Waste Not, Want Not: Awareness of throwing garbage
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Written by: Monaz Rath
Picture yourself standing on a beautiful golden beach, with waves gently lapping at your feet. It's a serene sight, but suddenly the tide comes in and brings along a deluge of torn plastic bags, bottles, chocolate wrappers, and other forms of junk.
This raises a crucial question about our consciousness and responsibility toward managing waste.
Littering may be thought insignificant when attributed to an individual. However, the collective impact of millions of people who share the same perception is what has led to the current state of environmental degradation. We must recognize the severity of our actions and acknowledge that it is our responsibility alone to safeguard the environment.
Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a type of waste that is produced by households, offices, hotels, and other institutions. The major components of MSW include food waste, paper, plastic, metal, and glass. It is a waste type consisting of everyday items that are discarded by the public and is one of the most common types of waste.
Composting is a great way to recycle the organic waste we generate at home. Food scraps and garden waste combined make up more than 28 percent of what we throw away, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Composting is an eco-friendly way of disposing of waste rather than dumping it in landfills. When compostable waste gets buried in a landfill, it doesn't get enough oxygen to break down aerobically. Instead, it breaks down anaerobically, which means without oxygen. This creates a gas called biogas, which is made up of about half methane and half carbon dioxide. Both of these gases are strong greenhouse gases, and methane is especially good at trapping heat. Even though some landfills capture some of the biogas, they can't get it all. According to the EPA, landfills are the third biggest source of human-made methane gas in the United States.
The Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) are also important to keep in mind when throwing away garbage. The placement of non-recyclable items in recycling containers can significantly increase the cost of recycling, slow down the process, and pose safety risks to employees. To optimize recycling efforts, we must focus solely on recycling the most valuable materials, such as clean bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard. If there is any uncertainty regarding the recyclability of an item, it is better to dispose of it in the garbage to avoid contaminating the acceptable recyclable items in the containers.
The incineration of waste poses a significant threat to both public health and the environment. The higher incidence of cancer and respiratory symptoms are among the most significant health impacts, with the potential for hormonal defects too. The environment may suffer from global warming, acidification, smog formation, and human and animal toxicity.
Making proactive changes in our lives is crucial to making a positive impact in the world. By actively working towards bettering ourselves and our surroundings, we can effect change on a larger scale. When millions of people share this perception and act, it creates a ripple effect that can spread awareness about important issues and inspire others to act as well.
When we take the time and effort to dispose of our garbage responsibly, we not only keep our immediate surroundings clean and healthy, but we also contribute to a larger effort to reduce waste and protect the environment. By spreading awareness about this issue and encouraging others to act, we can make a significant impact on the world around us.
Citations:
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101#benefits
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