Unlocking Local Food Systems’ Zero Waste Potential

A Success Story from the Markets of Warwick

Written by Lily Nobel

Over the last 3 years, the Warwick zero waste composting project has taken food waste from the Early Morning Market (EMM) in the Markets of Warwick (a neighborhood in Durban, South Africa) and transformed it into nutrient-rich compost at the Durban Botanic Gardens. As landfills in South Africa are rapidly filling up, this project showcases the power of utilizing small spaces and limited resources to reduce methane emissions from the waste sector — a greenhouse gas 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide. According to the UNEP’s Global Methane Assessment, reducing methane is a crucial step to keep global warming under 1.5°C, the threshold established by the Paris Agreement.

Currently, this project is being upscaled across the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and revolutionizing organic waste management in the area–unlocking resources through saving public funds and creating locally accessible jobs. Empowered by strong partnerships among local organizations, and fueled by effective data collection, this pilot successfully demonstrates the potential of decentralized, environmental justice-centered composting that not only brings climate benefits but also promotes social interests.

Team members from groundWork, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Horticulture Department, the eThekwini Municipality Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit (PRC), the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (CSW), and the Business Support, Markets, Tourism and Agribusiness Unit (BSMTAU) pose together at the Durban Botanic Garden where the composting is done.
Collaboration at the Warwick Zero Waste Project. Photo credit: Lunga Benghu

Easily replicable decentralized composting model

In 2022, groundWork, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Horticulture Department, the eThekwini Municipality Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit (PRC), the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit (CSW), and the Business Support, Markets, Tourism and Agribusiness Unit (BSMTAU) partnered to launch a composting pilot project in the Durban Botanic Gardens’ permaculture site. It quickly evolved from composting a weekly 240 liter bin of food and vegetable waste to building 12 large compost windrows that are currently maintained to mature compost in a 3-month cycle.

Before zero waste: Organic waste from the EMM goes to the nearest landfills – Buffelsdraai and Illovu landfills – over 35 km away from the city. Photo credit: Lunga Benghu

As of March 2024, the pilot has diverted over 72 tonnes of organic waste from landfills by collecting approximately 1.5 tonnes of organic waste from the EMM weekly in two separate collection points and combining this with approximately 1 tonne of garden waste. Since July 2023, the project has supplied over 41 tonnes of compost to the city’s PRC Unit, free of charge, for use in parks and community gardens across the municipality. Samples of the compost undergo regular testing —such as full nutrient analysis, pot trails, and microbial analysis— to refine the ‘recipe’ and to ensure quality control. These tests demonstrate the high quality of the compost produced.

Cost-saving public funds for waste management

While many waste projects often seek investment from external actors, this project utilizes existing resources to unlock significant savings from public funds. By diverting organic waste from landfills, the city reduces the costs associated with landfilling and landfill airspace, which in Durban is estimated to be approximately R1,774 (93 USD) per tonne of waste. The Buffelsdraai and Illovu landfills, the only two operating landfills in Durban, are both located 35 kilometers or more from the city center, leading to high transportation costs. Findings from a cost-benefit analysis report on the project show how the various city departments have the potential to save money from reduced waste management costs and access to free compost. To date, the parks department alone has saved R23,600 (1,250 USD) from compost received through the project. As the project scales up, the savings can be used to sustainably cover the salary of the staff who manage the composters. Unlike waste incineration projects, which require huge capital and operational costs and lock cities in a put-or-pay scheme for decades, this composting model saves the city money, which is then reinvested to rapidly scale the composting model, leading to even bigger savings and opportunities to scale, in a virtuous circle. 

Job creation through zero waste

This environmental justice-centered model composting project improves social realities in the area by providing local jobs. On a tonne-for-tonne basis, composting can create three times as many jobs as landfill and incineration. In South Africa, 42.2% of people aged 15-34 years are neither employed, nor enrolled in formal education or training programs as of the last quarter of 2023. As this project is scaled up, composting is estimated to create four jobs per 400 tons of waste processed. The project also improves the working conditions and social protections of the informal market traders, waste collectors, and composters. Moreover, the Warwick zero waste project prioritizes the employment of people from the market and local communities, rather than using machines that often require external experts. In contrast, incineration creates the least amount of jobs and requires workers with highly specialized skills that are not accessible to the local population.

The delivery of Early Morning Market organics to the compost site and windrow preparations. Photo credit: Lunga Benghu

Waste methane reduction for South Africa

Meanwhile, source-separated organic collection with composting demonstrates significantly higher climate mitigation and adaptation benefits. Composting alone can prevent as much as 99% of methane emissions that would otherwise come from landfills. When the finished compost is utilized in place of synthetic fertilizer, further GHG emissions are saved by reducing emissions of nitrous oxide, not to mention avoiding the fossil fuel emissions from creating fertilizer. The application of compost to the soil also boosts flood and drought resistance and increases carbon sequestration capacity.

Although South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) provide neither specific targets nor roadmaps for the waste sector, the Warwick zero waste project paves a crucial pathway to help the country improve its national climate goals. By proving the efficacy of decentralized composting projects, the Warwick site can be used as a model for the nation and other countries on how to invest in empowering and inclusive organic management projects powered by local organizations and communities, thereby maximizing municipal resources and local knowledge.

Zero waste markets in Durban and beyond

Currently, the project team and city partners are working on expanding waste collection from the EMM to compost all 400 tonnes of waste generated by the market every year. Alongside this expansion, the team plans to replicate the model in a second market, the Bangladesh Market. In the longer term, the project team is targeting all nine fresh fruit and vegetable markets in Durban, proving the model’s feasibility and efficacy on a larger scale. The project has drawn an increasing interest among other municipalities in South Africa, and the team is actively engaging with government officials across the country and region.

map of markets in Durban, South Africa. Aside from The Early Morning Market where the project is currently ongoing, 8 other fresh produce markets are highlighted in the map. eThekwini municipal markets targeted for scale up and in relation to the Buffelsdraai landfill. We are currently at the Early Morning Market and will be moving to the Bangladesh Market this year. Credit: Ayanda Mnyandu
Growing the zero waste composting model in all the markets in Durban starting with Early Morning Market then moving on to Bangladesh Market this year. Credit: Ayanda Mnyandu

No to incineration, go for zero waste

The cost-saving model demonstrated by the Warwick zero waste project can be upscaled rapidly with the right flow of capacity and resource support. This also means ceasing support for inflexible, costly, and carbon-intensive infrastructures, particularly waste incineration. Policymakers and financiers must ensure that investment in organic waste management projects must be aligned with Environmental Justice principles and inclusive of local organizations and knowledge to build lasting environmental and societal impact. 

More Environmental Justice Stories

By Chaima Ktaifi

Ramadan is the fasting month. Fasting from eating and drinking encourages spiritual reflection and increases devotion and self-discipline. It is also the best time to stop bad habits, including food waste.

Unfortunately, with increased food consumption this month, it’s easy to fall into the trap of creating more waste than necessary. In Tunisia, about 900.000 pieces of bread are wasted and thrown away daily, which is the equivalent of 100.000 USD; moreover, according to the National Institute of Consumption, one-third of the cooked food is wasted and thrown away, the equivalent of 200.000 USD. On the other hand, more than 500.000 Tunisians are suffering from malnutrition diseases or are not able to buy food.

In addition to this economic and social impact on individuals and the country in general, food waste accounts for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. It leads to water wastage as well as, other natural resources used in food production.

Therefore, it’s important for us to be conscious of how much food we waste, especially in this month of gratitude and self-reflection.

Zero Waste Tunisia (ZWT) has been engaged since 2018 in raising awareness against food waste and loss, which is basically a behavioral challenge. Through our digital and media campaigns, we present the shocking statistics of food waste in Tunisia, awareness illustrations, and zero waste tips and solutions to reduce food waste based on our culinary heritage, transforming food waste into new recipes, cosmetics, or hygienic products.

Our campaign has been successful for the past few years. Many Tunisian media outlets have been soliciting our expertise to spread the zero waste culture in our daily lives, especially to fight against food waste and loss. This big problem has been hidden for a long time, and through our digital campaign, we have highlighted and encouraged many communities and zero waste enthusiasts to talk about it freely, critique it, and propose possible solutions.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and growth. But it’s also a time to consider our impact on our communities and contribute to environmental sustainability. By making conscious choices about food consumption, we can reduce our environmental footprint and make a positive impact in this critical time when we are struggling with hunger, food insecurity, and climate change nationally and globally.

The page dedicated to zero waste food digital campaigns: https://www.facebook.com/antigaspillagetunisie

An Interview with BBC Arabia about food waste in Ramadan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA189PP1Zqs

Ends.

In January 2024, Nipe Fagio (NF) celebrated Zero Waste (ZW) Month in Zanzibar Island, focusing on two key programs aimed at raising awareness and promoting sustainable waste management practices. With a focus on students and households, NF conducted impactful activities that shed light on the detrimental effects of plastic on human health and the environment, while also providing practical training on household composting. The outcomes of ZW Month in Zanzibar have paved the way for a more conscious and environmentally responsible community.

Storytelling of Plastic Effects to Students

On January 24, 2024, NF organized a storytelling session at Dr. Salim Amour Secondary School and Chumbuni Primary School, reaching out to over 1000 students, teachers, and local government representatives. The session highlighted the negative impacts of plastic on human health and the environment. Students were made aware of the harmful consequences of daily plastic usage, such as packaging hot food in plastic materials and indiscriminate disposal. By instilling a sense of responsibility and knowledge, NF aimed to inspire students to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, reducing plastic consumption and practicing waste segregation.

Master Households Composting in Zanzibar

Recognizing the issue of organic waste disposal in Zanzibar, NF conducted a master training session on household composting on January 25, 2024. Many households in the region dispose of organic waste in open spaces or rivers, unaware of its potential for reuse. The training, attended by more than 60 participants from the Chumbuni local government and households, focused on equipping attendees with various composting techniques. The newly established Material Recovery Facility (MRF) served as the Zero Waste Model Implementation center, providing a practical setting for hands-on training. By promoting household composting, NF aimed to divert organic waste from improper disposal and create a valuable resource for improving soil conditions in farms and gardens.

The ZW Month activities in Zanzibar have yielded significant outcomes, contributing to a more sustainable and waste-conscious community:

Increased Desire for Zero Waste Living: The storytelling sessions and awareness campaigns have inspired students to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle. By reducing plastic consumption, practicing waste segregation, and choosing reuse, students are actively contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

Organic Waste Diversion through Composting: The master training on household composting has equipped households with the knowledge and techniques to divert organic waste from improper disposal. By composting at home, households can significantly reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in open spaces or rivers.

Behavior Change and Best Practices: ZW Month activities have fostered behavior change among the community, encouraging the adoption of best practices in solid waste management. Concepts such as reuse, reduce, refuse, refurbish, and repurpose have become ingrained in the daily lives of Zanzibar residents, leading to a significant reduction in waste generation.

Opportunity Creation through Waste Diversion: The master training has not only raised awareness but also created opportunities for the community. By utilizing compost in their farms, residents can improve soil conditions and enhance agricultural productivity, leading to a more sustainable and self-sufficient future.

Nipe Fagio’s ZW Month in Zanzibar has been a resounding success, engaging students and households in the pursuit of a zero-waste lifestyle. Through impactful storytelling sessions and practical training on household composting, NF has empowered the community to take responsibility for their waste and make conscious choices. The outcomes of ZW Month in Zanzibar serve as a testament to the power of education, awareness, and community engagement in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Ends.

En una nueva conmemoración del Día Internacional de la Mujer, queremos reconocer el trabajo y liderazgo de todas las mujeres de nuestra alianza. Mujeres que no solo viven la lucha diaria por el reconocimiento de sus derechos, sino que también son defensoras de luchas ambientalistas que buscan la igualdad, el reconocimiento y la justicia social y ambiental.

A continuación, les dejamos una pequeña selección de algunas de las mujeres de nuestra alianza que lideran la construcción de un futuro basura cero a través de sus organizaciones.

María José García, Fundación El Árbol, Chile

Ser mujer es difícil, desde hace mucho que venimos luchando por nuestros derechos, tanto en la sociedad como en el hogar. Pero además como mujeres tenemos la oportunidad de desarrollar nuestra sensibilidad, nuestra intuición, la conexión con la naturaleza y aprender de ella, a través de sus plantas, hierbas, flores, su medicina. Aprender de la naturaleza y entregar y compartir sus saberes, buscando generar cambios a través de la educación y los cambios de hábitos, apuntando a una vida basura cero, tal como es en la naturaleza, apostando a crear cambios sustanciales en las actuales y futuras generaciones.

Elizabeth Sequeira, presidenta de los Jóvenes Ambientalistas, Nicaragua, ha estado a la cabeza de la promoción de iniciativas de basura cero en su país, centrándose en campañas de educación ambiental y alertando sobre la importancia de abandonar los plásticos de un solo uso.

Aline Sousa ha trabajado como recicladora desde los 14 años, y ha cumplido roles de liderazgo como secretaria y presidenta de la Central das Cooperativas de Trabalho de Catadores de Materiais Recicláveis do Distrito Federal y en la Secretaria Nacional da Mulher e Juventude da Unicatadoress.

Kellen Pasquelato de la Aliança Resíduo Zero Brasil, ha trabajado gestionando proyectos y acciones relacionadas al Tratado global de plásticos y de incidencia política para avanzar en iniciativas basura cero, de compostaje y de eliminación de plásticos de un solo uso en Brasil

Elizabeth Sequeira
Aline Sousa da Silva
Kellen Pasqualeto

Mariana Linares, Colectiva Malditos Plásticos, México

Me inspira todo en la naturaleza. Sus colores, sus ciclos y la imponente fuerza que demuestra un poder asombroso en este planeta.

Las mujeres somos universos, capaces de transformar la realidad con nuestro compromiso basura cero para cuidar una casa compartida que se llama Tierra.

Silvia Quiroa, CESTA, El Salvador

Quiero saludar a todas las mujeres que día a día luchan por hacer de sus territorios espacios libres de basura. Principalmente quiero destacar el fundamental aporte de mujeres recicladoras de base, mujeres de comunidades urbanas, mujeres campesinas, y que a pesar de los problemas que enfrentan, su lucha persiste por hacer de este mundo un lugar donde sea posible beber, alimentarnos, respirar sin contaminación y por un planeta basura cero.

Last January 2024, over  200 GAIA members and allies took part in the International Zero Waste Month reaching a total of 300 events in 22 countries. The participants from grassroots groups, national and regional alliances, zero waste cities from different parts of the world, waste pickers and waste workers, scientists, researchers, policymakers, youth, the academe, and leading implementers of zero waste, organized a wide range of events such as workshops and webinars, flashmobs, campaign caravans, Reuse Tours, film screenings, and public discussions. All these events upheld the principles of zero waste and working together towards a sustainable future.

Collage of images with a title at the center that reads International Zero Waste Month

The month-long events featured different weekly themes:

  • WEEK 1: Launch (Jan 1-5)
  • WEEK 2: BARRIERS TO ZERO WASTE (Jan 6-12): #RefuseSingleUse 
  • WEEK 3: SOLUTIONS WEEK (Jan 13-19): #ChooseReuse Week 
  • WEEK4: FALSE SOLUTIONS WEEK (Jan 20-26): #NoBurn, #NoTrashTalk #LessPlasticMoreLife
  • WEEK 5: HUMANS OF ZERO WASTE (Jan 27-31): #JustTransition

The weekly themes were selected based on its critical importance in our collective effort to promote zero waste as a viable solution to the waste crisis. Our call is clear: to mainstream Zero Waste as a solution to waste issues and connect it to bigger climate discussions, the IZWM gathered members across the regions to showcase both the work and the vision.

The Cornerstone of Environmental Work

The GAIA Asia Pacific team extends heartfelt gratitude for members and allies’ year-round commitment to zero waste efforts and advocacy, transforming the International Zero Waste Month into a celebration that resonates across the region and beyond.

It’s definitely reinvigorating to witness zero waste initiatives making waves across different platforms and people from diverse cultural backgrounds who have the courage, ambition, drive, and big hearts to make this world a better place. This month-long celebration showcased the strength of the GAIA  network and  highlighted the  collective effort to shape a zero waste world, even in the face of challenges. Click here to read more. 

Collage of photos

IZWM Highlights

In case you missed it! Here’s a rundown of some of the key events during the International Zero Waste Month.

  • The Zero Waste Film screenings 2024 featured inspiring documentaries produced by GAIA Asia Pacific members. Link here
  • Hundreds worldwide joined Refuse Single-Use Day! See how everyone got creative on their posts on Facebook | RSU Facebook | Instagram
  • Financing Plastic Pollution webinar: The Financing Plastic Pollution webinar conducted last January 25, amassed 166 registered participants, 77 in live attendance, and 53 views on the recording. Impressively, 81 participants joined from outside the Asia-Pacific region, and  41 AP members. The webinar is the first of its kind on the plastic pollution financing ecosystem, fostering collaboration among diverse actors and regions on the plastic crisis discussions. It is the first webinar that addressed the role of financing subsidies in plastic pollution. The event received high registration, and demonstrated substantial interest from members and allies on the issue, and the significance of the topic within the network. Link to recording
  • Let’s support our waste pickers and waste workers. Click the link and explore GAIA members working towards a just transition. Link here. 

East Asia

  • CHINA: A Community Workshop on Waste Solutions and Alternatives to Waste Incineration explored real solutions for waste problems facing the city of Wuhu. Local community leaders discussed implementable solutions to waste problems. Wuhu Ecology Center presented its results on research of information disclosure of waste incineration facilities around the country. Learn more here
  • HONG KONG: Greeners Fusion Chinese New Year Refill Shopping Tasting Event, launched on January 21, is a public education campaign encouraging public members to enjoy zero packaging shopping spree as well as educational sharing at Greeners Fusion- GA’s first refill shopping concept store in Sha Tin. It allowed participants to have their first taste of package-free shopping before Chinese New Year. Another event on January 22, was organized for members only with the same purpose. Link here

Pacific

  • AUSTRALIA: Compost Carpool reminds everyone that there are tons of things you can do to reduce waste! Link here
  • NEW ZEALAND: Together with GAIA, Zero Waste Network Aotearoa declared January 6 as REFUSE SINGLE USE DAY with tips to incorporate simple steps into your life to avoid single-use items, carry a refillable water bottle, coffee cup, and takeaway container, commit to avoiding single-use takeaways without reusable containers, and advocate for SUC-free cities by encouraging local councils to establish easy and affordable reuse and refill systems. Link here

