This year’s European Week for Waste Reduction focuses on packaging, more specifically its use, reduction and reuse. It is crucial to remember that packaging accounts for a significant proportion of municipal solid waste (36%) and uses precious natural resources. The increase in the number of packages not only increases CO2 emissions, but also damages biodiversity and leads to the overexploitation of natural resources and greater pollution. The growth of online commerce has contributed to increased consumption of packaging that is sometimes unnecessary and could be avoided. This week’s main objectives are to raise awareness of waste reduction, product reuse and recycling strategies.

Reuse is a powerful strategy against waste.

Reuse has a strong value for sustainable development, as it promotes environmental protection through waste prevention and contributes to social objectives and economic benefits. It also reduces the use of material and energy resources and reduces pollution and the degradation of natural capital.

To help reduce the amount of packaging, you can:

Opt for reusable packaging, such as bottles and cloth shopping bags, instead of disposable packaging.
Buy second-hand products, such as clothes, furniture or electronics, reducing the consumption of new products and packaging.
Wash and reuse glass or plastic jars to store food or create homemade food containers instead of discarding them.
Supporting companies that prioritize reuse and recycling in their operations.

Nuwave is certified to ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management Systems (EMS)!