How do you handle waste
Each year, every person in the Netherlands throws out an average of 500 kilograms of garbage. This causes a significant loss of energy and contributes to CO2 emissions, as the garbage needs to be burned. Time to change this!
Most people believe that recycling is the best way to solve this issue. Unfortunately, this is not the case. That is why we would like to place the focus of this week’s post on garbage and how we can prevent the production of waste to create a more sustainable future.
The Netherlands would like to be a fully circular economy in 2050. This would signify a Netherlands without any waste. You can imagine that this must be quite a difficult feat! The current obstacle is figuring out how to get to this waste-free world. This might be a good time to reflect on our own habits: how do you deal with waste?
Below, we will highlight the 5 R’s which are necessary for a life without waste. The R-system resembles a ladder, where we start at the bottom (with number 1 – refuse) and slowly work our way to the top, gradually changing our lifestyle to become more sustainable, step by step. After we have reached the final stage (number 5 – rot), we should ideally have no garbage or waste at all.
| Refuse |
A life without plastic starts with the refusal of garbage. You can do this by refusing a plastic bag at your local grocery store, bringing your own water bottle or cup, and by decreasing the amount of prepackaged food you purchase. |
| Reduce |
By reducing the amount of food you purchase, there would be no need to throw anything out. Try to be more aware of your purchases and try to go for quality over quantity. |
| Reuse |
The more you use and reuse a product, the more you prevent the creation of waste. See if you can upcycle, trade, or repair products to try and replace your need for disposable items. |
| Recycling |
If you really cannot use a product and have to throw it out, make sure it is processed in the right way by throwing it in the corresponding garbage bin. |
| Rot |
If all the other R’s have been followed, you should be left with solely organic and biodegradable items for a compost heap, including fruit peels, wooden toothbrushes and biodegradable packaging. |
Have a look at your garbage this week. See how much waste you “produce” in a single week. What is your biggest source of garbage and how might you be able to decrease it? Use the 5 R’s to help you achieve this goal.
Would you like to do more? Think about additional steps you could take with each R:
| Refuse |
Where will you take your first step to purchase groceries without unnecessary packaging? You could try markets or find a store where you can bring your own bags and containers. Have a look at the Zero Waste Nederland website to find a store near you. |
| Reduce |
Are you planning on making a big purchase this week? Think critically whether or not you need to buy this product brand new. You might be able to get it at a second-hand store or you might be able to borrow or trade it. |
| Reuse |
Is there something you can repair? Do you have any old jam-jars you can reuse for herbs, spices, or nuts or do you have an old t-shirt you can redecorate? There might be something you want to throw out which can still be given as a gift to someone else. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure! |
| Recycling |
Are you recycling in the correct way? Have a look at your sources of garbage and see if you can improve parts of the process. Check the website of Milieu Centraal for useful tips. |
| Rot |
Are you separating your biodegradable trash from plastics? If so, you might be able to start your own compost heap in your garden, or even create a Bokashi or worm-hotel on your balcony! |
As we mentioned last week, it is all about awareness! If you would like to do even more than what was mentioned before, try to see if you can raise awareness among your peers or family. Make it easy and fun, and challenge yourself and others! Have a look at the following Instagram page for more inspiration.
The benefits:
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A decrease in waste = a decrease in the use of resources = a decrease in transport = a decrease in the use of energy = a decrease in environmental pollution and CO2 emission. |
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By consciously looking at your waste and challenging yourself, you keep it simple and you might even have fun figuring out how to decrease your waste production. |
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Produce without packaging is usually healthier (less E-numbers and less added sugars and salt). |
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By purchasing less products (reduce) and by reusing and repairing products (reuse), you can save a lot of money. |