South Asia

  • INDIA: Eco Circular India Foundation, Cummins India Foundation, Mudhoji College, Phaltan Nagar Parishad, and Forest Division, Phaltan have jointly kicked off the International Zero Waste Month celebration in Phaltan with a musical show at Forest Garden! The event emphasized the importance of zero waste, composting, and combating plastic pollution. Energizing street plays also took place at key public locations like the city bus stand, market, and Mudhoji College campus, ensuring the message resonates throughout Phaltan. 🎉link here
  • BANGLADESH: Documentary showcasing ESDO’s Initiative on Zero Waste Village (ZWV), complemented by a workshop on combating plastic pollution. During the workshop, participants actively engaged in collaborative discussions and generated ideas to address plastic pollution in their respective communities. Link here
  • SRI LANKA: The Centre for Environmental Justice invited everyone to share their efforts in reducing single-use plastics. The event, which took place in the Colombo district, specifically in Borella, Nugegoda, and Colombo Fort, targeted the general public, including students and youth. As part of the event, CEJ screened movies related to plastic pollution and distributed educational leaflets on plastic alternatives, encouraging the adoption of refill and reuse systems.  Link here
  • NEPAL. Health Environment and Climate Action Foundation (HECAF360) has successfully organized the Zero Waste Clinic during International Zero Waste Month 2024. Link here

Southeast Asia

  • INDONESIA: Reuse Study Tour & Conference: Co-organized with Dietplastik Indonesia, The Reuse Tour in Jakarta, Indonesia, from January 8-12, witnessed the participation of 38 individuals in the study tour and around 60 in the conference with participants from outside the Asia Pacific region. The diverse cohort comprised representatives from the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, and members of the Aliansi Zero Waste Indonesia.  Local government officials from the region and social enterprises were also present. Other than insightful site visits delving into reuse practices across different products and services, with a particular focus on daily essentials and the food and beverage industry, this event also launched the Asia Reuse Consortium, a groundbreaking initiative comprising 18 individuals from civil society organizations, businesses, and government officials from 13 countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam united by a mission to champion reuse as a practical, sustainable, and effective solution to SUPs. Ripples of a Revolution | Study Tour link | Conference link | Asia Reuse Consortium link | Link to conference recording
  • MALAYSIA: The Symposium co-organized by GAIA and  Friends of the Earth Malaysia presented situational analysis and updated knowledge on waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration from speakers from key Asia Pacific countries, namely China, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Australia and experiences of Zero Waste Europe.  The main aim is to debunk waste-to-energy incineration and promote zero-waste. Link to recording |  Learn more here I Link to the News Release
  • PHILIPPINES: Southeast Asia Regional Consultation on Just Transition: The SEA Regional Consultation on Just Transition, held in Manila, Philippines last February 2-3, gained the active participation of 35 attendees, including 2 participants from Ocean Conservancy who are outside the Asia-Pacific region serving as observers. The consultation featured insights from 11 waste pickers and waste workers who engaged in meaningful discussions about their conditions, and contributions to society, and outlined the support they require. This provided a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs and perspectives within the community. Despite using different terms, the articulated needs and aspirations of the waste pickers and waste workers are closely aligned, reflecting a collective vision for a just transition in the region. This will inform further refinement of the vision and principles for the SEA Regional Consultation on Just Transition. Link here.  
  • THAILAND: Catch Environmental Justice Foundation’s series of articles inspiring stories of people behind zero waste initiatives in Thailand! Link here
  • VIETNAM: Reuse Station – Gian hàng Tái sử dụng is a communication event to bring local residents’ attention to reuse as an effective solution for waste reduction, particularly plastic waste in the environment. Link here

Other regions

  • CHILE: Conversatorio “La crisis de los plásticos y el proceso del tratado global. Conversation open to the general public that will address how plastics have created a crisis on our planet, and the opportunity that the global treaty process gives us to stop plastic pollution and to take global measures to reduce the production of this toxic material. Link here
  • GHANA:  GAYO launches Anti Plastic Earth! This event is fullpacked  with a series of activities, including education, clean-ups, brand audits, and recycling workshops to curb plastic pollution in the Northern region of Ghana through community sensitization and engagement. The event was launched in January with media publicity through TV/ radio interviews and social media campaigns.
  • HUNGARY: Debunking myths about disposable packaging. Learn more here
  • KENYA: Triple Planetary Crisis Symposium: Uniting for Sustainable Solutions. This public knowledge-sharing event, held at Multimedia University, aimed to address environmental challenges and was attended by students and youth from various universities in Nairobi. The symposium featured panel discussions led by experts from various sectors, focusing on pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Link here
  • NIGERIA: The Environmental Rights Action / Friends of the Earth, the Zero Waste Ambassadors engaged in a radio discussion across three Nigerian cities: Benin City, Uyo, and Yenagua. The conversation revolved around the crucial role of brands in tackling plastic pollution. Link here
  • Zero Waste Europe highlighting the critical importance of reuse systems that will bring us closer to a zero waste world. Learn more here

You can catch up on all IZWM2024 activities by checking out GAIA Asia Pacific’s Facebook | Instagram and social media channels of our members. Plus, you can find them right here on the IZWM website too!

Read more about all the events

A significant step to comply with the Global Methane Pledge

Contributed by YPBB

In a significant and forward-thinking move, the West Java provincial government officially prohibited the disposal of organic waste in the Sarimukti landfill, located in the West Bandung Regency, effective January 1, 2024. This comes as a response to the  August 2023 Sarimukti landfill fires. The policy has the potential to divert 228,855 tons of organic waste per year from Bandung alone — preventing 575,428 tonnes CO2eq of methane emissions per year from the landfill. The West Java Provincial government has targeted a reduction of 754,154 tonnes CO2eq from all the landfills in West Java by 2030. This means that Bandung, the capital of the province, can contribute 75% of the set target.

Apart from reducing methane, this policy has the potential to contribute to environmental justice by significantly reducing river pollution caused by the landfill’s leachate, which is a water source for more than 6,000 people. If implemented in parallel with separate organic waste collection and treatment, cities could save significant costs, particularly on transportation, and it could also contribute to the local economy, creating 6 jobs per tonnes of waste managed, double the current system.

