“GAIA is a worldwide alliance of more than 800 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in over 90 countries whose ultimate vision is a just, toxic-free world without incineration. We recognize that our planet’s finite resources, fragile biosphere, and the health of people and other living beings are endangered by polluting and inefficient production practices and health-threatening disposal methods. Because of this, we oppose incinerators, landfills, and other end-of-pipe interventions. Our goal is clean production and the creation of a closed-loop, materials-efficient economy where all products are reused, repaired, or recycled.”
At GAIA, we see waste and its resulting pollution as a symptom of a larger, profit-driven extractive economy, and we promote zero waste as a holistic solution and an economic shift toward justice and sustainability.
GAIA members strategize together about key goals and targets, share information online and in regional meetings, campaign toward common goals, lead trainings and skillshares, and provide a community of support for one another. We make a lasting impact by promoting on-the-ground solutions in communities and cities and shifting political and financial drivers to support these best practices. Our work covers a spectrum of approaches from supporting local struggles against pollution-causing waste facilities to influencing global and national climate policy and challenging corporate greenwashing.
GAIA’s founding meeting was held in South Africa in December 2000, with the participation of more than 80 people from 23 countries. Founding members identified incineration as an immediate and significant health threat in their communities and a major obstacle to resource conservation, sustainable economic development, and environmental justice. Through GAIA, members committed to increased community solidarity and collaboration to achieve their common goal of a just and toxic-free world without incineration.
