Green Organisation Suggests New Waste Reduction Template

A typical waste collection scene

 

Stakeholders at a Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) forum have called on governments, communities, the private sector, and development partners to adopt zero waste systems that prioritise waste reduction at the source while ensuring a just transition that protects livelihoods.

The call was made during a webinar hosted by GAYO as part of activities marking International Zero Waste Month.

Participants at the forum included environmental non-governmental organisations (NGOs), youth-led organisations, civil society groups, policymakers, waste management professionals, informal waste workers, researchers, academic institutions, private sector actors, and development partners among others.

The efforts by GAYO forms part of a global movement examining the growing use of false solutions in waste management, while promoting systems grounded in reduction, reuse, repair, and composting.

Addressing participants, Zero Waste Director of GAYO, Jacob Johnson Attakpah, said that Zero Waste goes beyond recycling and requires a complete redesign of production and consumption systems.

He noted that reducing waste at the source is the first and critical step, stating that recycling should only be considered after all other options such as reduction, reuse, repair, and composting among others have been exhausted.

He mentioned that the four key pillars of a just transition include recognising informal waste workers, community actors, protecting livelihoods and improving working conditions while ensuring that the benefits are shared equitably.

“You cannot have a zero waste system without waste pickers. Their work plays a critical role in keeping cities and communities clean while preventing waste from entering landfills and incinerators. Policies must safeguard their livelihoods and dignity while improving occupational health and safety conditions.” Mr. Attakpah added.

International Zero Waste Month, observed globally in January, is organised by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and its partners. The initiative seeks to amplify the voices of waste workers, grassroots movements, and local leaders building regenerative systems, while celebrating community-led zero waste initiatives worldwide.

The webinar series hosted by GAYO is expected to deepen public and institutional understanding of International Zero Waste Month and its global relevance, raise awareness about false solutions and their risks, and strengthen advocacy for zero waste practices and policies.

The Chief of Staff of GAYO, Nana Minta Asiedu Ampadu-Minta, said advocating for zero waste will help countries to redesign their disposables in a sustainable way to help build resilient cities.

Mr. Ampadu-Minta, who is also an environmental science, systems change, and policy expert, observed that Africa and the broader Global South are often portrayed as the endpoint of global consumption, yet they remain at the frontline of climate vulnerability, public health impacts, and grassroots innovation in reuse, repair, and refill systems.

Manager of Eco Clubs Africa at GAYO, Patrick Abbeyquaye, further noted that policies and laws alone would have limited impact if citizens were unwilling to change their daily habits.

The webinar series was held under the global theme, “Mobilising Resources to Support Action and Accelerate Impact,” with a specific focus on “Just Transition, Policy, and Action Pathways for Zero Waste.”

By Ebenezer K. Amponsah

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