A fireman aims the water hose at a fire at a landfill in Sarimukti
The Sarimukti Landfill catches fire. source: Sindonews

Methane, a greenhouse gas 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide, is an increasingly significant global concern to deliver climate action. According to the UNEP’s Global Methane Assessment, reducing methane is a crucial step to keep global warming under 1´5ºC, the threshold established by the Paris Agreement. Interestingly, the Climate Transparency Report (2022) highlights that Indonesia’s waste sector is the country’s largest methane emitter.

In 2023, Sarimukti landfill, a regional landfill serving four cities in West Java, was projected to surpass its capacity. Landfill fires got out of control – AZWI reported 38 landfill fire occurrences in 2023,  attributing methane from organic waste as its root cause. Responding to this critical situation, the Bandung Zero Waste Forum and grassroots groups, particularly Friends of The Earth Indonesia (WALHI) and Yaksa Pelestari Bumi Berkelanjutan (YPBB) —members of Alliance for Zero Waste Indonesia (AZWI)— initiated intensive advocacy efforts, targeting the ban of organic waste landfilling and incineration, emphasizing how the air pollution was affecting waste pickers and the community around the landfill. By August 2023, provincial and local governments declared a waste emergency status, and soon after, the organic waste ban to landfill was sealed.

A waste worker in Bandung, Indonesia collects segregated at-source waste, he is seen transferring organic waste from a resident's trash bin to his collection cart.
An informal waste collector conducts separate collection in a neighborhood in Bandung. source: YPBB

Incinerator Threat Looms

However, while this policy is a critical milestone for the Metro Bandung area, the provincial government is risking this achievement with a Waste-to-Energy incinerator project proposal in Legok Nangka, a newly built regional landfill to replace Sarimukti. In opposition, WALHI has continuously warned the government about the hidden risks of incineration, emphasizing the risk of methane-to-carbon swapping, the obstacle it will pose to cities to achieve its climate and waste reduction targets, and its adverse impacts to local communities. Accordingly, YPBB and Bandung Zero Waste Forum advocate for coherent policies through alternative policy scenarios that do not rely on incineration. 

Furthermore, the organic waste ban to landfill should be implemented carefully. The government must not allow pitfalls as experienced by the European “zero waste to landfill” policy, which has resulted in an excess of incineration capacity in this region. The policy should be more ambitious by including a mandatory source separation, separate collection, and treatment of organic waste, and a ban on landfilling ‘untreated organic waste’.

Three protesters wearing complete PPEs protest the incinerator plans in Indonesia. On the left, the protester holds a placard that says in Bahasa Indonesia "Bakar Sampah Masalah Datang", the middle one's placard reads "Incinerator: Fake Solutions!"; and the protester on the right holds a placard that can only be partially seen
Local groups protest incinerator plans in Indonesia. source: WALHI

Zero Waste is Already Happening

It is critical that the organic waste ban to landfill policy drives and scales up the existing zero waste models. Nine zero-waste city models throughout Indonesia (Bandung City, Bandung Regency, Cimahi, Sumedang, Purwakarta, Karawang, Gresik, Denpasar and Gianyar) organized by AZWI cover a population of more than 478,000 people with an average of 40% waste segregation compliance rate, up to an 88% in the best cases, which is by far the highest in the country. In total, these zero waste models have the potential to reduce organic waste sent to landfill by 6,500 tons per year. In a recent report, YPBB and GAIA found that a city-scale zero waste implementation in Bandung is four times more climate-effective than incineration. The success of these zero waste initiatives has relied on two strategic pillars:

  1. implementation of waste prevention measures, source separation and separate collection of various waste streams, including organic waste; and
  2. strong community engagement with a clear priority for inclusion of informal waste collectors. Ultimately, local stakeholders have played a pivotal role in implementing the zero waste models that started with minimal government support.
Nine members of AZWI and DLH sit around a concrete table at an open public space in Bandung.
Aliansi Zero Waste Indonesia (AZWI) and Dyan Prasetyangningtyas (DLH Kota Surabaya) conduct a stakeholders meeting in Bandung. source: YPBB

In conclusion,  the level of ambition required in achieving Indonesia’s climate commitments, and the political momentum in West Java should be harnessed to drive systemic change. This can happen now thanks to decades of collective and dedicated work of local groups like YPBB, Bandung Zero Waste Forum, WALHI, and AZWI. To make the most of this, governments and financial institutions must create the right flow of resources and capacity — aligned with Environmental Justice principles — making the inclusion of local organizations a clear priority for a lasting impact.

Back to COP28 Resources

February 20, 2024 – In 2003, community leaders and members in Broga-Semenyih Selangor protested and won the fight against the construction of waste-to-energy (WtE) incinerators in Peninsular Malaysia.  Malaysia has set a sterling example of averting incinerator proposals in the region. Today, however,  WtE incinerators are making a comeback in the guise of “circular economy” and “climate action”. Residents of Batu Arang WtE proposed site are pushing back on this government plan citing health, traffic congestion, property values, geogolical fragility as a previous coal mine with a long network of tunnels beneath the ground, and the site’s heritage status. 

 “Communities in Asia and the Pacific have long since proven that practical, low-cost, and community-led practices are more effective than burning waste,” said Brex Arevalo, GAIA Asia Pacific’s Climate and Anti-Incineration Campaigner, in a symposium organized by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP), Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM), and Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific. “But here we are, as we get more adept at zero waste solutions, waste burning industries are also getting more eloquent in selling their product offering fake and empty promises.”

A group of people sitting around a table.
Batu Arang residents discuss the challenges faced by the community. (Photo by Nur Colis/WALHI)

The symposium which was organized as part of International Zero Waste Month, aimed to share the environmental and public health issues on WtE incineration rampantly peddled in Asia Pacific. The event was attended by leading researchers, activists, and non-governmental organizations, from  Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, Japan, Australia, and Europe.  “We intend to use the insights gained from presentations by invited experts to formulate a policy paper to be submitted to authorities in Malaysia as part of our advocacy on debunking false solutions,” explained Mageswari Sangaralingam, Senior Research Officer of CAP and Honorary Secretary of SAM. Malaysia currently has a policy of building at least one incinerator per state. 

