The World Cleanup Day being observed across the globe today, September 20 at a chosen Global Observance Location in Shaoxing Zhejiang Province, China is coordinated globally through the World Cleanup Day organization and facilitated by UN – HABITAT.
As the world unite for the day, it is a global movement that goes beyond cleaning up waste aims to address the systems that generate it. This year’s global observance focuses on food waste, one of the largest and most prevent the waste streams affecting cities and communities.
Today event which takes place at Global Observance Location in Shaoxing Zhejiang Province, China will provide a platform for international dialogue, knowledge – sharing and partnership building to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals and New Urban Agenda – advancing more resource, efficient, resilient and inclusive cities.
The main focus this year is reducing food waste, promoting circular economies, and improving sustainable urban waste management system.
Under the theme: “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities” – the global observance will showcase innovative policies, technologies and partnerships that accelerate action on food waste, prevention, circular economy and sustainable urban development. Encourage waste separation, redistribution, composting and recovery of organic wastes.
On 8 December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution 78/122, proclaiming 20 September as World Cleanup Day. The resolution invites Member States, United Nations agencies, international and regional organizations, civil society, and academia to mark the day through clean – up and awareness – raising activities.
The World Cleanup Day builds on years of grassroots initiatives that have mobilized millions, reminding us of shared responsibility to protect the planet.
According to the UN HABITAT with a slogan “FOR A BETTER FUTURE” – food waste fuels the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Disclosing that food loss and waste account for estimated 8 – 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, food waste alone contributes significantly to methane emissions from disposal sites.
The impacts are felt most actually in cities where inadequate waste management and growing volumes of waste place additional pressure on urban infrastructure on public health.
For the more than 1.1 billion people living in informal settlements and slums, the consequences are particularly severe, increasing exposure to pollution, disease, flooding and other climate – related risks.
UN HABITAT Officials says addressing food waste is therefore not only an important step towards building healthier more resilient and more equitable cities. By reducing food waste, World Cleanup Day supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, Paris Agreement, and more circular and resilient urban food systems.
*Raised awareness and encourage everyday habits that reduces waste.
*Promote responsible production, purchasing and consumption practices.
*And strengthen local food recovery, organic waste and circular economy system.
Everyday, more than 1 billion meals are wasted globally, while millions of people continue to face hunger and lack basic services. Food waste places enormous pressure on waste systems, contributes to climate change, waste land and water resources, and represents missed opportunity to build more resilient and equitable system.
Source: unhabitat.org
