Dear all,
Hope you are doing well. Every time I get the the topic of the thematic reports, I start doing a small research if I know enough information about the country I live at least! Thanks to our mentors, I will be delighted to share Zero Waste of the country which is the heart of the Central Asia-Uzbekistan. Initially, let me briefly introduce what zero waste is. Simply, the meaning stands for its meaning to reduce or try to eliminate waste occurring on a daily basis. Yet, the most important is to design technologies and find the solutions.
Consequently, the zero waste approach is to take, make and waste. The goal of zero waste is to push economies towards the target of sending no waste to landfill, incinerators, and the ocean. Definitely, there are some principles to be followed such as producer responsibility, political and community responsibilities. There are many factories which just work to earn and sell. Yet, according to statics of the US Ecological Organisations' stats, only 30 % of all the consumed products are recycled.
As you can see, the demand for the recycling is high but not enough resources. Hence, definitely try to think of your actions as well because it is not the only responsibility of the government or non-profit organisations. Whenever you buy something that can actually be used for a longer, try to do it on your own. Think before you buy and after!
When it comes Uzbekistan, the government pays attention to environmental issues more and more which just makes happy environmentalists like us! We started implementing fines and laws for the ones who will not be obeying them. Why financially, I mean fines? Person never understands his/her mistakes unless feels, goes through or pays off with his earned money. UNDP Uzbekistan piloted a new way in 2020 to motivate people to sort their waste in preparation for recycling. The new approach applied an old psychological construct in behavioural science known as ¡°nudge theory,¡± which uses positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions as ways to influence people¡¯s behaviour and decision-making. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone, everywhere, leaving no one behind. The 17 Goals address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. This initiative showed that most people really do want to be a part of the solutions, when they know how, and when their efforts are appreciated. Hope I could convey, thanks!
4 Comments
Hello Vazira, this is your mentor Hannah.
Thanks for sharing how the act of zero waste is also being seen in Uzbekistan.
How is nudge theory applied to Uzbekistan's way of motivating recycle?
Please keep up with your great work :)
Hannah
Posted 14-09-2021 00:03
Hello Vazira! Happy to see you again on this amazing platform!
Even though I have lived in Uzbekistan since I was born, I have learned many interesting things. Thank you for your article!
Posted 08-09-2021 17:43
Hello Vazira,
this is your mentor Joon.
I agree with your words 'it is not the only responsibility of the
government or non-profit organizations' as each one of us
should take responsibility and 'Do Something' to make things
better. Also, I did not expect the 'Nudge Theory' and positive
reinforcement in the context of Zero Waste. Though people
might not enjoy being fined by government, hope the policy
can lead to positive actions.
Thank you for your article.
Best,
Joon
Posted 07-09-2021 16:18
I am so glad to hear about the existence of such government policies ! Thank you for sharing :)
Posted 07-09-2021 03:00