As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the globe, politicians, health experts, and academics are hypothesizing what the “new normal” might look like after the pandemic. It is important that recovery plans not only enhance public health measures but also build on environmental sustainability. According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy environments—due to air, soil, and water pollution—cause an estimated 12,6 million deaths annually. A major source of these pollutants is the global waste crisis threatening millions of businesses and livelihoods, especially in developing economies. Tearfund, an international poverty charity, estimates that between 400,000 and 1 million lives are lost in developing economies due to poor waste management. It is therefore important that we work towards a greener, cleaner future in our “new normal.”
An effective way to Addressing the waste crisis is through the adoption of the circular economy: a system in which resources are used to their full potential before being disposed of. The circular economy minimises waste by reusing, remanufacturing and recycling used products. This allows consumed resources to re-enter the production chain. By better managing resources and reducing waste, over-extraction and over-production of goods can be avoided.
The waste problem is also pertinent in the APEC region. World Bank data projects that solid waste generated in APEC economies will grow by 36 percent between 2016 and 2050. The average resident in the region is expected to generate 1.1 kilograms of waste daily by 2050. This problem is further exacerbated by the fact that most waste in APEC is poorly managed and harms the environment, industries and livelihoods.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the waste crisis. Surplus food production is often thrown away, single-use items have become prevalent, and the use of takeaway food packaging has skyrocketed due to lockdowns. However, the pandemic has also given us the opportunity to rethink our ways. We cannot go back to business as usual. Continuing to deal with each impending crisis with the same unsustainable economic model is a recipe for disaster.While short-term fiscal measures will help soften the impact, long-term disruptions to the system will continue to test our capabilities. Threats to the environment are far more permanent and profound, therefore sustainability strategies for the future should not take a backseat despite the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Circular practices already exist to address supply chain disruptions. For example, companies are repurposing waste fabrics to make personal protective equipment, and the food and beverage sector is working with other organizations to redirect surplus food to those in need. Similarly, Innovations continue to support current scarcity and future green transitions. For example, technology is being used to decontaminate N95 masks and innovations in responsible packaging continue to provide sustainable options during peak home delivery times.
It is important for economies to recognise the threats of the waste crisis and develop recovery packages that can meet environmental and economic objectives. The circular economy must be integrated into the “new normal” to improve the sustainability and resilience of the region. APEC considers the circular economy to be an important factor in the quest for sustainable development in the region. As host of APEC 2020, Malaysia has already recognised the concept as a sub-priority within its priority pillar “Driving innovative sustainability”.
While the pandemic has become our main concern this year, APEC must still pursue long-term priorities such as environmental sustainability, which will be key to rebuilding a stronger economy after the health crisis subsides. More work in this area will help build a healthier environment for all.
Source: Satvinderjit Kaur Singh. APEC Bulletin
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