A study published by GAIA suggests that zero waste systems create local jobs, more skilled jobs, and higher wages, bringing job stability.
GAIA is a worldwide alliance of more than 800 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in over 90 countries, envisioning a just, zero-waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.
The study Zero Waste and Economic Recovery: The Job Creation Potential of Zero Waste Solutions is the first in a series of publications in GAIA’s #BeyondRecovery campaign looking at how zero waste strategies can aid in economic recovery. During 2021, world economies will be faced with opening up their economies again after lockdowns and other COVID-19 measures. Is this maybe the opportunity?
The data for this study came from a wide range of sources spanning 16 countries. The data shows that Repair creates over 200 times as many jobs as landfills and incinerators. Recycling creates over 50 times as many jobs, and remanufacturing create almost 30 times as many jobs.
The data for this study came from a wide range of sources spanning 16 countries. GAIA said that despite the diversity in geographic and economic conditions, the results are clear: zero waste approaches create orders of magnitude for jobs than disposal-based systems that primarily burn or bury waste.
The full study can be read by clicking here.
