Generating awareness together with forging social movements can be the best way of ensuring public health friendly atmospheres through proper waste management everywhere in the society. At the same time, utmost emphasis should be given on formulation of proper planning and planned policy for strengthened waste management systems for ensuring sound public health.
Members of the civil society and social watchdogs came up with the observation while addressing a community dialogue on citizens' thinking at the Number 5 Ward Councilor office of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) on Thursday afternoon.
The discussants unequivocally called for raising awareness of how zero-waste initiatives contribute to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Rethink, a social initiative organized the dialogue financially supported by the British Council, the Climate Connection activity and technically assisted by Ward No. 5 Councilor office and the Center for Development Initiatives and Research.
Sports leader Nurul Haque, retired deputy general manager of Sonali Bank Monwar Hossain Selim, valiant freedom fighter Zahurul Haque, former president of Lions Club of Rajshahi AK Masud and Tanzir Hossain Dulal from Chetona 71 addressed the meeting as resource persons.
RCC Ward Councilor Muhammad Kamruzzaman, Rethink Project Mentor Subrata Paul and Project Team Leads Monirul Islam Sabuj, Mantaka Pritu and Aronya Kumar Saha also spoke.
International Day of Zero Waste aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns which are the significance of the International Day.
The emphasis on this occasion is that everyone should work together to create a world where waste is reduced and resources are valued.The meeting was told that introduction of strengthened waste management systems together with reduction of waste production can be the crucial means of ensuring sound public health everywhere in society.
Enhancing production coupled with using of the goods which can be recycled after use easily for hygienic waste disposal and management should be given priority. Around 50 civil society members joined the dialogue that was organized with the main thrusts of fostering a supportive community of environmentally conscious youth besides paving the way for collective environmental action.
On the occasion, the participants were given need-based ideas and knowledge on environment preservation, climate adaptation and waste management.
They were also sensitized on how to take the advocacy efforts related to the issues forward after best uses of their acquired knowledge and skills.