According to the latest UN data, more than two billion tons of municipal solid waste are generated worldwide each year, and the situation is even worse if we add non-municipal waste (construction, industrial, agricultural and healthcare waste) to this.
Additionally, at least 33% of waste is improperly managed, reports the World Bank. This is particularly problematic in low-income countries, where more than 90% of waste is dumped in illegal landfills or burned in the open. These practices can have significant consequences for human health, as improperly managed landfills cause water, soil and crops contamination with toxic metals. The same applies to waste burning – its residues contaminate soil and groundwater, which can then enter our food chain. Open burning also releases pollutants such as CO2 into the atmosphere. And as we know, waste knows no borders, so these improper waste management practices do not only affect individual countries, but the entire world and each one of us.
Given the vast amount of waste we currently produce, managing it properly – while keeping in mind its potential environmental impacts – has becoming a truly complex process. However, that is no reason to ignore the process or not manage it effectively.
What are the solutions for reducing waste?
While the UN estimates that improving global waste management will require significant investments, the good news is that the most affordable solution is also one that almost every one of us can implement – drastically reducing waste and valuing secondary materials as resources.
That is why the first steps in the UN’s waste management hierarchy are “refuse”, “reduce” and “reuse”, followed by “recycle”, “recover” and “dispose”.
The reason is simple: if we refuse to buy something we know we don’t need, reduce the amount of waste we generate, or find ways to reuse or repurpose something, waste management costs decrease, there is less need for new landfills, and we reduce the carbon emissions needed to produce new products. All of this has a positive impact on the environment. Here is how each of us can contribute:
1. Limit your purchases of new things
Before you buy something, consider:
- Do you really need it?
- How long will you use the product?
- What is the product’s lifespan?
- What will you do with it once it’s no longer needed or functional?
Additionally, always go shopping with a list! Making a list of things before you buy will help you focus on what you really need. Try to be aware of the difference between needs and wants and develop the discipline to stick to your plan and budget. Refraining from impulsive purchases can save you money in the long run, but it will also save the earth’s resources. Because if the world’s population reaches 9.8 billion by 2050, it will take the equivalent of almost three planets to provide the natural resources needed to sustain our current lifestyle, according to the Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Restore the old shine to forgotten items
Try to restore the old shine to torn and worn-out items. Old shoes can be embellished by a cobbler, outdated clothes can be refashioned into new and modern versions or simply used as cleaning cloths, while waste can be used to make new and original items or creative projects for the youngest.
Find out where you can do this in Split and the surrounding area below:
- Postolarski obrt „Šveđo“, Vukovarska ul. 106, Split
- Šetemana, Slavićeva 1, Split
- Singerica, Table ul. 33, Split
- Tailoring Salon Alenka, Ul. dr. Martina Žižića 27, 21210, Solin
- EŠKA, service business, Pujanke 24 a, Split
- Mikroteh, Ul. Ruđera Boškovića 13, Split (for technology repairs)
- Permaculture Association Repair Shop Split, Galerija kluba Kocka (basement of the Split Youth Center), Ulica slobode 28,
- ŠIZIKA, Sunce, Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 7, Split (new dates coming soon).
3. Shop locally
Local products offer many advantages for the community and the environment. Local producers often create higher-quality products because they focus on traditional local flavors and needs, and the use of sustainable raw materials that can be found nearby. Such purchases help them enter (and remain in) the market. Additionally, this type of shopping reduces the carbon emissions required for transporting products, and also benefits local economies, as the money stays within the community.
Therefore, try to plan your weekly shopping by visiting a local market before going to the supermarket or check out health food stores like Butiga o’ domaće spize, at Ul. Ruđera Boškovića 3a, 21000, Split. Local product markets can even be found online, such as plodovi.hr and the Facebook group Virtualni Pazar.
In addition to food products, Croatia offers a wide range of non-food local products, such as Pero, which are environmentally conscious in terms of composition and packaging.4. Avoid single-use plastic
According to the Sustainable Development Goals, by 2050 we can expect to find more plastic in the oceans than fish!
So, when shopping, choose products in larger packages and in bulk, and products that can be refilled, such as soap or shower bottles, and avoid those packaged in single-use plastic. In Split, there is even a store where customers come with their own bowl to buy in bulk, rather than in plastic wrap: Refužo, Varaždinska 53 and Cape Trgovina, Ul. Ruđera Boškovića 17.
Also use reusable shopping items, such as cloth bags and bottles, so that you don’t end up having to buy disposable options.
Single-use plastics should be avoided in every aspect of life, including concerts, festivals and other public events. Such events generate large amounts of waste, mostly single-use plastics. Therefore, whenever possible, at public events ask if there is an option to use deposit-return cups or glasses that can be returned to the vendor after use. Or, to be safest, always carry your own cup!
5. Be prepared
A little planning ahead will make it easier to reduce waste in your life. Do you already have sustainable alternatives like reusable bags, water and coffee bottles, portable cutlery sets, metal straws, beeswax paper and mesh bags for fruits and vegetables? Then don’t forget to use them! For more inspiration on how to prepare for your shopping trip, read our article.
We also suggest meal planning because according to the Sustainable Development Goals, 1/3 of the world’s food is wasted annually. So, the practice of meal planning can simplify shopping, reduce food costs and food waste, and will also save you from the question that many dread during and after the workday: “What’s for lunch?”. Find ideas for meal planning and using leftovers for new meals on the profiles:
- @food.journalista
- @ ditch.plastic.croatia
- @ zerowastecookingschool.
6. Green up your closet
Visit your local thrift store (second-hand stores like those at Varaždinska 2 and Velebitska 110 in Split, or even online options like Vinted, MojeKrpice, and Facebook marketplaces). There, you’ll often find unique, slightly worn, and sometimes brand-new clothes for a fraction of the retail price. Instead of buying new clothes for weddings and other formal occasions every time, rent a dress or suit (e.g. Dress Rental by Studio 02, Poljička cesta 23, Split).
And when you’re shopping at retail stores, try to pay attention to choosing sustainable clothing brands. Let two criteria guide you:
- ethics: a clothing brand that adheres to ethical and responsible labor practices, providing its employees with fair wages and a safe work environment, and a brand that gives back to its communities and prioritizes size inclusivity in its clothing lines;
environmental sustainability: a clothing brand that incorporates sustainability into its manufacturing process, including using all natural and organic materials, low-impact processes and recycled/upcycled materials whenever possible.
7. Change things
Don’t automatically throw away items that you no longer need, don’t use, or are simply bored with. Try to find someone you can give them to – a friend, family member, or even a stranger. There are various groups on social media for exchanging and donating items: Potrebno mi je – Poklanjam(Split and the surrounding area), EMPATIJA SPLIT, Give, to get more, and so on. You can also organize this activity on your own initiative at school, college, or work!
In addition, every first Tuesday of the month, Sunce organizes a Swap Fair at Klub Zona. This is an opportunity to exchange what you no longer need for what you need – and at the same time satisfy the need for new things. Every individual can contribute to reducing waste, and when everyone’s contributions are added up, they can have a significant impact on the environment. This year, try to accomplish at least one of the steps offered every month, and share with us how you are doing with the Sunce tag on social media!