In reflecting on this insightful article by @Jack O’Sullivan, titled “A Continent of Waste,” we are reminded of his long-standing commitment to the principles of zero waste and circular design – a vision he has championed since the inception of the Zero Waste Alliance Ireland, alongside fellow founders who shared this pioneering spirit.
Written in 1991, this piece captures a pivotal moment in Ireland’s environmental journey, highlighting issues such as the alarmingly low glass recycling rate of just 7%. Today, we can proudly report recycling rates exceeding 80%, a significant achievement driven largely by effective legislation and the collective efforts of individuals and organisations advocating for sustainable waste management.
However, this progress should not blind us to the formidable challenges we face today. The rise of e-waste and the pervasive issue of microplastics, now found in every corner of our environment, serve as urgent reminders that our journey towards zero waste is far from over. Current recycling rates for these materials remain dismally low, highlighting a critical gap in our waste management strategy.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we not only strive for full recycling rates for materials like glass and metals but also embrace a circular economy that prioritises sustainability at every stage of a product’s lifecycle. This approach reduces waste generation and mitigates the potential for hazardous materials to enter our environment in the first place.
We must consider how to encourage a circular economy today, proactively addressing the potential for hazardous waste in the future. Waste should be a fundamental consideration in the design and development of all new products and services. As we look towards 2057, we must ensure we do not find ourselves in a situation where, while we may have improved recycling rates for glass and metals, we have also allowed new forms of hazardous waste – like microplastics – to proliferate unchecked.
As we look toward 2057, we must remain proactive in waste management, not just by improving recycling rates for glass and metals but also by anticipating new hazardous waste streams. Jack’s pioneering work reminds us to embed waste considerations into every aspect of product design. How can we foster a culture of responsibility that ensures today’s materials do not become tomorrow’s crises? Embracing a circular economy allows us to redefine waste, transforming it from a burden to a resource. Let us not reflect in 2057 on past successes while ignoring the threats posed by unaccounted hazardous waste, like microplastics. Instead, we should strive for innovative solutions that eliminate waste at its source, securing a healthier planet for future generations.
– By Luke Fagan, ZWAI board member
Read or download Jack O’Sullivan’s 1991 article below, entitled “A continent of Waste”: