Zero Waste
Zero Waste Shopping in Basel
When thinking "Zero Waste" the RRRs displayed on the image on the left need to be considered. When you have to buy something for your home, reducing or eliminating the amount of packaging can significantly minimise the impact on the environment. Likewise, when buying any type of appliance, choose, when possible, those that will last longer and can be repaired. Although it might seem more expensive at first, you won't need to reinvest in another one any time soon. Should you be interested in buying 2nd hand items (the selection in Switzerland is unbelievable), there are a number of Thrift Shops (Bröckis) (parent link & student link), 2nd-hand/Upcycled/Vintage Furniture (parent link & student link) and 2nd-hand and Vintage Fashion (parent link & student link). We invite you to click on the relevant link to access more information on the mentioned topics. Every little bit counts!
To appreciate why reducing packaging has a positive impact on the environment, it’s important to understand the effects that packaging, particularly plastic, has on our planet and health. Click the button below to be directed to a UN Environment Programme video that dwells on the topic.
Plastic Pollution: How Humans are Turning the World into Plastic
Plastics are made from oil, a fossil fuel. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels is a dominant cause of global warming. Most often, packaging manufacturers choose virgin, new plastic over recycled plastic because it is cheaper. So when you have the option, opt for products made from 100% recycled material.
Non-recycled waste plastic is incinerated or landfilled, where it can still emit greenhouse gases through leakage as it degrades. And a significant amount also finishes in the environment. It is estimated that about 13 million tons of plastic leak into oceans every year, where it presents a serious danger to marine life either as large debris or tiny microplastics in the water. The best way to reduce the repercussions that waste has on the environment is to avoid it in the first place.
Did you know that Switzerland produces the most waste in Europe per capita - 715kg per person?
Basel has a multitude of resources and suppliers that help reduce the amount of waste. The locations of these have been put onto a map. We recommend you enlarge the map to see the legend for all the different types of resources included in the map:
NOTE: If you know of any other good quality resource not included above, please let us know by sending us an email.