Yuenmei Wong, an independent researcher from Malaysia, highlighted that the country’s legislation primarily addresses essential aspects of solid waste management like collection, disposal, and infrastructure, with insufficient enforcement on minimizing waste during resource extraction. In the current Global Plastics Treaty (GPT) negotiations, civil society organizations are demanding solutions to cover the plastic waste crisis holistically, not just at the end of its life cycle but from the extraction of resources.  

Leaders and residents of Batu Arang were also in attendance. Over three hundred people rallied in protest at Bandar Tasik Puteri just days before the symposium.

A group of people standing on a rocky shore.
Lake in Batu Arang which used to be the site of mining activities. “Batu Arang” means literally “stone charcoal” in English. (Photo by Nur Colis/WALHI)

Firefighting in Asia Pacific

“We have the solution,” said Froilan Grate, GAIA Asia Pacific Coordinator. GAIA has implemented the Zero Waste Cities Collaborators Project in partnership with 18 member organizations for the establishment of zero waste programs in more than 25 cities and communities in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and India. The project was able to divert more than 1.9 million tonnes of waste from landfills, and has put in place at least 23 local ordinances on waste management and single-use plastic bans.

Europe, China, and Japan have increasingly looked at Asian countries as emerging markets for their homegrown WtE incinerators as they face saturated domestic markets. Since investing in emerging markets are risky endeavors for their homegrown WtE incinerator companies, they have used their political and financial leverage through international financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB),  and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to direct public finance in support of these industries. 

In the Philippines, despite a standing ban on waste incineration, Ninya Sarmiento, Plastic-Free Pilipinas Project Campaigner of the Ecowaste Coalition, has raised concerns over moves to legalize waste incineration and local partnerships with WtE companies in which the ADB, through its support for reviewing feasibility studies, developing Public-Private Partnership options, assisting in project preparation, and managing tender processes, has been accused of undermining the country’s Clean Air Act which banned waste incineration.

Speaking from Australia,  Jane Bremmer, the Campaign Coordinator of Toxics-Free Australia, shared the regression in waste minimization. “On the eve of the new Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Paris, the Australian Environment Minister has decided to reopen plastic waste exports after the previous federal government introduced a five-year ban. The 2019 ban on waste exports came in response to China and Southeast Asian countries’ exposure to waste dumping.” 

Dr Jorge Emmanuel, Adjunct Professor from the Environmental Science and Engineering Department at Silliman University in Dumaguete, the Philippines, emphasized a critical point, stating, “Even the most advanced WtE incinerators emit dioxins.” He noted that due to the latency period of dioxin emissions, the actual impact may not be observable for another 7 to 10 years and to have strong evidence of dioxin emissions, a large percentage of people would need to have died from dioxin-related diseases like cancer. Dr. Emmanuel stressed, “That’s why I believe in the precautionary principle; if there’s already strong evidence from around the world, we cannot wait for another incinerator to be put up and wait for the next decades for science to show us conclusively that people died because of WtE incinerator emissions.”

While in countries where WtE incineration is the default practice, experts have shared issues on environmental regulations. 

In China, municipal WtE incinerators have increased tremendously from 130 in 2011 to 927 at the end of 2022. However, more than 40 Not-In-My-Backyard Movements (NIMBY) in the past decade compelled the China government to improve regulations on WtE incineration. “When most of China’s big cities enforced mandatory waste sorting, the operational data from waste-to-power plants between 2020 and 2023 revealed that “plant stoppages” often occurred. According to their study of 29 province-level administrations, the national overcapacity figure for 2022 was 100.99%, with overcapacity found in 12 administrations.” said environmental researcher Lee Jiacheng from the Wuhu Ecology Centre,

Yuichiro Hattori, researcher and former Solid Waste Management Officer in Japan, pointed out that despite Japan’s overreliance on WtE incineration and compromised recycling efforts, WtE incineration only contributes to about 3% of the national electricity grid. Coupled with the compliance requirement for high environmental standards, WtE has become a less cost-effective industry. In the last century, WtE incinerators have closed down and decreased from 1,965 WtE incinerators in 1975 to 1,028 this year.

Arevalo said that while there are disproportionate resources in terms of finances and power between communities and WtE and plastic industries, grassroots including waste pickers and waste workers are fighting and winning.

In Indonesia, Abdul Ghofar, Campaign Manager for Pollution and Urban Justice at WALHI (The Indonesian Forum for Environment) or Friends of the Earth Indonesia, identified communities affected by the WtE projects in twelve cities in Indonesia. However, there’s a silver lining as three cities have cancelled their projects in response to public demand, community protests, and potential financial loss. 

Banners Protesting the proposed incinerator (Photo by Brex Arevalo/GAIA AP)

Humans at the center: legislation and shared experiences toward a zero-waste future 

“I don’t want Asia Pacific or Malaysia to repeat the mistakes that Europe made in the past,” said Janek Vahk, Zero Pollution Policy Manager of Zero Waste Europe, highlighting the milestone achieved by the EU since 2015 by excluding WtE incineration from financial support and shifting to prioritizing waste minimization.

“Waste pollution is a global problem that requires local solutions.  Zero Waste values environmental and social justice. Placing humans at the center of waste management recognizes their lived experiences and expertise refuting the need to continuously burn waste and valuable resources,” said Grate.

Support Batu Arang residents in their fight against WtE incinerators, sign their online petition here.

NOTES:

  1. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government canceled the first pilot fluidized-bed gasification technology and ash-melting system in Broga, Semenyih, in 2006. Additionally, the Municipal Council of Kajang initiated the first Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) plant in Kampung Pasir Baru, Semenyih, which faced public complaints about environmental pollution and permanently closed in 2015 after nine years. Between 2012 and 2022, the Cabinet has approved seven WtE incinerators tendered by the Ministry in the states of Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Penang and the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur. The Selangor State Executive Council has approved six (6) WtE incinerators with a daily burning capacity of 9,000 tonnes of MSW and 100 tonnes of scheduled waste in northern Selangor.
  2. Prior to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 77/161, the European Union withdrew financial support to the construction of WtE incinerators due to CO2 emission problems:
    – In 2017, the European Union called for a ban on investment in WTE and tax changes in the EU removed public support for WTE investment.
    – In 2018, the Sustainable Finance Investment Guide for the European Investment Bank excluded WTE as an acceptable investment.
    – In 2019, the European Green Deal (European Green Deal), established by the European Commission, requires waste reduction (waste reduction), increasing the level of recycling and preserving the right to repair (repair for reuse).
    – In 2020, the EU Taxonomy Regulation 2020 removed incinerators (WTE) from the definition of environmentally sustainable and denied incinerators as a cyclical economic activity. The European Environmental Bureau Climate Action Plan adopts a new circular economy action plan (CEAP) and calls for the end of WTE by 2040.
    – In 2022, the European Parliament included municipal incinerators in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) scope, which sets a price for CO2 emissions from municipal waste incinerators until 2026.



