A free lunch and learn session on Bermuda’s waste management system is to be held next week.

Mark Husdan, a solid waste manager with 20 years of experience working for local government authorities in Britain, will educate attendees about how to take responsibility for the waste they produce, and to properly use the facilities and services available.

In Bermuda, the Solid Waste Management section sits within Ministry of Public Works.

It is responsible for household waste and recycling collections, the Marsh Folly Composting Facility, tipping at the Airport Waste Management Facility, and the management of all special and hazardous waste services.

Jennifer Flood, the executive officer for Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, said: “To reduce our carbon footprint, let’s adopt the circular economy, putting into practise the five ‘R’s strategy — Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Refurbish, Recycle.

“This will also save individuals money, reduce Bermuda’s dependence on imports and lessen the pressure on the waste management facilities.

Amy Harvey, a senior lecturer for Earth and Environmental Science at the Bermuda College, said: “World population is growing as well as our increasing demands for mass consumerism and production.

“Proper waste management plans are needed more than ever.

“Reports are stating that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish by 2025. We are seeing an increase in fast fashion leaving tonnes of textile waste. It is estimated that we have enough clothing to clothe us for six generations.

“We also live in a world of imbalance where some people live below the poverty line and suffer from malnutrition and premature death due to related diseases.

“On the other hand, we have populations of folks that are throwing good food away.

“In countries like the US and here in Bermuda we are throwing away close to 30 per cent of our food. This is an alarming rate and a disgrace.

“We need to figure out a way to do better in privileged countries like Bermuda. Solutions need to come both from the bottom up, ie, the individual as well as top down, ie, the Government.

“We need to encourage behavioural change at the individual level through education, while also having support from the Government by way of infrastructure, policies and legislations that will improve waste management on the island.

The presentation will be on February 27 from 1pm to 2pm, at the Bermuda College, The Athene Lecture Hall. It will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

No registration is required and light refreshments will be provided.

The lecture will be available online through the college’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.