{"id":30044,"date":"2025-01-30T12:35:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-30T11:35:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/?p=30044"},"modified":"2025-08-01T11:20:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T09:20:49","slug":"let-the-new-year-be-all-about-reducing-waste","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/let-the-new-year-be-all-about-reducing-waste\/","title":{"rendered":"Let the new year be all about reducing waste!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>According to the latest UN data, more than <strong>two billion tons of municipal solid waste<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, at least <strong>33% of waste is improperly managed<\/strong>, reports the World Bank. This is particularly problematic in low-income countries, where <strong>more than 90% of waste is dumped in illegal landfills or burned in the open.<\/strong> 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Udruga_Sunce_morski_otpad_2-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"konferencija-bemed-plastika-udruga-sunce-morski-otpad\" class=\"wp-image-17926\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Udruga_Sunce_morski_otpad_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Udruga_Sunce_morski_otpad_2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Udruga_Sunce_morski_otpad_2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Udruga_Sunce_morski_otpad_2-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Udruga_Sunce_morski_otpad_2.jpg 1066w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the vast amount of waste we currently produce, managing it properly \u2013 while keeping in mind its potential environmental impacts \u2013 has becoming a truly complex process. However, that is no reason to ignore the process or not manage it effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the solutions for reducing waste?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u2013 \u200b\u200b<strong>drastically reducing waste and valuing secondary materials as resources.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is why the first steps in the UN\u2019s waste management hierarchy are \u201crefuse\u201d, \u201creduce\u201d and \u201creuse\u201d, followed by \u201crecycle\u201d, \u201crecover\u201d and \u201cdispose\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason is simple: if we refuse to buy something we know we don\u2019t 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Limit your purchases of new things<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you buy something, consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do you really need it?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How long will you use the product?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What is the product&#8217;s lifespan?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What will you do with it once it&#8217;s no longer needed or functional?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s resources. Because if the world&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/how-should-we-live-today-if-we-want-to-experience-a-better-tomorrow-there-are-17-solutions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sustainable Development Goals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Restore the old shine to forgotten items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kreativa_petkom.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">creative projects for the youngest<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out where you can do this in Split and the surrounding area below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Postolarski obrt \u201e\u0160ve\u0111o\u201c, Vukovarska ul. 106, Split<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u0160etemana, Slavi\u0107eva 1, Split<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Singerica, Table ul. 33, Split<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tailoring Salon Alenka, Ul. dr. Martina \u017di\u017ei\u0107a 27, 21210, Solin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>E\u0160KA, service business, Pujanke 24 a, Split<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mikroteh, Ul. Ru\u0111era Bo\u0161kovi\u0107a 13, Split (for technology repairs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Permaculture Association Repair Shop Split, Galerija kluba Kocka&nbsp;(basement of the Split Youth Center), Ulica slobode 28,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/sizika-sivanje-zakrpe-i-kreativne-aktivnosti\/\">\u0160IZIKA<\/a>, Sunce, Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda 7, Split (new dates coming soon).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SIZIKA_volonteri-1024x640.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-29292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SIZIKA_volonteri-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SIZIKA_volonteri-480x300.png 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SIZIKA_volonteri-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SIZIKA_volonteri-500x313.png 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/SIZIKA_volonteri.png 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Shop locally<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, try to plan your weekly shopping by visiting a local market before going to the supermarket or check out health food stores like <strong>Butiga o\u2019 doma\u0107e spize<\/strong>, at Ul. Ru\u0111era Bo\u0161kovi\u0107a 3a, 21000, Split. Local product markets can even be found online, such as <strong>plodovi.hr<\/strong> and the Facebook group <strong>Virtualni Pazar<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to food products, Croatia offers a wide range of non-food local products, such as <strong>Pero<\/strong>, which are environmentally conscious in terms of composition and packaging.4. Avoid single-use plastic<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the Sustainable Development Goals, by 2050 we can expect to find more plastic in the oceans than fish!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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: <strong>Refu\u017eo<\/strong>, Vara\u017edinska 53 and <strong>Cape Trgovina<\/strong>, Ul. Ru\u0111era Bo\u0161kovi\u0107a 17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also use reusable shopping items, such as cloth bags and bottles, so that you don&#8217;t end up having to buy disposable options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/can-split-go-plastic-free-at-public-events-too\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">single-use plastics<\/a>. 