News
Don’t put waste aside in Copenhagen
8 December 2009
World leaders are calling the Copenhagen climate summit a critical moment in the history of mankind. The leaders of our generation have to prove that they are able to meet the challenges of the 21st century and to keep the earth inhabitable for future generations. Global warming is not the only challenge that requires a solution. At least as crucial is the scarcity of raw materials.
The waste and recycling sector can, and wants to, make a clear and measurable contribution to success in sustainability. Because today’s waste contains the raw materials and renewable energy for tomorrow. Waste is no longer a low interest product.
The waste sector has already achieved a four million ton reduction in CO2 emissions. Through efficient waste logistics, through the use of clean vehicles, water transport and rail and modernised waste power plants. But also through recycling and waste prevention, so natural resources can remain in the environment. Recycling waste into new raw materials leads, in virtually all cases, to CO2 reduction. By preventing waste, we’re putting our weight behind the problems of scarce raw materials and CO2 emissions.
The waste issue needs to be an explicit part of the Copenhagen agenda. And consequently the Cradle to Cradle concept itself, by addressing the waste issue at the earliest design phase and preventing waste from coming into existence at all. The Netherlands can play a leading role in this area.
It all begins at the design and development phase of (new) products. That’s where the difference is made, by choosing the right (raw) materials. The waste and recycling industry makes a significant contribution here, through its knowledge of materials and recycling techniques. Furthermore, the sector plays an important role both as a logistics service provider and the party that takes care of the recovery of valuable raw materials from products in end-of-life phase by recycling. Subsequently, these raw materials are again the source for new products. The circle becomes closed and no waste created.
The beauty of this approach, this way of thinking, is that we not only respond to the raw material issue, but we also provide a positive contribution in the fight against global warming. We invite world leaders at Copenhagen to help close the circle. Without the cooperation of both governments and the public, who eventually separate the waste, it cannot be done. Binding the chains together is a complex challenge, but it’s also the only route to success in sustainability. We’ve taken up the challenge, evolved and transformed from a traditional waste service provider into a raw materials’ supplier. Waste no more. That’s our vision.
Ruud Sondag
CEO Van Gansewinkel Groep