Abfallvermeidung Wunsch und Wirklichkeit/Waste Minimisation: Desire & Reality

Gerhard Vogel

Publication: Chapter in book/Conference proceedingContribution to conference proceedings

Abstract

The overuse of our regional ecological systems with regard to climate change, and of the eco-system earth, has reached dimensions which pose a threat to humans, especially those of future generations. For this reason, the relationship between human beings and their natural basis of existence must be redefined. The sustainable development of our societies and economies can only be safeguarded if we significantly reduce the material turnover, volume and hazard potential of production, distribution and consumer waste going to landfills. We need new ways of thinking and acting. And we need a pact of generations to assure that future populations will encounter the same living conditions as our current populations. This requires a new way of thinking and acting as problems can only be solved in a complex manner and only through systemic thinking purely technical and economic actions must be corrected by ethical considerations exponential developments have to be mastered sustained chronic environmental damage may have a long latency period, but then comes a sudden aggressive outburst some problems are shifted and transformed before they can be identified and assessed globally attuned research and cooperation activities are needed. While trade and industry may be successful in their current endeavours to improve effectiveness and efficiency, these are inadequate to achieve sustainability, if considered in isolation. One reason is that the improved input-output ratio in production/distribution/use/disposal makes products cheaper, and so in most cases the savings in material and energy input and the lower environmental burden are thwarted by an increase in sales figures (rebound effect).
Original languageGerman (Austria)
Title of host publicationV. Deutsch Türkische Abfalltage: Handlungsstrategien und Technologien für eine nachhaltige Kreislaufwirtschaft falltageHandlungsstrategien und Technologien für eine nachhaltige Kreislaufwirtschaft
Editors Kranert, M., Erdin, E. u.a.
Place of PublicationStuttgart
PublisherOldenbourg
Pages327 - 359
ISBN (Print)978-3-8356-3269-1
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Austrian Classification of Fields of Science and Technology (ÖFOS)

  • 211912 Product design
  • 105905 Environmental protection
  • 207301 Processing of mineral raw materials
  • 503009 Adult education
  • 207108 Recycling
  • 502041 Environmental management
  • 207111 Environmental engineering
  • 211911 Sustainable technologies
  • 502022 Sustainable economics
  • 211920 Packaging technology
  • 502042 Environmental economics
  • 207101 Waste engineering
  • 211901 Waste prevention

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