Celebrate Zero Waste Day 2024. Together, we can reduce waste!
ORANJESTAD - In 2022, the United Nations declared March 30th as World Zero Waste Day.
This day raise awareness about responsible consumption, production, and waste reduction. The Department of Nature and Environment (DNM), in charge of our environment, joins this observation to inform the community about the importance of responsible waste management.
On Zero Waste Day 2024, the emphasis is to strengthen global waste management and the importance of sustainable production and consumption practices. Waste and pollution disrupt the ecosystem and pose a threat to general well-being. Waste can hinder the economic growth of a country or region.
In Aruba, we face considerable challenges with non-organic waste, as well as food waste. It is important to change behavior regarding waste management to prevent waste from being deposited in inappropriate places. Now that dumping at Parkietenbos has ceased, the community must become more aware of the places, institutions, and businesses where they can dispose of their waste and where it can eventually receive a new destination. Most of these places charge fees for waste disposal, while some still do this for free. This process contributes to a circular economy.
How can you contribute to a cleaner Aruba?
- Plan your purchases: make a shopping list and only buy what you need with as little packaging as possible;
- eeduce consumption: avoid products with unnecessary packaging. Choose products that can be reused or recycled;
- eat consciously: plan your meals, and save leftovers for another day;
- compost food waste: compost organic waste to create good fertilizers for your plants;
- recycle: separate your waste for recycling according to the instructions of the waste collection service;
- reuse: give everyday items a different function. Avoid throwing them away without considering another purpose.
Together, we can achieve a more sustainable Aruba!
The sustainable development goal (SDG) directly related to and relevant to Zero Waste Day is SDG number 12, which focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Other sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to Zero Waste Day include:
- SDG # 6 - Clean water and sanitation;
- SDG #11 - Sustainable cities and communities;
- SDG #13 - Climate action. Take urgent action to combat human-induced climate change and its impacts.
The Department of Nature and Environment is committed to helping Aruba achieve a future without waste. For more information about International Zero Waste Day, visit the Facebook page of the Department of Nature and Environment (https://www.facebook.com/dnmaruba/) or the United Nations website https://www.un.org/en/observances/zero-waste-day