Experts advocate building a zero-waste community

Building a zero-waste community is a necessary alternative to the existing waste management system in the country as it can significantly reduce waste generation and help resource productivity in a greater way, observed environment experts at an event.
The purpose of introducing a zero-waste community through Reduce, Refuse, Reuse and Recycle and Waste Segregation is to show the fact that life can be easier and healthier by adapting the 4R approach, they viewed.
Speakers at the event also described how a simple act of household waste segregation can create a very positive and bigger impact on saving environment.
"Building a zero waste community can help us to reduce waste and drive greater resource productivity and also create a circular economy for Bangladesh," said Habibun Nahar, deputy minister, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The event for screening a documentary titled 'Journey towards zero-waste community' was organised by Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) in association with Alliance Française de Dhaka on Monday.
Another documentary on the easy way to lead a zero-waste lifestyle, featuring renowned singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bonna, veteran actress Dilara Zaman and outstanding actor Azizul Hakim was screened.
Habibun Nahar, addressing the event as chief guest, said, "This current practice of consumption has devastating effects for humans, wildlife and the planet and all this clearly underlines that our current practice of consumption and managing waste is not at all sustainable and it's high time we shift to zero waste approach."
Syed Marghub Murshed, former secretary of Bangladesh government and chairperson of ESDO, said several successful examples of community engagement in developed and developing nations have reinforced the concept that municipal corporations cannot function in isolation and that waste management requires active participation of all stakeholders.
"Waste segregation and reuse have been highlighted in the Solid Waste Management Rule 2021. We think that with the community's spontaneous engagement, we will be able to create a sustainable waste management system." Md Moniruzzaman, additional secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change stated.
Keya Khan of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs underscored the need for creating a zero-waste community in order to achieve a Sustainable Waste Management System in Bangladesh.
Monnujan Khanam, senior policy adviser, Economic Affairs and CSR, Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, said by the year 2050, the Netherlands hopes to develop a circular economy, or a waste-free economy that relies mostly on renewable and sustainable raw resources and recycles both products and raw materials.
The zero-waste method will create a circular economy in which "waste" becomes a resource for something new, said ESDO's Secretary General Shahriar Hossain.

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