Innovations for more effective policymaking

When looking at the life cycle of a product, it is convenient to consider it as a linear process that starts off with extraction from the Earth (land, water or air) and ends with the end-of-life processes ending with disposal to the Earth. However, when looking at the waste system it can be seen from Figure 5 that it is a complex web and there is no single way of arriving at ‘the’ waste solution. The same applies with approaches to arrive at actions to reduce waste disposal so it is worthwhile to consider integrated thinking and use several approaches. Three approaches considered here, systems, design and behavioural thinking were used at the Expert Group Meeting to reveal aspects of solid waste policy design. These approaches can all be applied to strengthen policymaking and planning for effective waste minimization and resource efficiency.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Sustainable Cities and Communities

Responsible Consumption and Production

Life Below Water