There should always be a way to re-use and recycle things
Here’s what needs to change
0 tonnes
is what the average European consumes in materials every year
0 tonnes
is what the average European produces in waste every year
Our consumption and waste in Europe is unsustainable
We consume too many resources in the form of everyday products, plastics, wood or metals, which we are too quick to discard. We then consume new materials to replace what we have thrown away, generating ever more waste.
Our lifestyle has a major impact on the environment
0 billion Euros
could be generated if we use our resources more efficiently
0 million jobs
could be created through better design of our products, more re-use and waste prevention
Moving towards a circular economy
Instead of the make – use – throw away model which began with the Industrial Revolution, we can move to a circular economy where materials are continuously being re-used and recycled. To do this, we have to design our products so that they last longer, and are more repairable, re-usable and recyclable.
Increasing how much we re-use and recycle will reduce the amount of material we send to landfill or incineration and move us towards a zero-waste society.