Initiatives of zero waste belgium in striving for excellence in zero waste through Youth involvement

Global Summit on Environmental Health

August 01, 2023 | Webinar

Santosh Kumar Mishra

S. N. D. T. Womenâ??s University, India

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Environ Hazard

Abstract :

In the present day situation (which is characterized by “depleting resources” and resulting climate crisis), “sustainable living” (a term defined as “a lifestyle that aims to reduce environmental impact, in ways that are sustainable: for both the planet and individuals) is need of the hour. Author of this research presentation argues that the conceptual frame work of sustainable living necessarily envisages zero waste which is key to saving resources that are vital for human survival. Experiences from several sustainability initiatives and advocacy programs (implemented in various regions and continents of the globe) suggest that people living a “zero-waste lifestyle” adhere to “little (or no) use plastic practice” as much as possible. There is need to opt for ‘sustainable’ and ‘reusable’ alternatives; people from across the regions of the globe need to get into the lifestyle that ensures zero waste in all day-today household activities (including food packaging, masking hygiene food products, and clothing. All these together, in turn, paves way for more “sustainable and plastic-free 2 alternatives” [which is key indicator for (a) “achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs)”, and (b) “securing a planet that green and environment-friendly, for all, and at all times”]. Above description forms the need for and background of the present research work (titled: “Initiatives of Zero Waste Belgium in Striving for Excellence in Zero Waste through Youth Involvement”). Zero waste aims to promote not only reuse, recycling, and conservation programs, but it also emphasizes sustainability by considering the entire life-cycle of products, processes, and systems (to ensure sustainability). Of late, several countries around the world have begun to work towards zero waste. The Zero Waste Belgium (ZWB), with its headquarters at Brussels, Belgium) is one such initiative which is striving towards zero waste in the country (Belgium). The ZWB [a non-profit organization that shares zero waste practices in everyday life with (a) citizens, (b) businesses, and (c) public authorities] has involved youth in the zero waste initiatives. This review paper primarily aims to investigate into the management strategy of the ZWB’s zero waste initiative by accelerating youth movement. In terms of methodology, largely qualitative data have been used in the work; they are secondary in nature (collected from books, book chapters, journal articles, government publications, etc.). Data sources have been quoted under the Reference section. Method of data analysis is descriptive. Desk-based research method has been used by the author in this research. This paper briefly concludes that youth movement in Belgium has resulted in a dedicated zero waste camp. The author (of this work) suggests (and recommends that “zero waste strategy” should be incorporated in all youth activities at university, college, and school levels. Also, the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other civil society members (including faith-based agencies) should support three types of the generally accepted goals of sustainability: (a) social and economic well-being, (b) protection of environmental health, and (c) prompting physical & mental health aspects of people (through health literacy programs).

Biography :

Santosh Kumar Mishra was retired on June 30, 2020 from the Population Education Resource Centre (PERC), Department of Lifelong Learning & Extension [DLLE, previously known as Department of Continuing & Adult Education & Extension Work (DCAEEW)], S.N.D.T. Women's University (SNDTWU), Mumbai, India. Underwent training in demography, with award of Government of India Fellowship, during 1986-1987 from the IIPS, Mumbai, India. Also, Santosh Kumar Mishra acquired Ph. D. from University of Patna in 1999. Santosh Kumar Mishra other qualifications include (a) Post-Master’s Diploma in Adult & Continuing Education, (b) Certificate Course on Hospital and Health Care Management, (c) Diploma in Human Resource Development, & (d) Santosh Kumar Mishra is authored (some coauthored) (a) 5 booklets (including teaching-learning materials: published by PERC, DLLE, SNDTWU); (b) 4 books; (c) 23 book chapters; (d) 81 journal articles; (e) 2 monographs; (f) 7 research studies (published by the DLLE, SNDTWU); & (g) 56 papers for national & international conferences (some with bursary/travel grant).