“Temperature records that were not meant to be broken have fallen, one after the other, day by day… Meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement would require greenhouse gas emissions to be halved by 2030 and net zero emission to be reached by 2050.” —Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme

Dire warnings have been issued: the world is facing a climate emergency, and governments around the world are called to “shift into emergency gear;” otherwise, we may face disastrous consequences.

Scientists believe that we still have time to avert this impending catastrophe. But as the years pass, the window to do action is becoming narrow. We must act fast to shift to new, sustainable frameworks and systems. 

But while we must move swiftly, we must do things right. The transition needs to be inclusive. And just. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines ‘just transition’ as “Greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind.”

Without a just transition, the sectors already excluded by the current system may be left behind. If that happens, they will become even more vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Their exclusion may result in them losing their livelihoods, and in turn, in their further deprivation and marginalization.

Zooming In on Workers in the Waste Sector

Among the sectors that stand to suffer the most from the twin crisis that is plastic pollution and climate change are the waste workers, waste pickers, and other informal workers in the recycling value chain — the very people who play a crucial role in waste management and climate change mitigation, often with little to no compensation. 

Waste pickers save millions of dollars for their cities and communities and contribute to environmental and human health. Yet, not only are their roles and contributions unrecognized, they are also not included in conversations on the very work that they do, and the very issues affecting them. Their expertise in waste management remains largely untapped and even ignored. And while they are among the segments of society needing social protection and support, they are largely excluded. In many places, they do not have access to healthcare, education, and other basic services.

Through our just transition work, we at GAIA Asia Pacific, aim to ensure that waste workers and waste pickers are not only meaningfully consulted but more importantly, that they become active participants and decision-makers in waste management issues. Waste pickers and waste workers must be at the front and center of conversations and decision-making on waste management issues — their voices heard, their expertise tapped, and their leadership recognized. Only when this happens will policies and programs be truly anchored on realities on the ground. 

“We hope we can be enrolled in some kind of pension scheme and get more support for our medical needs. I worry about my grandchildren. Their father does not support them. What would happen to them when I’m gone and I’m not able to leave them something? So you see, a form of pension would be a big help.” — Asha Baban Zombade, Waste Picker from Pune, India

As we shine the spotlight on the waste workers, waste pickers, and other informal workers in the recycling value chain during the final week of the International Zero Waste Month (IZWM) celebration, we invite you to listen to their stories. May we have a deeper appreciation of their contributions and understanding of how they may be supported so that they can live with dignity as they continue with the work that they find meaningful in that better and just world. 

We also invite you to support them in whatever way you can.

Support Our Waste Workers and Waste Pickers. Below are GAIA members working with waste pickers and waste workers

MOTHER EARTH FOUNDATION (PHILIPPINES)

Nearly four years ago, Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) launched Project Tuloy, an initiative dedicated to aiding waste workers who play a crucial role in waste collection and sanitation services within our Zero Waste communities. During the COVID19 pandemic, they launched Kusina ni Juan, a community kitchen designed to provide nutritious, freshly cooked meals served in reusable containers for waste workers. They also have a long-running scholarship program for children of waste workers. Through the program, they have supported over 200 children, providing them with gadgets for e-learning and additional allowance that enabled them to purchase school supplies.

Donations can be made through Paypal, as well as via bank transfers to our RCBC and BPI accounts (accessible from any bank through online transfers). Kindly forward a copy of your donation receipt to act@motherearthphil.org to ensure proper acknowledgment. Your generosity will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those dedicated to maintaining our communities Zero Waste and sustainable.

Donate here:

PAYPAL

BANK ACCOUNT
Bank: Security Bank

Type of account: Savings

Branch: Congressional Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines

Name of account: FOR LOVE OF MOTHER EARTH INC

Account number: 0-0000-2822-8193

Facebook | Mother Earth Foundation PH | Facebook

CHINTAN CHINTAN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND ACTION GROUP

(NEW DELHI, INDIA)

Chintan reduces waste and consumption, manages solid and electronic waste, and advocates around materials, waste, and consumption. It uses waste as a tool to fight poverty, child labor, gender-based violence, and exclusion and climate change, while creating green livelihoods. Chintan pushes back and combats unsustainable consumption. Its work directly supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17.

Help Chintan by supporting #COVIDmekabadi

The United Nations says in these times of COVID, handling waste is an essential service, without which we can all get more ill. Wastepickers do this for us in India. Delhi’s 50,000 wastepickers need our support as they protect us.

DONATE HERE: #COVIDmekabadi | Chintan (chintan-india.org)

HASIRU DALA (BANGALORE, INDIA)

Hasiru Dala, which means Green Force, is a social impact organization that works with waste pickers and other waste workers to ensure a life with dignity.

Donations to support waste pickers

Waste pickers and other informal waste workers are among the most marginalized communities across the country. Despite this, their work of removing waste from the streets to sell to scrap dealers and recyclers makes them unsung and silent environmentalists whose work supports municipal waste management with little to no reward. 

Your donations will go to support our programs, which fall broadly across social security, livelihoods, housing, health and nutrition, advocacy, children’s education and safety.

Support Waste Pickers

KKPKP/SWACH (Pune, India)

A Trade Union of Waste Pickers

KKPKP has advocated for the unclean occupations scholarship program at the state government level. They may be reached at https://kkpkp.org/sample-page/timeline-of-change/

STREE MUKTI SANGHATANA (MUMBAI, INDIA)

Established in 1975, Stree Mukti Sanghatana has been working towards women empowerment for over four decades. The play ‘Mulgi Zali Ho’ (Girl is Born) opened doors for women to interact and share their problems with us. The family counseling centers, in-house monthly publication “Prerak Lalkari”, programs for adolescents, daycare centres, programs for waste pickers, and solid waste management commenced operations to enable sustainable livelihood for women.

