GOOD PRACTICES OF SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AT THE RESIDENTIAL LEVEL: A FOCUS ON THE REDUCTION OF CO2 EMISSIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF PLASTIC WASTE IN ARGENTINA

Abstract

This article is based on the "Good Practices for Sustainable Consumption at the Residential Level" project. Its main goal is to propose the foundations of a Handbook of Good Practices applicable in domestic settings to reduce CO₂ emissions generated in these environments. In this context, it focuses on the problems arising from a lack of awareness about consumption in Argentina, which results in most of the municipal solid waste (MSW) being disposed of in open dumps. The article emphasizes the need to address plastic waste due to its widespread use in daily life, the difficulty of replacing or reusing it, and its non-biodegradable nature.
The methodology of the study involves quantifying the emissions generated by MSW, with a special focus on plastics. The research presents the results of a data survey on residential consumption in 2022. Additionally, it quantifies the emissions generated as a result of the production and final disposal of these materials. This data is compared with statistics from developed countries, and their plans, policies, and strategies are analysed to understand how they achieve their figures.
As a result, measures to reduce the general consumption of plastics in households are proposed. Furthermore, criteria are defined to quantify the proposed improvements, followed by calculating the impacts of the recommended measures compared to the initial situation, both in terms of generated plastics and emissions.