The European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR) is an initiative promoting the implementation of awareness-raising actions about sustainable resource and waste management during a single week. It encourages a wide range of audiences (public authorities, private companies, civil society as well as citizens themselves) to get involved. The 12th edition of the EWWR is taking place from 21 to 29 November 2020 and focuses on invisible waste. “Invisible waste” refers to the large amount of waste generated during the manufacturing process of products. Did you know that to manufacture a smartphone weighing less than 200 grams and coming in a small package, an unbelievable 86 kilograms of waste are produced? With the slogan “What’s your real weight?” the EWWR challenges citizens to become aware of “the extra kilos we all carry on our shoulders due to unsustainable production and consumption patterns”. (More about this year’s theme and ideas for activities and thematic materials are available on the ewwr.eu.)
Rising consumerism has made way for increased waste in Lithuania and in the entire European Union. In Lithuania, statistics show that in 2015 the average waste by population was 448 kg per person, and 480 kg per person in the European Union. By 2018 those numbers were 464 kg and 492 kg, respectively. Invisible, or manufacturing waste in Lithuania is at 1163 kg.
The Environment Ministry reminds Lithuanians that reusing and repairing can extend the life of many products, and consumers should consider this before buying new ones. Proper recycling is also extremely important.
With news from Alkas.lt and ewwr.eu
