Waste and the Circular Economy












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            * Prevention, reduction and recycling
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            A growing global population and increasing economic production correlate with a sharp incr

            many countries of the Global North, economic growth has gone hand in hand with rising livi
            the downside of poor waste management has so far been felt mainly in developing countries,
            Global South. The environmental footprint of high-income countries is thus up to ten times

            "https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12#overview"] than that of low-income countries.
            However, the impacts of unsustainable production are beginning to be felt globally, and wa
            must take responsibility for the impact of their management on the environment and on peop

            health conditions.


            The Czech Republic has dropped eight places in the Global Waste Index [ URL "https://senso
            waste-index/#"] , which analyses the efficiency of waste management, between 2019 and 2022
            ranks 20th out of the 38 countries analysed. We recycle only 22% of the waste we produce.


            The principles that guide Charles University on its path to sustainable waste management a
            reduction, recycling and re-use of waste or materials, and compliance with the circular ec

            Since the publication of the CU Sustainable Development Strategy [ URL "chrome-
            extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://sustain.cuni.cz/SUS-85-version1-
            strategie_udrzitelneho_rozvoje_uk_en.pdf"] , several effective measures have been implemen

            university. The mapping of biodegradable waste streams in the environment of dormitories a
            been the basis. The results will be used to evaluate further action, such as the addition 
            waste sorting bins or the installation of composters.

            As part of waste prevention, the university has advocated the use of backed-up returnable 
            "https://kam.cuni.cz/KAMEN-267.html"] in the canteen environment, gradually replacing disp
            and polystyrene boxes. An interactive way to prevent waste and give old items a second lif

            Circular Workshops [ URL "https://www.kampushybernska.cz/en/cirkularita/cirkularni-dilna-h
            Hybernská.
            Bags for waste separation were provided for students in CU dormitories, motivating them an

            separation process easier. The educational activities of both local and international stud
            hand in hand. The university buildings also have separated waste bins. Thus, all students 
            encouraged to be conscientious about waste separation in the daily operations of the unive


            Several re-use centres have already been set up in the student government, where students 
            unwanted but functional items and in turn take items that they need. In cooperation with t

            Office, the university created the Gratis Market [ URL "https://www.instagram.com/gratis_m
            which is located at Campus Hybernská and is open to visitors every workday. It operates ac
            principle: take what you need, give what you don't need.