How does zero waste help reduce global warming?

Paris Agreements, Conference of the Parties (COP), Green New Deal, these are all initiatives carried out by States to fight against global warming. \n\nHowever, every year, 2 billion tonnes of waste are produced around the world. Consequence: water and soil are increasingly polluted and we are experiencing the full brunt of climate change. Faced with this disaster, more and more voices are being raised to urge a zero waste approach. But ultimately, what do we really know about this concept? Better, how does it work? \n\nAnd above all, how does it contribute to reducing the risk of global warming? You will find answers to these questions by reading the text below. \n

By reducing the carbon footprint

\nIt’s an open secret that ecology has been on the rise in recent years. In fact, not a single day goes by without global warming showing us that it is not just a topic of conversation. Between floods, fires and melting glaciers, every day reminds us of the impact of our actions on nature. \n\nTo limit this effect, the zero waste is one of the most recommended solutions. Reliable, it helps reduce waste produced by households. Useful, it allows you to lead a healthy lifestyle while reducing your carbon footprint. As proof, by focusing on products that: \n

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• Cross few borders;
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• Include very little packaging;
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• Require little energy during their manufacture;
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• And, they are easily recycled...
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\n...you are making a choice that is both safe and eco-responsible. In fact, you choose what is best to reduce your carbon footprint. The truth is that the more a product crosses borders, the more its transport requires the use of fuel oil or kerosene. All things that contribute to degrading the environment by emitting pollutants into the atmosphere. \n

By the reduction of disposable products

\nEven if reducing the carbon footprint is the first advantage of zero waste, the fight against disposable products is at the heart of this approach. And, for good reason, its considerable impact in the fight against global warming. \n\nThe truth is that disposable products have experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Nearly 1,000 billion pieces of plastic packaging were used in the European Union in 2018, and this is only in the agri-food sector. \n\nHowever, less than a third of these products are recycled to enable them to begin a new life cycle. Consequence: millions of tonnes of plastic end up in nature and some end up in the ocean. \n\nTo remedy this state of affairs, zero waste occurs by replacing disposable products with reusable items. In its essence, it therefore contributes to limiting pollution by reducing the production of waste at source. \n\nBy taking part in this process, you will help reduce pollutants in nature. Better still, you will participate in the advent of a better future for the planet and its ecosystem. Enough to awaken your ecological fiber, right? \n

By recycling articles and products

\nEven if the main objective of zero waste remains and remains the reduction of waste, their recycling should not be neglected either. Indeed, by finding a new use for our used products, we are sure to extend their lifespan. In practice, we break their production cycle, which allows us to reduce the environmental impact generated by: \n

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• Their manufacture;
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• And, their transportation.
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\nAnd that's not all. By opting for recycling, we consequently preserve our natural resources by strongly limiting their production. This is also why most scientists agree that the ultimate goal of the zero waste approach is to: \n

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• Reduce ;
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• Reuse;
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• And, recycle waste from our environment as much as possible.
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\nAnd one of the tips for staying in this dynamic is to avoid single-use products. Clearly, if you intend to contribute to the fight against global warming through the zero waste approach, you must strive to adopt the right actions on a daily basis. \n\nIn fact, this means that you will have to buy your products with little or no packaging. But not only that. Also, you should opt for reusable cups or glasses to avoid polluting the environment with disposable objects. In short, in addition to opting for ecological products, you must buy useful, because every action counts. \n

By sorting and composting waste

\nDid you know that in 2017 France alone produced nearly 39 million tonnes of waste? Otherwise, keep in mind that of this amount, only 42% was recycled. This implies that more than 18 million tonnes of waste were either landfilled or incinerated. \n\nSuffice it to say that the consequences for the environment are catastrophic. To limit this disaster and reduce this waste at the source, the law now makes it compulsory to sort it: \n

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• To businesses;
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• To local communities;
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• And, to citizens producing more than 1100 liters of waste per week. And that's not all.
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\nStructures, local authorities and administrations under the supervision of the State are also forced to follow this approach. This means that exemplarity is now required in all sectors of activity. To make things easier for the various stakeholders, local authorities also offer separate collection: \n

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• Bio-waste produced by households;
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• Of those produced by catering players.
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\nIn certain cases, direct on-site management is recommended. All things that make the work of composters easier and have direct consequences in the fight against global warming. In short, even if sorting and composting do not allow us to quickly achieve zero waste, they still serve to reduce pollutants in nature. \n

By fighting against treatments polluting the environment

\nTo get rid of the waste that pollutes our environment, most companies in the sector resort to incineration and landfill. Unfortunately, these practices which are supposed to save the planet also contribute to polluting it. \n\nAs proof, in 2016, more than 220 landfills operated throughout France. Nearly 18 million tonnes of waste were treated and buried underground. However, this type of treatment is not without consequences on the environment. \n\nMany studies have indeed revealed that when waste is buried underground, it contributes to soil degradation. In some cases, the water table is contaminated even if it is so-called "non-hazardous" waste. \n\nWorse, despite the installation of capture systems, most of these landfills are unable to contain the emission of dangerous gases such as methane. However, according to numerous studies, methane is one of the most dangerous greenhouse gases. \n\nThe cause of 30% of global warming, it is also 70 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. To remedy this state of affairs, zero waste challenges this method of treatment. \n\nThrough direct actions, it raises awareness of the dangers of these processes and urges their reduction. Better still, in a holistic approach, it also tackles the use of incineration. \n\nIndeed, like landfills, this treatment also causes pollutants to be released into the environment. As an indication, throughout France, 13 million tonnes of waste are treated by incineration per year. \n\nOf this quantity, 20 to 25% comes out in the form of unburned waste. And that's not all. 3% are also listed in the category of residues classified as hazardous to the environment. And this is where zero waste comes in, to: \n

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• Slow down this trend;
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• Raise awareness about the impacts of these processes;
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• And, gradually reduce the use and impact of these treatments on global warming.
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