EU Parliament Votes to Combat Textile and Food Waste

In a significant move towards sustainability, the European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted in favour of measures to tackle waste in the textiles and food sectors. This decision, part of the EU's broader agenda to promote sustainable consumption and production, reflects a commitment to addressing the environmental and climate impacts of resource-intensive industries.

The textile industry, known for its high waste generation, sees the EU producing 12.6 million tonnes of textile waste annually. Only a fraction of this waste is currently collected for recycling, leaving the majority to end up in landfills or incinerators. Fast fashion exacerbates the problem by promoting excessive consumption of low-priced garments.

To address this issue, MEPs have endorsed a proposal to extend producer responsibility schemes to the textile sector. This measure will require fashion brands and textile producers to cover the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling clothing and footwear, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable practices.

Additionally, the EU Parliament has taken steps to address food waste, a pressing issue with significant economic, social, and environmental consequences. Each year, nearly 59 million tonnes of food are wasted in the EU, amounting to €132 billion in lost resources. MEPs have endorsed binding targets for member states to reduce food waste by 20% in food processing and manufacturing, and 40% per capita in retail, restaurants, food services, and households by 2030.

Parliament's Rapporteur Anna Zalewska emphasized the importance of targeted solutions, including promoting the consumption of "ugly" fruits and vegetables, addressing unfair market practices, and facilitating food donations. The inclusion of non-household products such as carpets and mattresses, as well as online sales platforms, highlights the EU's comprehensive approach to waste reduction.

As the EU takes decisive action to combat textile and food waste, it sets a powerful example for global efforts to promote sustainability. By embracing circular economy principles and fostering collaboration across sectors, the EU is leading the way towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

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