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"30016\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce-advent_case.jpg\" alt=\"sunce-advent-casa\" class=\"wp-image-30016\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce-advent_case.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce-advent_case-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce-advent_case-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" data-id=\"30012\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce_advent_split_2024-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"sunce-advent-split-2024-prokurative\" class=\"wp-image-30012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce_advent_split_2024-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce_advent_split_2024-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce_advent_split_2024-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce_advent_split_2024-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/sunce_advent_split_2024.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Be prepared<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t forget to use them! For more inspiration on how to prepare for your shopping trip, read our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/from-bakery-to-butcher-shop-what-are-the-alternatives-to-single-use-plastic-products\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">article<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also suggest meal planning because according to the Sustainable Development Goals, 1\/3 of the world\u2019s 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: \u201cWhat\u2019s for lunch?\u201d. Find ideas for meal planning and using leftovers for new meals on the profiles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>@food.journalista<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>@ ditch.plastic.croatia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>@ zerowastecookingschool.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Green up your closet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit your local thrift store (second-hand stores like those at <strong>Vara\u017edinska 2 and Velebitska 110 in Split<\/strong>, or even online options like <strong>Vinted, MojeKrpice, and Facebook marketplaces<\/strong>). There, you\u2019ll 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 <strong>Studio 02<\/strong>, Polji\u010dka cesta 23, Split).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And when you\u2019re shopping at retail stores, try to pay attention to choosing sustainable clothing brands. Let two criteria guide you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/web-13-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"obuca-plaza-otpad\" class=\"wp-image-25524\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/web-13-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/web-13-480x300.jpg 480w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/web-13-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/web-13-500x313.jpg 500w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/web-13.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Change things<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t automatically throw away items that you no longer need, don&#8217;t use, or are simply bored with. Try to find someone you can give them to \u2013 a friend, family member, or even a stranger. There are various groups on social media for exchanging and donating items: <strong><em>Potrebno mi je \u2013 Poklanjam<\/em><\/strong>(Split and the surrounding area), <strong>EMPATIJA SPLIT<\/strong>, <strong>Give, to get more<\/strong>, and so on. You can also organize this activity on your own initiative at <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/projects\/desirmed-demonstration-and-mainstreaming-of-nature-based-solutions-for-climate-resilient-transformation-in-the-mediterranean\/the-first-green-swap-fair-was-held-in-kastela\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">school<\/a>, college, or work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"30037\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-1-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"30039\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-2.jpg\" alt=\"sajam-razmjene\" class=\"wp-image-30039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-2.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-2-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-2-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"800\" data-id=\"30041\" src=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-3.jpg 600w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sajam_razmjene_sunce-3-500x667.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, every first Tuesday of the month, Sunce organizes a <a href=\"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/news\/we-answer-questions-about-the-swap-fair\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Swap Fair<\/a> at Klub Zona. This is an opportunity to exchange what you no longer need for what you need \u2013 and at the same time satisfy the need for new things. Every individual can contribute to reducing waste, and when everyone\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many ways you can contribute to environmental protection, and according to the waste management hierarchy, &#8220;reduce&#8221; is one of the first and most important steps.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":25601,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[473,5,1388],"tags":[378,76,452],"class_list":["post-30044","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-live-green","category-news","category-swap-fair-wanna-trade","tag-jednokratna-plastika","tag-otpad","tag-zivi-zeleno"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30044","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30044"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":33246,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30044\/revisions\/33246"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25601"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sunce-st.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}