The island economies turning their backs on landfill.
From the Pacific to the Mediterranean, many of the world’s smallest islands are at the frontline of the climate crisis, their communities disproportionately affected by challenges like coastal erosion, rising sea levels and extreme weather. Surrounded by sea, small islands also directly suffer the effects of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, which has a knock-on effect on health, livelihoods and economic stability.
But island communities are fighting back. You may have heard of Tilos, the tiny Greek isle that featured in the media earlier this year [2023] after shutting down its landfill and making zero-waste living a reality.
And here are two other small island communities that have embraced the circular economy.
Siquijor, Philippines
It’s a lush, green island famed for its tropical plants, thriving coral reefs and stunning waterfalls. But even more striking than its natural beauty is Siquijor’s commitment to becoming the Philippines’ first zero-waste island.
In 2018, the island’s provincial government banned styrofoam products, regulated the use of plastic, and launched a campaign to improve public awareness of how to effectively and sustainably dispose of waste.
In the years since the decree, Siquijor is reported to be dramatically cleaner, most noticeably in the previously litter-covered beaches, parks and public markets. The residents have jumped on board, with many implementing total plastic bans in their towns and even developing their own local glass bottle-refill systems.
The island’s zero-waste culture includes not only plastics but all materials, including food waste. Many neighbourhoods coordinate the segregation of their rubbish, diverting organic waste to be used for compost, and categorising and collecting other recyclable or reusable materials.
From supporting the natural environment to generating green jobs, enriching tourism to saving money, going zero-waste is no doubt a win-win for Siquijor and its some 100,000 residents.
Bornholm, Denmark
Located in the Baltic Sea to the east of Copenhagen, the picturesque Danish island of Bornholm has plans to be completely waste-free by 2032.
This vision, which is part of Bornholm’s overall green strategy ‘Bright Green Island’, will see the island switch off its incinerator for good in less than a decade’s time. Waste such as cotton swabs, armchairs and carpets will be recycled or begin a new life as part of another product. Organic waste will be converted to energy through composting or biogasification, while the citizens of Bornholm will be encouraged and educated to reuse everything from old furniture to children’s wear, and bicycles to discarded kitchens.
EU legislation requires member countries to recycle at least 65% of their packaging waste by 2025. In preparation for this legislation, organisations from Nestlé to the Danish Society for Nature Conservation are using Bornholm’s initiatives to investigate the viability of circular solutions to household waste.
With ambitious plans already in motion, Bornholm hopes to pave the way for a greener future for the rest of Denmark, and beyond.
Find out how projects in the Philippines are targeting a zero-waste future.
