The opening of the exhibition “The Value of Rubbish”
Speaking Notes for the President, Mary Robinson, on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition "The Value of Rubbish"
Waste management is one of the most difficult environmental issues of our time. The creation of waste arises from almost every activity, whether in the industrial, agricultural, recreational or other fields. This exhibition demonstrates the ingenuity of many individuals from developing countries in the conversion of rubbish and waste into effective and useful articles.
- International co-operation between developed and developing countries to combat environmental problems recognises that effective solutions to such problems do not depend solely on technology produced by the developed world. The need to take account of local circumstances and capacities in the development and implementation of environmental policies, and to facilitate the development of indigenous solutions and technologies, is an accepted element in international co-operation on environmental matters in the follow up to the Earth Summit. This exhibition underlines the potential of locally developed solutions, building on local needs and abilities, to deal effectively with environmental problems and to contribute to a more rational use of resources.
- A prudent and rational approach is required in relation to the use of natural resources. The world is coming to realise that waste prevention, reduction and recycling are essential to this purpose and that the throwaway society is not sustainable. The principle of sustainable development was fundamental to the UN Conference on Environment and Development which took place in Rio in June 1992 and to the subsequent Declaration and Agenda for Action.
- However, sustainable development is not just about environmental protection, it is equally concerned with the quality of life, distribution of resources and benefits and making provision for future generations. In effect, it seeks to reconcile the socio-economic aspirations of society with the ability of the natural environment and its resources to accommodate those aspirations: to ensure that development is within the carrying capacity of the environment. This need to strike a balance between development and conservation is at the heart of sustainable development.
- In Agenda 21 the Conference adopted a global action plan establishing practical programmes for the major areas of human activity such as trade consumption patterns, health, housing and for the major environmental areas such as water, air and waste. An important recommendation of Agenda 21 was that local authorities should develop a consensus on Local Agenda 21 for their communities. This offers an opportunity to involve both local authorities and the public in a partnership in support of sustainable development and to give clear expression to the principle of shared responsibility for the environment.
- Changes in our economic and social structure, improved living standards, increased industrial production, the use of non-durable goods, more and bulkier packaging and the advent of disposable products have led to a massive increase in the quantities and types of waste generated in recent years. Large volumes of this waste have ended up as litter or in landfill sites. Waste was a focus of attention solely for its nuisance value. Now, however, people are beginning to realise that these materials have a substantial resource potential. Recycling and recovery of such materials is clearly an important element of any waste management strategy.
- This concept has clearly caught the attention of the public. It is reflected in the numbers of recycling operations around the country and the numbers of people anxious to bring their used bottles, cans, papers etc. to recycling outlets. The benefits of recovering these materials are considerable, e.g. energy conservation, employment opportunities, saving of natural resources, reduction in litter and pollution problems.