Ma`rifat Eqtesadi

In recent decades, we have been facing an increasing crisis of waste production and the damage caused by it. In this article, we examine this problem and soft solutions to deal with it using an analytical method. Based on the findings of the article, this problem is rooted in the phenomenon of waste as a deep cultural problem, rather than being a technical problem. The main problem in waste management is its overproduction, which is rooted in individual and social behaviors. Accordingly, any approach that summarizes waste crisis management only in technical solutions is a reductionist approach and prevents the root cause of the problem. Using the humanizing teachings of Islam, this article provides a strong framework for radically confronting waste that leads to increased waste. Islamic teachings transform waste into a religious necessity and part of Muslim identity. Accordingly, the findings of the article are that the current state of the consumerist society and waste statistics are undesirable and inconsistent with Islamic teachings on the sanctity of waste. To deal with this phenomenon, the use of “soft governance solutions” is suggested; Solutions that use modern behavioral tools that are compatible with Islamic culture to reduce the production of “wasteful waste.” These solutions include measures such as voluntary agreements, competition, education, language framing, simplification of understanding and choice, and choice architecture.