Zero-Waste Movement

The Zero-Waste Movement emerged from group of citizens with the will and drive to act on the issue of getting surplus food to those who need it most.

In general terms, the Zero-Waste Movement aims to promote the use of all surplus foodstuffs, distributing them to people with food shortages, under controlled food health and safety conditions, thus avoiding waste and protecting the health and well-being of those who consume the food. This program is based on establishing partnerships with the Municipalities and on enabling the institutions already in the field (the recipients) to collect the excess food from various donating entities, with a special emphasis on prepared food.

In addition to having a coordinating function, DARiACORDAR produces diagnostic, acquirement, implementation, monitoring and reporting instruments and tools to ensure transparency and quality in the process, offering and enabling other entities to be part of the Zero-Waste Movement. Given the relevance of this Movement in the fight against food waste, with its social aspect and the ability to mobilize civil society in supporting the cause, it is a further LIPOR's (Un)Likely Partnerships that we are pleased to share!

Paula Policarpo, who has a degree in Law and post-graduate degree in Social Organization Management, is the President of the DariAcordar/Zero-Waste Association and has closely followed how the LIPOR municipalities have replicated the Zero-Waste Movement. She starts by mentioning that "the Zero-Waste Movement is already in place throughout the whole country (mainland Portugal, Madeira and the Azores) and, from 2017 until now, in partnership with LIPOR, we have prevented 163 tons of organic waste from being produced, 684 tons of CO2eq from being released, and have recovered over 325,000 meals in the 8 LIPOR municipalities: Espinho, Gondomar, Maia, Matosinhos, Porto, Póvoa de Varzim, Valongo, and Vila do Conde

Throughout this journey, Paula Policarpo highlights that the Zero-Waste Movement's defining moment "happened recently with the rebranding of the brand, as it reflects the evolution and the path we have taken and want to continue on. We expanded on "Portugal cannot be thrown away" for the new brand image and motto: "nothing is lost, everything is transformed". Another thing they take pride in is "having an app that lets us manage our network with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness and expand through the municipality and to other waste flows".

The greatest challenge faced by the DariAcordar/ Zero Waste Association is, in the words of the President, "being sustainable in order to fulfill our mission until we reach it: avoiding the waste of any tangible or intangible goods, preventing waste by acting collaboratively and incorporating elements of a circular economy and sustainable development". To face the challenges, the greatest motivation is "being aware that there is no planet B and that we haven't inherited the land from our parents and grandparents, but rather that we will pass it down to our children and grandchildren.

Finally, Paula Policarpo leaves a message and appeals for everyone to get involved knowing that "this journey is progressing, but we still have far to go. We need everyone - don't just stay on the sofa!" Find out more on our internet page www.zerodesperdicio.pt".

(Un)Likely Partnerships Together we can make a difference!