Our aim for zero waste

By Ms. Brianna Fruean, aged 14, Samoa

Members of the Fiji delegation with Clean Pacific bags

20 June 2012, Rio de Janeiro - The challenge for zero waste was made at Rio20 at a a side event hosted by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).  "Zero Waste Strategies and Actions toward Sustainability"

 

Waste is a problem for all countries. At the event it was revealed that most waste is taken to the landfill and less than 20% is recycled. In the world, more than 3.5million people dispose of their rubbish in nearby bodies of land or water. This problem of harmful disposal of waste is caused by the lack of waste collection.

“In the past we used to dump our waste in the sea but it’s changed” said Mr David Newman, Vice President, and International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).

In the Pacific, rubbish is also a big problem. Especially since the Pacific Islands are so small, waste is very noticeable. Luckily we have initiatives like the Clean Pacific campaign which focuses on awareness and pollution prevention for the Pacific. The Clean Pacific reusable bags are showing a very bright presence at Rio+20.

This side event highlighted the fact that here in Rio+20, is the chance to create a Zero waste society. To do this, Governments have to set up more waste collections and by doing this, it also adds to jobs for a green economy.

Mr Anis Ismail, Secretary General, Solid Waste Exchange of Information promoted if Rio+20 is not successful people can still do their jobs of using the 3Rs; educe,Rreuse and Recycle, to do their part towards a Zero Waste Society.