future we desire for all and make the difference between a world full of trash or a more sustainable one.
