What Is International Day Of Zero Waste?

International Day of Zero Waste is a day specifically aimed at promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. It focuses on how important it is to minimize waste through sustainable practices of reusing, recycling, and responsible consumption, while also raising awareness of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of waste. Key parties, including governments, companies, civil societies, and individuals, participate in initiatives and activities which contribute to zero-waste goals at their community, local, regional, or national levels.

International Day of Zero Waste encourages sustainable consumption and production, and attempts to create planet positive habits in our communities. It’s also a way to spread awareness of how zero-waste projects increase the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It is in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

How To Celebrate Zero Waste Day?

You can help make a planet-positive impact by trying a few of these waste reduction ideas for International Zero Waste Day, but they are also easy changes to be mindful of everyday.

• Organize or participate in a park, roadside, neighborhood, or beach cleanup drive. Waterway cleanups are also very much needed in many communities.

• Commit to using only reusable containers and dishes. Switching to refillable drink containers, and avoiding single-use food or beverage containers makes a difference!

• If you need to go shopping, switch to reusable retail bags rather than single use bags.

• Get involved advocating for better zero-waste policies.

• Increase your education on waste reduction and circular economies with workshops, webinars, or panel discussions.

• Support and participate in circular economy initiatives like sustainable paper and composting.

Did You Know?

• Composting food waste can reduce methane emissions, which is up to 25 times more harmful than CO₂ in trapping heat.

• If everyone person in the U.S. used just one less paper towel per day, it would save 571 million pounds of paper waste a year.

• Recycling just a single aluminum can save enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours.