Chemicals and waste

The management of chemicals and waste is a crucial aspect of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to be a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" by 2030. These goals were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by the year 2030. They address global challenges, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.

SDG 12, which focuses on Responsible Consumption and Production, is directly related to the management of chemicals and waste. This goal aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, which includes the environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste. The mismanagement of these elements can have severe environmental and health impacts, thus undermining the objectives of SDG 12.

One of the critical links between chemical and waste management and the SDGs is to human health, as outlined in SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Improper handling and disposal of chemicals and waste can lead to pollution and contamination, which can have direct adverse effects on human health. This includes increased risks of diseases, long-term health conditions, and impacts on the well-being of communities, especially those living in close proximity to waste disposal sites or industrial areas.

The impact of waste management also extends to climate change, addressed in SDG 13. Excessive waste generation, particularly organic waste in landfills, contributes to the production of greenhouse gases like methane, a potent contributor to global warming. Additionally, the production and disposal of plastics, electronic waste, and other non-biodegradable materials contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Effective management and reduction of waste are essential to mitigate climate change impacts.

The preservation of life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15) is also heavily influenced by how chemicals and waste are managed. Pollution from chemicals and waste can severely impact aquatic ecosystems, harming marine life and biodiversity. Similarly, terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife are at risk from land pollution and habitat destruction caused by improper waste disposal and chemical spills.

Furthermore, SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, is impacted by the management of chemicals and waste. Workers in industries dealing with chemicals and waste are often exposed to hazardous conditions. Ensuring their safety and health is a key aspect of achieving this goal. Moreover, sustainable waste management can create new job opportunities and contribute to economic growth through recycling and waste-to-energy sectors.

The effective and environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste is not only essential for achieving SDG 12 but also intersects with several other SDGs. It is a fundamental component of sustainable development, impacting human health, climate change, biodiversity, and economic growth. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, encompassing strict regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, public awareness, and international cooperation to ensure a sustainable future.

With evident relevance to SDG 6, the research explores a water pollution control technology evaluation model based on the Pythagorean language neutrosophic set (PLNS) in the context of the pulp and paper industry. The authors' model aims to assist in the choice of appropriate water pollution control technology for those working within the paper industry. It is tested in an example based in China.
This chapter ties into Sustainable Development Goal 7 and Sustainable Development Goal 9 by promoting resource efficiency and cleaner energy processes through the sustainable utilization of combustion/incineration residues, and by fostering innovation in material utilization and supporting sustainable infrastructure development through the reuse of these residues in construction and industrial applications.
Elsevier,

S.C. Onwubu, Z. Obiechefu, T.H. Mokhothu, Ajay Kumar Mishra, 17 - The environmental sustainability of biowaste in bioplastic production, Editor(s): Ajay Kumar Mishra, Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain, Bioplastics for Sustainability, Elsevier, 2024, Pages 407-428, ISBN 9780323951999

This chapter ties into Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities and Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate action by discussing the environmental sustainability of biowaste in bioplastic production, including a life cycle assessment of bioplastic production from biowaste and a comparison of its environmental impact to conventional plastics.
Elsevier,

Rupali Jandrotia, Ipsa Gupta, Priyanka Mahajan, Daizy Rani Batish, Harminder Pal Singh, 2 - Green nanomaterials: an eco-friendly route for sustainable nanotechnology, Editor(s): Pardeep Singh, Puja Khare, Disha Mishra, Muhammad Bilal, Mika Sillanpää, In Micro and Nano Technologies, Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in the Agri-Food Industries, Elsevier, 2024, Pages 21-52, ISBN 9780323996822

This chapter ties into Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities and Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate action by discussing methods of establishing sustainable form of nanotechnology in the biosynthesis of nanoparticle with minimum impact on the environment.
This One Earth Review Article discusses how the term 'phase out' has allowed various stakeholders to work towards more sustainable goals, most recently relevant to the 'phase out' goals for coal and fossil fuels (SDG 13).
Heavy duty freight transportation is a key part of global transportation, but is a large contributor to growing CO2 emissions. Here the authors design an on-board system for heavy duty vehicles to capture CO2 as it is released. This supports SDGs 7 (reducing CO2 emissions toward clean energy), 9 (modifications to existing vehicles to mitigate carbon emissions) and 13 (reducing emissions that contribute to climate change).
To mark the 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day on 5 June 2023, Elsevier proudly presents a curated list of publicly available journal articles and book chapters in support of this year's theme “Solutions to Plastics Pollution”. Please share and download.
This article advances SDG # 13 and 9 by making recommendations for unlocking the mechanism by which the plastics industry is tied to the fossil fuel-based economies.
This article is an in-depth analysis of the challenges and solutions for the circular economy. This article relates to SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and production.
This chapter aligns with Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation and Goal 14: Life below water by encompassing an overview of various biological methods for removing microplastics from water.

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