Zero Waste household practices in informal settlements: an opportunity to improve the living conditions of the urban poor and address global challenges

Zero Waste household practices adopted in informal settlements have facilitated the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and contributed to income generation, food security and the strengthening of the social fabric. In four informal settlements in Santiago de Cali (Colombia), these practices were identified through participatory methodologies, and statistical tests of association between variables were used to determine possible causes of their implementation. These practices were found to be associated with characteristics of the residents including their connection to the cultural traditions of their places of origin, their resilience and solidarity, the satisfaction of their basic needs and their search for a healthy environment. This paper discusses these practices, the elements that drive them and their main benefits, highlighting the need for public policies to recognize their contributions in addressing global challenges and for future research to quantify their contributions.