Donate

Yaksa Pelestari Bumi Berkelanjutan (YPBB)

War on Waste – Break Free From Plastic (WOW-BFFP) – Negros Oriental

Ecowaste Coalition

¡Basura cero es posible, basura cero es ahora!

Mientras las comunidades de todo el mundo se enfrentan a los crecientes retos de la gestión de residuos y la degradación del medio ambiente, el Mes Internacional Basura Cero (IZWM, por sus siglas en inglés) 2024 ocupa un lugar central, ofreciendo soluciones prácticas a la creciente crisis.  Bajo el lema “#EligeReutilizar: Un camino hacia un futuro justo y basura cero”, el mes basura cero de este año hace hincapié en el papel fundamental de la reutilización en la promoción de la equidad social y medioambiental.

A diferencia de los plásticos de un solo uso, la reutilización es un sistema que diseña intencionadamente productos y envases para múltiples ciclos de vida. En esencia, la reutilización ofrece ventajas económicas y reduce significativamente el impacto ambiental. 

La urgencia de pasar a sistemas de reutilización se hace aún más evidente si se tiene en cuenta que alrededor de un tercio de los envases de plástico termina en el medio ambiente. Los sistemas de reutilización pueden reducir la contaminación por plásticos en un 30% de aquí a 2040.

El mes internacional basura cero también se enfrenta a falsas soluciones, como la incineración de residuos  (Waste to energy) y los créditos de plástico, considerados peligrosos para el medio ambiente y la salud, carecen de escalabilidad y no abordan la causa fundamental de la contaminación por plástico.

En respuesta, basura cero surge como una solución basada en la ciencia, que aboga por abandonar las tecnologías nocivas de gestión de residuos y adoptar estrategias como la reutilización, la reparación, la separación adecuada de los residuos y el compostaje.

Basura cero no sólo aborda los problemas medioambientales, sino que también crea más oportunidades de sustento. Un informe de GAIA revela que las actividades de basura cero generan más empleos verdes en comparación con la gestión tradicional de residuos, ofreciendo salarios más altos y puestos más permanentes.

Además, basura cero defiende principios que garanticen un cambio justo hacia prácticas que aborden las disparidades sociales en la gestión de residuos, especialmente las que afectan a las comunidades vulnerables. La campaña pretende inculcar un sentido de responsabilidad global, instando a las empresas a abandonar las prácticas perjudiciales y a los responsables políticos a situar a los recicladores y trabajadores en el centro de los debates sobre asuntos que influyen en su sustento y su bienestar.

Reconociendo la importancia de los recicladores y su papel en la protección del medio ambiente, el mes basura cero destaca la necesidad de proporcionarles las herramientas necesarias para abogar por su trabajo. Se hace hincapié en esta transición justa, caracterizada por la transparencia, la inclusión y la equidad, para garantizar que nadie quede excluido, beneficiando a la sociedad y al medio ambiente.

“Los recicladores están a la vanguardia de la gestión de residuos.  Tenemos que seguir su ejemplo”, afirma Froilan Grate, Coordinador Regional de GAIA para Asia Pacífico. “Los recicladores y otros trabajadores informales desempeñan un papel crucial en el ahorro de recursos y la reducción de residuos. Cuando hablamos de una ‘transición justa’, destacamos la importancia de los recicladores en los debates políticos, reconocemos su experiencia como contribuyentes críticos a la conservación de recursos y la reducción de residuos, y tenemos que asegurarnos de que nadie se quede atrás.”

Para ilustrar que la estrategia basura cero es una solución viable, el Mes internacional basura cero presenta numerosas organizaciones de base, alianzas nacionales y regionales, así como ciudades de todo el mundo que han implantado con éxito sistemas de basura cero, han rechazado las incineradoras WtE y han combatido la contaminación por plásticos.

A lo largo de todo el mes se desarrollarán diversas actividades, como talleres, presentación de casos de reutilización, proyecciones de películas y debates públicos. El programa de todo el mes se divide en temas semanales:

  • Semana 1 (1-7 enero): Lanzamiento.  6 de enero: Día sin desechables.
  • Semana  2 (8-14 enero): Barreras para alcanzar basura cero 
  • Semana  3 (15-21 enero): Soluciones  
  • Semana  4 (22-28 de enero): Falsas soluciones  
  • Semana  5 (29-31 de enero): Líderes basura cero  

La invitación es a adoptar los principios de basura cero y trabajar en conjunto por un futuro sostenible, rechazando las falsas soluciones y defendiendo planteamientos integradores basados en la ciencia. Así podremos construir un mundo en el que se minimicen los residuos, se mejoren los medios de subsistencia y prospere nuestro entorno común. Basura cero no es sólo un concepto, es posible y es ahora.

Para ver la lista completa de eventos, visite el micrositio: http://zwmonth.zerowaste.asia

###

Mes internacional basura cero

Las celebraciones del Mes Basura Cero se originaron en Filipinas en 2012, cuando un grupo de líderes de la juventud publicaron un Manifiesto juvenil basura cero en el que pedían, entre otras cosas, la celebración de un Mes Basura Cero. Esto se hizo oficial cuando se emitió la Proclamación Presidencial nº 760, que declaraba enero como el Mes basura cero en Filipinas. Las ONG y las comunidades que ya habían adoptado este enfoque para gestionar sus residuos lo promovieron ampliamente. En 2023, GAIA celebró el 1er Mes Internacional de Basura Cero con más de 200 actividades en Asia Pacífico y otras partes del mundo.

Contacto medios:

Camila Aguilera | +56 9 51111599 | camila@no-burn.org

Sobre GAIA:

GAIA es una red de grupos de base y alianzas nacionales y regionales que representan a más de 1.000 organizaciones de 92 países. Con nuestro trabajo pretendemos catalizar un cambio global hacia la justicia ambiental fortaleciendo los movimientos sociales de base que promueven soluciones a los residuos y la contaminación. Imaginamos un mundo justo,  basura cero, basado en el respeto de los límites ecológicos y los derechos de las comunidades, donde las personas estén libres de los problemas de la contaminación tóxica y los recursos se conserven de forma sostenible, no se incineren ni se desperdicien. www.no-burn.org

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