International Day of Zero Waste 2024: Theme, history & significance

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 30-03-2024

International Day of Zero Waste 2024: Theme, history & significance

Important Day 5 min read

‘International Day of Zero Waste is celebrated every year on 30 March. On this occasion, emphasis is laid on increasing awareness and motivating action towards ‘zero-waste’.

Theme of International Day of Zero Waste 2024:

Each year, a unique theme focuses on specific aspects of the zero-waste movement. These topics discuss topics such as food waste, plastic pollution, circular economy and community action.
The official theme of IDZW 2024 has not yet been announced by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat.
The emphasis on this occasion is that everyone should work together to create a world where waste is reduced and resources are valued.
The initiative aims to achieve 2030 Agenda goals via zero-waste initiatives.

History of International Day of Zero Waste:

International Day of Zero Waste, celebrated annually on March 30, has a relatively short but impressive history.
Driven by growing concern about the global waste crisis in 2017, awareness of waste increased in environmental communities. This led to the concept of a dedicated day to promote zero-waste solutions.
It was adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) on 2 March 2022.
Recognizing the urgency and importance of tackling waste, the UNEA adopted a resolution on 14 December 2022. In this, March 30 was declared as the International Day of Zero Waste.
This proposal was brought by Turkey and 105 other countries joined in sponsoring it.
The first International Day of Zero Waste was celebrated with enthusiasm across the world in 2023. Many events, workshops, clean-up campaigns and awareness campaigns took place around the world highlighting the topic "Waste Hierarchy".
The UNEP and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) jointly facilitate the celebration. This day is organized by UNEP and UN-Habitat.

Significance of International Day of Zero waste:

International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. To raise awareness of how zero-waste initiatives contribute to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The waste sector is a significant contributor to problems related to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Annually, humans generate approximately 2.24 billion tons of municipal solid waste. Of this, only 55% is managed in regulated facilities. Additionally, approximately 931 million tons of food is wasted each year. Up to 14 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems each year.
Zero-waste initiatives play a vital role in promoting responsible waste management, reducing and preventing waste, and solving crises.
These efforts help protect the environment, bolster food security, and enhance human health and well-being.
The day serves as a platform to emphasize the importance of such initiatives in creating a sustainable and resilient future.
Promoting zero-waste initiatives on International Day can advance all the goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes Sustainable Development Goal 11 and Sustainable Development Goal 12. These goals deal with all types of waste including food loss and wastage. This includes natural resource extraction and electronic waste.