What's the problem with waste?

Every year us Londoners toss away a colossal two million tonnes of waste. That is such a vast volume that if dumped in the River Thames, it would stretch for 273 miles – that’s 57 miles longer than its entire length^*.

But why does it matter?

Most people aren’t comfortable with the idea of being wasteful. But the real issue is not what we do with our waste, but what it was before it was waste. Every single thing we put in the bin came from somewhere. It started as raw materials, before being processed, manufactured, and transported. All of that requires energy, and that means carbon emissions which are causing global warming.

Our waste is part of a much bigger, global problem of over-consumption. 

What can be done about it?

It is time for all of us – government, business, and individuals – to wake up to the link between unsustainable consumption, the waste it generates, and its real and devastating consequences for the Climate Emergency. 

However, here at NLWA we believe it’s not about doing without: it’s about making better choices.

Business must design out waste from the beginning of a product’s concept, use recycled materials in manufacturing, and make their supply chains carbon neutral. Governments must support business in this purpose, through investment, taxation and legislation.

Visit our What are the solutions page to find out more.