You are here:

Home > Projects > Solid waste management > Year of Action Against Waste

Take Steps to a Cleaner Pacific

“Humans are the only species on earth that produce waste which cannot be assimilated back into the environment.”

June 5 marks World Environment Day, a global event to focus worldwide attention onto the importance of the environment and to stimulate action at the community, national and global levels.

This World Environment Day, take steps to a cleaner environment by reducing levels of solid waste in your home, community, school or work place. There are many actions we can take to reduce the amount of rubbish we generate. Reducing our rubbish protects the environment, whilst conserving our precious resources for future generations.

Wasting the Pacific

It is estimated that most of the waste thrown away in the Pacific can be redirected or composted, rather than ending up in landfills or in many cases, open dump sites.

In most Pacific Islands, more than 50% of the waste produced is organic, that can be composted to make rich fertiliser for plants and food. Many materials thrown away are recyclable, however, many countries and territories have insufficient infrastructure, resources and capacity to support the development of effective solid waste management.

How is SPREP supporting Pacific Islands in solid waste management?

As part of the 2005 Pacific Year of Action Against Waste, SPREP is working with its member countries to finalise a Regional Solid Waste Management Strategy that will act as a blueprint to support countries and territories to develop national action plans and activities.

The consultation process has included sub-regional forums throughout the Pacific over the past two months. The final consultation process is currently taking place.

What is SPREP doing to mark Environment Day?

On Monday 6 June, SPREP held a joint celebration with Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Meteorology (MNREM).

What’s happening around the region?

Around the region, other Pacific Islands are marking Environment Day by launching their Year of Action Against Waste campaigns.

Fiji launched their “Don’t waste WASTE!” campaign on Thursday 9 June in Suva, Fiji. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the recycling services offered by the private sector in Fiji.

The Solomon Islands will be launching their “Be smart, reduce your rubbish” campaign.

Vanuatu, Tonga and PNG are also focussing on waste for their Environment Day celebrations.