The Problem: Waste
Waste production is one of the greatest challenges of the Anthropocene. It endangers our environment and threatens to tip our planet off-balance. We have grown so used to waste production, e.g., through single-use plastics, that we tend to forget it is a recent economic practice which can be changed. And there are alternatives: have you already forgotten the old way of doing your shopping with a Zembil? Let us challenge our habits, see what we can do to reduce our environmental impact and learn some lessons! Starting from Earth Day 22 April 2025, to 22 May 2025 the International Day for Biological Diversity Udet will be guiding you through the Zero Waste Month, week-by-week! we will Launch the challenge on World Water Day 22 March 2025.
What does an alternative future look like? how can you get involved?
Week 0: Preparation
(1) Take stock of where most of your waste comes from!
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The most common forms of waste are food and other packaging, bottled water, takeaway containers, hygiene and self-care products, and all kinds of single-use plastics! We also create a lot of food waste, such as leftovers, which might end up in the garbage. How many garbage bins full, cubic meters, kilos of waste do you produce? Take measurement! Use a Camera or a Scale.
(2) Decide what can to be reduced or eliminated.
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What is your personal biggest waste category? Do you always find yourself buying bottled water because you are thirsty on the road? Are you frequently throwing things away, because you can't repair them?
Make a plan or checklist and pin it on your fridge! How much can you avoid? Set an ambitious target!
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(3) Make a plan of how you will eliminate this waste.
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What alternatives can you think of? You can normally get vegetables and fruit from the marked without packing, for example. Plan for your shopping and take your Zembil (picture) or re-usable containers instead of plastic bags. Do you have a compost already?
Week 1: Food
Food is one of the biggest sources of waste from its production to consumption. We will look into zero-waste shopping, cooking, and strategies to avoid harmful packaging. Additionally, we will delve into the agriculture system and creating your own food garden whatever your living condition. This week we will also shed light on the unhealthy kitchen equipment that are dangerous to your health and the environment's.
Week 2: Beauty & Hygiene
In the past decade the beauty industry has expanded its reach with new brands and new categories of products. Although this has been celebrated for catering to diverse skin tones, the sheer volume of the products being manufactured and encouragement of undiscerning consumption patterns has contributed immensely to ecosystem degradation. This is due to waste generated from the beauty and hygiene industry. One notable example of this is microplastics ending up in our water systems from plastic beads used as exfoliants in face washes. During this week we will look at alternatives and strategies to avoid harmful products.
Week 3: Home & Workplace
A clean and beautiful environment to live or work is very important. What we don't always realize is the fact that a lot of the cleaning products we use regularly produce a lot of waste and can contain toxic chemicals. This week we will look at eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, we will look at e-waste in our homes and office, furniture, appliances, and equipment. What are the toxic materials lurking in our kitchens containing PFAS known as forever chemicals.
Week 4: Travel
Unknowingly our travel choices produce more waste than we might be informed about. When thinking about zero-waste during travel we typically think about the rubbish we produce during the trip. However, it's important to note that the mode of transport and choice of destination matters a great deal. Therefore, informing yourself about eco-friendly destinations before planning your trip can be an important step towards zero waste travel. Additionally, you can make your day-to-day transport zero-waste. This week we will look at tips to minimize your waste starting from the planning stage of your travel.
Week 5: Stock Taking & Telling Stories
The most important part of this challenge is creating a community that shares experiences of the challenge. Discuss what was easy to do, what was difficult and why. What can we do about it, what systems need to change for zero-waste living to be easy and straightforward.
