Join us in celebrating the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) from 16-24 November! This week-long initiative aims to raise awareness and promote actions on waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and cleanup activities across Europe. Here’s how you can get involved and make a significant impact.
What is EWWR? 🌍
EWWR is a collective effort to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices. It involves various stakeholders, including public authorities, associations, businesses, educational establishments, and individual citizens. The goal is to inform as many people as possible about waste prevention, reuse, and recycling.
Become an Action Developer ✨
If you’re passionate about waste reduction, you can become an Action Developer. Simply register your action on the EWWR website. Action Developers are categorized into five groups:
- Public administration and organizations
- Associations/NGOs
- Businesses/industries
- Educational establishments
- Citizens
By registering, you commit to the principles outlined in the Action Developers’ Participation Charter. For more details, contact your local coordinator.
Ideas for Action 💡
Reduce:
- Information Campaigns: Host exhibitions or information booths to discuss the impact of waste.
- Conferences and Discussions: Organize round-table discussions or conferences on waste reduction.
- Competitions: Hold waste reduction competitions or produce awareness videos.
Reuse:
- Collection Drives: Organize collections for clothes, books, and electronics.
- Swap Events: Host swap events or second-hand markets.
- Creative Reuse Workshops: Conduct workshops to promote creative reuse of materials.
Recycle:
- Sorting Guides: Develop and distribute sorting guides for households.
- Recycling Workshops: Conduct workshops or competitions on recycling.
- Exhibitions: Set up exhibitions to highlight the importance of recycling.
Why Waste Reduction is Important 🌱
The EU faces an urgent need to reduce waste. Household waste has doubled since 1970, with an average of 492 kg of municipal waste per person in 2018. Non-sustainable production and consumption modes are the culprits. Waste reduction helps mitigate environmental impact, conserves resources, and reduces costs for public authorities.
Environmental, Social, and Economic Benefits 🌿
Environmental:
- Reduces waste and pollution
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
- Conserves natural resources
Social:
- Provides affordable products to low-income households
- Promotes social inclusion and job creation
Economic:
- Saves money on disposal and purchasing
- Creates jobs in collection, sorting, and recycling industries
Inspiration Hub 💡
For more ideas, visit the Ideas Hub on the EWWR website. Whether you’re hosting a workshop, screening a movie, or organizing a cleanup, remember to document your actions and share them via social media to maximize impact.
How to Participate 📝
- Choose an action that aligns with waste reduction, reuse, or recycling.
- Register your action on the EWWR website.
- Implement your action during the week of 16-24 November.
- Share your results through all available channels.
Every action counts in the journey towards a waste-free Europe. Let’s come together and make a difference during the European Week for Waste Reduction!
