International Waste Pickers’ Day is celebrated on March 1. A job carried out by millions of people around the world, who are dedicated to separating, sorting, collecting and selling the materials that others have discarded. A work that allows the creation of circular economies, aimed at the preservation of natural resources, the development of communities, the use of materials and the care of our planet.
How can the circular economy impact the lives of communities?
In today’s market, there is a growing group of consumers who are more conscious and looking to buy more sustainable brands.
The circular economy is a sector that is expected to have one of the greatest impact on the market in the coming years. According to United Nations studies, it could represent a net economic benefit of €1.8 trillion for Europe by 2030, and an annual value of approximately $624 billion in India by 2050. While in Latin America and the Caribbean it would allow a net increase of 4.8 million jobs in the region.
It is becoming an attractive business model for entrepreneurs and leaders of organizations and a way to attract new customers. This growth should lead to a greater formalization of the work, where waste pickers can have better working and living conditions, with projects that directly impact their communities, where they have support from the private and government sector to grow, unite and solve problems in their environment.
What is the contribution of waste pickers to our cities?
They are a fundamental part of the waste management chain. By collecting, sorting, and selling materials that others discard, they become the bridges that bind the circular economy together. They are the ones who allow cities to save thousands of dollars and tons of carbon dioxide, when they prevent waste from falling into landfills, allow the extension of the useful life of these landfills and reduce the water and gas pollution that occurs there.
Waste pickers contribute to each city’s economy, maintain health, public safety, and help preserve the environment.
What can you do to support the work of waste pickers?
It properly separates the waste you dispose of and ensures that sharps are securely wrapped to prevent injury to recyclers. It is also important to educate our children on the importance of recycling so that from an early stage they start separating waste correctly.