If we reduce the amount of waste, we are automatically saving our environment from pollution that causes many other related problems to man. Modern landfills are lined so that it doesn’t cause pollution to the groundwater and soil. But these liners don’t have enough lifespan and thereby pollutes the groundwater and soil through leaks from pollutants in garbage. Though landfills are meant to dump waste, the space used for it can be used for other activities like agriculture and housing facilities. In spite of its advantages, landfill creates a lot of air pollution during the transportation of waste from the curb to it.
So it has become very necessary that we reduce the amount of waste we produce unknowingly. We must become aware of how much we discard and become ready to change our consumption habits. So let’s start practicing the three “R”s.
• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle
Reduce: - It means that we must consume less. Each and every item we buy or use needs natural resources and energy for its production. While producing them it generates a lot of waste. Its transportation also requires energy. Consuming less doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy anything that is very important for you, instead it means you should buy things that are really very essential, long lasting and that have minimal packaging. Among the three “R”s, “Reduce” is the most important one as it is more effective in reducing waste, conserving natural resources and protecting the environment.
Reuse: - If an item is able to be used several times, it is a good way to reduce waste. Such items include food storage containers, cloth napkins, shopping bags, coffee mugs, personal water bottles, cloth diapers, shoes etc. Such items can be repaired, donated or even sold which facilitate reuse. Reusing is better and cheaper than recycling as items don’t need to be reprocessed before being used again.
Recycle: - Recycling is the process of converting materials into valuable resources. Materials like paper, aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles are some among them. Through this we can save our natural resources and reduce the need of landfill units. The method of recycling can be made effectively used if consumers purchase products made of recyclable materials.
Specific ways to practice the three “R”s efficiently
Packing waste free food items: Try to avoid baggies and single serving packaged products like juice boxes and pouches, milk cartons, snack bags, yogurt cups etc. Pack snacks, sandwiches and drinks in reusable containers. Use reusable silverware and cloth napkins. So opt for cooking at home that makes fewer packages and wrappers. It provides you with not only a healthy meal but helps to keep the city clean.
Using compost bins: Construct an outdoor or indoor compost bin to keep leaves, vegetable wastes, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggs shells etc out of the garbage and thereby save landfill space and energy. Composting also provides us with rich fertilizer for the plants.
Reuse whatever possible: The bags you get while purchasing groceries, produce and items at the mall can be used again. Always have food in reusable plates, cups, and utensils. Avoid using one time use beverage bottles and packaged snacks. Instead use reusable drinking bottles and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Recycle wherever possible: Make sure that there is an adjoining recycling receptacle wherever there is a garbage receptacle. Plastic bags should be avoided from the collection process by utilizing bag less receptacles. It should be practiced even in public areas and thus recycling must be made more convenient. Products that have limited recycling possibilities should be avoided. Many of the aluminium and metal items can be further recycled. Even though reusing is preferable to single use products, for things that cannot be reused its better to choose things that can be recycled.
Reduce consumption on the whole: It is a great challenge to most of the people. It doesn’t mean you stop purchasing things. Instead spend money to buy high quality goods and services and avoid using lower quality items. Buy hybrid cars that reduce pollution and also the money that you spend on gas. Buying less stuff is very good for the environment, health and well being of a society.
Purchasing electronic products: Electronic appliances must be used as long as possible. Try to purchase such items from companies that take responsibility to take back your product and recycle it efficiently after its life span. Since the recycling of such items causes pollution, it is better to think twice before buying whether it is necessary or not.
The residents of a city are those who contribute to the waste there. You can definitely contribute to reducing waste in your city if you are ready to apply the above mentioned ways of reducing waste, thereby decreasing the amount of toxicity of waste produced by individuals. Reducing waste is the most important step that conserves resources and decreases the amount of waste that usually ends up in landfills. During the last few years the amount of waste created by each person has doubled. So preventing waste in the first place must be practiced by all which is the most efficient way. So it’s necessary to bring some changes in our daily routines that help in source or waste reduction.
