As of: 24.02.2011UNEP Green Economy Report: ''Towards a Green Economy - Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication''

Chapter on waste management points to the imporance of a development towards more resource and energy efficiency

The United Nations Environment Programme UNEP has recently published a report on sustainable economies and development. Its part on waste management "Waste - Investing in Energy and Resource Efficiency" provides information on key data, facts and arguments for a stronger commitment to a green development of the waste management sector.

The authors take a close look on challenges and opportunities in the waste sector and economic reasons for investing in a greener waste management sector. Further topics are the effecto of increase investment in the waste sector and framework conditions promoting greener waste management.

The report's key messages are:

1. The increasing volume and complexity of waste associated with economic growth are posing serious risks to ecosystems and human health.
2. The growth of the waste market, increasing resource scarcity and the availability of new technologies are offering opportunities for greening the waste sector.
3. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to greening the waste sector, but there are commonalities. Most of the standards are national or local.
4. Investing in greening the waste sector can generate multiple economic benefits.
5. Recycling creates more jobs than it replaces.
6. Improving labour conditions in the waste sector is imperative.

The complete report, subdivided into various aspects regarding green economy and development, is available for download at:    www.unep.org/greeneconomy

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