International Day of Zero Waste

As an annual campaign, the International Day of Zero Waste seeks to amplify and grow the efforts put into not only protecting the environment but also reducing food insecurity and while improving the health and well-being of everyone who shares the planet!

History of International Day of Zero Waste

The International Day of Zero Waste was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2022 and its first celebration was in March 2023.

This day is now celebrated annually to promote public awareness across the globe about the need for more zero-waste initiatives as they work toward sustainable development.

Working to address the unsustainable practices in production and consumption, this event is supported by the United Nations along with many other environmental organizations, non-profits, sustainable businesses, and more.

How to Celebrate International Day of Zero Waste

Check out a few ideas for getting involved with the United Nations’ International Day of Zero Waste:

Minimize Consumption

Every person, family, business, or school can use International Day of Zero Waste to take stock of the ways they consume without thinking. Ask some of these questions to get started:

• What opportunities might there be to cut down on fuel by running errands all at once or carpooling with a coworker?
• Is it possible to eliminate single-use products like throw-away paper plates or plastic forks? 
• What about the simple idea of using cloth shopping bags instead of plastic ones? Or using beeswax cloths instead of plastic wrap?

Reuse and Repurpose

This is just the right time for consumers and businesses to get into the habit of thinking more carefully about the products they use.

Get creative with ways to invest in sustainable habits like making use of refillable water bottles, coffee cups, and straws.

Consider cooking more carefully with fresh produce (not packaged in plastic!), while repurposing vegetable scraps for broth and composting the rest. All it takes is a bit of clever thinking and looking at things differently before throwing them in the garbage can.

Advocate for Better Zero Waste Policies and Practices

Anyone can use their voices for International Day of Zero Waste by speaking up against wasteful practices and promoting sustainable businesses.

Consumers can show support through the places they spend their money and citizens can show support for good eco-policies by the places they give their votes!

Shop Second Hand

For furniture, household items, clothing, and sporting equipment, consider shopping second-hand. This also works for cars, kids’ toys, electronics, and more!

Not only does buying used or refurbished extend the life of an existing item and keep it out of the landfill, but it also means there is less waste coming from the factories that make new products!

Other events that are celebrated by Days of the Year along a similar theme as International Zero Waste Day are Zero Waste Week in March, Zero Emissions Day on September 21, and International E-Waste Day on October 14.