“Towards Zero Waste as a Strategy for Sustainable Development”
Through this 2025 Open Dialogue, held today at the Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, as part of the scientific seminar on “Economics of Agricultural Waste Recycling,” we had the opportunity to reflect on how population growth impacts natural resources and how to manage these resources in a circular, green, and sustainable manner to maximize their benefits.
The world is witnessing rapid population growth, having surpassed 8 billion people, with projections indicating continued growth in the coming decades. At the national level, many countries—including those in the Arab and African regions—face increasing challenges due to rising population rates.
This growth exacerbates demand for:
Food,Water,Energy,Land, and Raw materials
As a result, natural resources are being depleted, and pressure on ecosystems is mounting—particularly in environmentally fragile and arid regions such as deserts.
The Impact of Population Growth on Waste Generation
Naturally, population growth leads to an increase in the total volume of waste, including:
1. General waste (household, industrial, and commercial)
2. Agricultural waste (such as plant and animal residues, and waste resulting from the use of fertilizers and pesticides)
If not properly managed, this waste can result in:
– Soil, water, and air pollution
-Disease outbreaks
-Loss of reusable and recyclable materials
Why Should We Move Towards Zero Waste?
Adopting a zero-waste approach involves:
Reducing production at the source
Promoting reuse
Recycling and converting waste into energy or compost
Integrating waste into the circular economy
In the agricultural sector, this may include:
Converting organic waste into compost
Using agricultural residues to produce biofuels or biogas
Integrating plant waste into the production of alternative animal feed
Developing sustainable agricultural practices that reduce losses and improve resource use efficiency
In the public and industrial sectors, this entails:
Developing systems for waste separation at the source
Establishing facilities for the production of Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)
Encouraging investment in the circular economy and recycling industries
Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The shift toward a zero-waste system directly supports the achievement of several SDGs, including:
Goal 2: Zero Hunger (through sustainable agriculture)
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 15: Life on Land
Conclusion
Population growth poses serious challenges to natural resources and increases waste generation. However, it also offers an opportunity to rethink how we manage resources and adopt a zero-waste system as a pathway toward a green economy and genuine sustainable development.
