Rachel Ramsey | Zero may not be so bad after all

If we each took a few moments to think about the quantity of trash we generate and toss out every day, what would that look like? For some of us this can amount to over 10 to 15 plastic, Styrofoam, aluminium, or glass items; and for others this can include the disposal of larger articles, such appliances, electronic equipment, or even toxic waste products such as batteries, waste oils, medical implements, and household cleaning items. Often, we even dispose of similar quantities of food to the amount we consume.

These simple daily practices contribute to overwhelming waste generation rates at the personal, national, and regional levels. In fact, recent estimations indicate that in the Caribbean region we each generate approximately one kg of waste each day, which amounts to the regional generation of over 541,000 tons/day; and these figures continue to increase due to changes in our daily use and consumption practices.

WHERE DOES IT GO?

Unfortunately, less than 35 per cent of this waste we generate makes its way to appropriate disposal management and treatment options. So, where does it go? This answer varies based on where we live from the landfill, to the waste collectors to the recyclers to an improper dumpsite, such as waste left on the roadside, or even more alarmingly, into our coastal and marine environment.

Roughly 54.4 per cent of domestic waste produced in Latin America and the Caribbean is appropriately managed, but the rest is dumped, burnt, or disposed of inadequately. Approximately 80 per cent of marine pollution in the Caribbean stems from direct or indirect sources from our rivers, waterways, agricultural run-off, and infrastructure. We have also discovered over 2,000 items of litter per kilometre on beaches and coastal areas.

High waste generation rates and limited management options have severe consequences and continue to impact our natural environment through land, soil, and air pollution which contributes to environmental degradation. In turn, it creates socio-economic impacts, including health concerns, public safety hazards, loss of revenue and livelihoods from impacts on tourism, and decreased quality of life.

Pre-COVID estimates show that marine and coastal tourism generated US$57 billion in revenue for the insular Caribbean with revenues, and our fisheries employ over 340,000 people. Ultimately, our everyday waste generation could jeopardise this revenue source and is contributing to the planetary crisis surrounding climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO WASTE

Waste challenges are not limited to our region. On March 30, 2024, we observed the United Nations International Day of Zero Waste, designated to raise awareness on how we can work together to minimise high waste generation and mismanagement while developing sustainably.

As a region, we should work towards zero waste practices which aim to minimise or eliminate waste generation by redesigning products, processes, and systems to reduce consumption, reuse materials, and recycle or compost waste. As individuals, we can adopt better practices and make minor lifestyle changes.

First, we can focus on how we shop and what we purchase. For example, we can avoid using single-use, highly disposable items such as plastic bags, straws, utensils, and water bottles. We could consider reusable alternatives, including those made from durable materials like glass, stainless steel, or bamboo. We could take it a step further and focus on products with minimal or no packaging, and opt for items packaged in recyclable or compostable materials. Even meal planning could minimise food waste–so could composting our organic waste!

Carefully considering the reuse and repurposing of our items can contribute to reaching zero waste. Taking minor steps to repair and maintain products–instead of quickly and unnecessarily upgrading, or getting creative and repurposing items such as mason jars and even donating, thrifting, and reselling items – can contribute to increasing the lifespans of items and minimising your waste contribution. Identifying appropriate recyclers, supporting their on-the-ground initiatives, and raising awareness of their work can also prove useful.

REGIONAL SUPPORT TOWARDS ZERO WASTE

A shift to a circular economy, which embraces zero waste, can contribute to global savings of US$70 billion by 2040 and create 700,000 additional jobs. The only way for the Caribbean to benefit from this is by going zero, which is why the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s Nature-Based Economies Programme is working on unlocking financing and finding partners for regional projects, including marine protection, litter removal, and waste management.

Join us on this journey to zero waste, because zero may not be so bad after all!

Rachel Ramsey is the programme manager, Advancing Circular Economy Facility, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.