Climate Minister Leonore Gewessler wants to introduce a ban on the destruction of new and new goods. In online retail in particular, tons of returned or leftover textiles and electronic devices would end up in the trash.
The initiative, which she presented on “Black Friday” with Upper Austrian Environmental Council member Stefan Kaineder (both Greens) in Linz, goes back to a recommendation from the Climate Council.
4.6 million kilos of textile
According to Greenpeace estimates, 4.6 million kilos of unused textiles were destroyed in Austria last year, at least 1.31 million returned packages of clothing and 120,000 of electrical items ended up in household waste. “When you listen to these numbers, you know something is wrong,” said Gewessler, because the production of textiles and electronic items in particular is energy and resource intensive.
Especially in online trading, resources would be destroyed by the destruction of the goods. It is better to “make a social contribution” and pass on used items. “To combat this unbridled waste, a ban on the destruction of new goods and goods in good condition is also necessary in Austria.”
Start Round Tables
Next week, Gewessler’s ministry plans to meet with representatives from business, civil society and community organizations to find out how to implement a ban on extermination. The vote with coalition partner ÖVP is still pending.
Also online giants on board?
The minister remained vague about how to bind the big online giants: “It’s all thick boards that we drill here”, she wants to tackle the problem piecemeal, pointing out that Spain, France and Germany already have eradication bans.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
