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Definition
A waste footprint, as defined by the Global Footprint Network, is the total amount of waste generated by an individual or organization, measured across various categories such as household waste, industrial waste, and electronic waste. The metric provides an overview of the environmental impact of our consumption habits, based on material consumption. For individuals, it includes daily household waste like packaging, food scraps, and disposables. For businesses, it includes everything from manufacturing by-products to office waste and discarded equipment.
Understanding and measuring our waste footprint is crucial for both personal and business sustainability efforts. It allows us to identify areas where we can reduce, reuse, and recycle more effectively, thus minimizing our environmental impact.
If you want to check out your own waste footprint, use the free calculator made by Global Footprint Network!
History
Society's approach to waste has evolved significantly. For centuries, waste management was basic, with most of us simply using basic forms of disposal, like throwing things into landfills. The first recorded landfill was in Crete, Greece, 3000 BC! However, the modern concept of waste accounting emerged alongside industrialization, where the need to manage increasing volumes of waste became apparent. More waste sources, more waste types, more waste to handle.
More recently, the focus has shifted towards carbon tracking as a measure of sustainability. While important, carbon tracking simplifies the multifaceted nature of environmental impact. Waste management, by contrast, addresses a more specific area of sustainability. The average waste footprint has steadily increased over the years due to heightened consumerism, disposable culture, and a growing population. The need to relearn sustainable practices is now more pressing than ever.
Since 1960 the amount of waste generated per person was 978 pounds per day. By 2018, the average American produced over 1,764 pounds of waste per year!
Business Waste Footprint
For businesses, rethinking waste is imperative. Waste should not be viewed as mere refuse but as a valuable resource. By commoditizing waste, it has an incentive to be repurposed, recycled, or repaired. This shift in perspective is essential for creating a viable business case for sustainable waste management practices. Businesses spend up to 4-5% of their annual turnover on waste management.
You can compare the way a company manages its waste footprint with the way it manages its finances. You need to know what inflows (waste coming into the business) and outflows (waste leaving the business) to get a true picture of the state of the business. You wouldn't go into a budget negotiation without knowing the numbers, so why go into a waste management negotiation without knowing them, either? Comprehensive knowledge of your waste footprint enhances decision-making and resource allocation. It ensures that businesses can identify and capitalize on end markets for their waste, transforming potential liabilities into assets.
Why is it Important?
Understanding your waste footprint is critical for several reasons:
- Compliance: Knowing how much waste you generate ensures adherence to international waste management regulations.
- Verification: It allows you to verify claims such as “100% recyclable” or “zero waste to landfill,” enhancing transparency and credibility.
- Effective Decision-making: Knowing what comes into your business allows you know what size bins you need or make highly relevant educational campaigns.
- Monetary Value: By understanding the economic value of your waste, you can negotiate better terms for waste management contracts.
- Design for End-Markets: Effective waste footprint management can reduce waste handling fees and improve recycling rates, aligning with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
Summary
A waste footprint encompasses the total waste generated by an individual or a business, providing a comprehensive metric on the impact its resources are having on the environment. Historical practices have evolved from basic disposal methods to more sophisticated waste accounting and carbon tracking. However, the complexity of sustainability necessitates a broader focus on waste management. For businesses, viewing waste as a resource and understanding their waste footprint is essential for compliance, verification, economic efficiency, and alignment with sustainability goals. Embracing these practices will help us move towards a zero-waste future, where resources are utilized efficiently and responsibly.
How can Scrapp help?
Are you embarking on your own zero-waste journey? Our sustainability experts are here to guide you. So, if you need further guidance, personalized strategies, or more details about our digital recycling tools, don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to helping you achieve your zero-waste goals.
You can get your own waste footprint assessment completed by the Scrapp team. Book in a call to get started today.