källreduktion

Källreduktion is a Swedish term that translates to "source reduction" in English. It refers to a strategy aimed at minimizing the generation of waste and pollution at its origin, rather than focusing on treatment or disposal after it has been created. The core principle is to prevent waste before it happens, thereby reducing the environmental impact and the costs associated with managing waste.

This approach encompasses various practices and policies. In a domestic context, it can involve choosing products with less packaging, buying in bulk, and repairing items instead of replacing them. Industrially, source reduction might include process modifications to use fewer raw materials, reduce the use of hazardous substances, or design products for longevity and recyclability.

Source reduction is considered a high-priority waste management strategy in many environmental policies, often placed above recycling and disposal. Its benefits extend beyond just reducing landfill volume; it can lead to conservation of natural resources, reduced energy consumption, lower pollution levels, and improved public health. Implementing source reduction often requires a shift in thinking from a linear "take-make-dispose" model to a more circular economy approach where resources are kept in use for as long as possible.