{"id":1495,"date":"2025-03-24T02:36:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T03:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.anthonyhouse.org\/?p=1495"},"modified":"2025-03-24T20:02:15","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T20:02:15","slug":"zero-waste-in-action-pioneering-initiatives-from-around-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.anthonyhouse.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/24\/zero-waste-in-action-pioneering-initiatives-from-around-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Zero waste in action: Pioneering initiatives from around the world"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Zero<\/h4>\n

Ahead of the United Nation\u2019s (UN\u2019s) third International Day of Zero Waste on 30 March, Andrea Lockerbie explores real-world examples that show how zero-waste principles are put into action.<\/h4>\n

Each year the world generates between 2.1 billion and 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste<\/a> \u2013 from textiles and packaging to electronics and food. It\u2019s staggering, and International Day of Zero Waste<\/a> highlights the need for sustainable consumption and production.<\/p>\n

This year, for the first time, the day has a theme \u2013 towards zero waste in fashion and textiles. According to the UN, 92 million tonnes of textile waste<\/a> is generated across the world each year \u2013 equivalent to a garbage truck full of clothing being incinerated or landfilled every second.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Production and consumption volumes of textiles are rapidly rising, outpacing progress on the sector\u2019s sustainability. Only 8% of textile fibres in 2023<\/a> were made from recycled sources, and the sector is a significant contributor to biodiversity loss.<\/p>\n

But organisations are taking a new approach. Below, we look at innovative businesses operating in both the fashion and textile sectors and beyond.<\/p>\n

What do all the examples have in common? Clear goals, creativity, collaboration and education. Read on to find out why that is so important.<\/p>\n

MUD Jeans: Fashion brand in The Netherlands\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\"Mud<\/p>\n

Founded in 2012, MUD Jeans<\/a> is a small business with a big mission: for the fashion industry to be driven by circular production and conscious consumption. Its goal: to make its jeans 100% circular by 2026.<\/p>\n

At the start of 2025, the business opened its first brand store in Amsterdam and achieved the milestones of recycling over 110,000 pairs of old jeans and selling more than 300,000 pairs across 27 countries.<\/p>\n

At the store, customers can try on and purchase jeans as well as witness their old jeans being shredded for recycling. The store plans to have regular events combining \u201cfashion, sustainability, and fun\u201d.<\/p>\n

The company\u2019s strategy is based on three pillars:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Circular Economy \u2013 It takes back customers\u2019 old jeans, of any brand, if they are at least 96% cotton, to close the loop.<\/li>\n
  2. Fair Factories \u2013 By maintaining a short supply chain it fosters a close relationship with partners and produces consciously. It works with three recyclers, three fabric producers and a jeans manufacturer.\u00a0<\/li>\n
  3. Positive Activism \u2013 It aims to change the status quo in the fashion industry, and by being transparent, hopes to inspire others.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How has it put circular principles into action?<\/h2>\n
    \"Mud
    Mud Jeans founder Bert van Son with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n