United Nations, March 30 (Xinhua) -- March 30 is the International Zero Waste Day. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a video message calling on the international community to take action to jointly tackle the waste crisis.

"Our planet is drowning in a torrent of waste." Guterres said more than 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste is produced each year, with catastrophic consequences for the planet's climate, ecosystems and human health. The decomposition of waste not only releases planet-warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, it also pollutes water and soil, causing disease and even death.

"Overconsumption is killing humanity, and the international community must take steps to combat it," Guterres said. He urged companies to shift to sustainable production, where products should be produced with minimal packaging waste and as long as possible. He also called on consumers to "think twice" when shopping and reuse recyclable items as much as possible.

Guterres also stressed the importance of government action in promoting a circular economy. He called for the adoption of a "legally binding treaty" to enable international cooperation to tackle plastic pollution.

On December 14, 2022, the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 30 of each year as International Zero Waste Day.

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