The main objective of sustainable waste management is to keep materials in use for the longest possible time as well as reduce the amount of solid waste disposed of in landfills. But with the linear economy, waste starts even before some products are manufactured. This is where sustainable waste management comes in.
Sustainable waste management is a systematic approach toward economic development that contradicts the take-make-waste model. It is a model that strives to separate growth from the consumption of infinite materials or resources. Some of the decisions you make every day have major impacts on the planet. It is estimated that average America generates about 4.5 pounds of trash every day. It is important to mind how you dispose of waste to protect the environment.
Here Are 6 Sustainable Practices to Improve Waste Management
1. Use Reusable Bottles/Cups For Beverages On-the-Go
There are high chances that you already have one or several reusable bottles in your house. Why not use them to reduce waste and save money? By carrying your own bottle of water, you are unlikely to end up buying an expensive drink on the go. This will reduce or get rid of the one-time beverage containers. Although most bottles and cans can be recycled, it takes a lot of time, energy and resources. They have to be transported to the bottling plant and stored for purchase.
2. Buy Wisely and Recycle
You can minimize the amount of waste produced by purchasing products that come with minimal packing materials or those that can be recycled. It is important to note that not all plastic materials are recyclable. You should check labels when doing your shopping. This will help eliminate the amount of waste in the environment.
3. Recycle Waste Water
Water sustains life in many ways. Over the past few years, many sources of water around the world have been drying up at an alarming rate. That’s why recycling water is now important more than ever. The good thing about water recycling is that minimal water is removed from external water sources and there’s less pollution. Every homeowner can recycle water in their homes and avoid wastage.
For communities and commercial facilities, Installing a lift station alarm is one of the best ways to manage the recycling of wastewater. When the red light in your lift station turns red, you will get an email or text message on your phone. This means you can monitor your water treatment facility in real-time and detect if anything goes wrong.
4. Collaborate With Others
It is also important to work together with companies and organizations that share the same vision. Public-Private Partnerships for Service Delivery (PPPSD) is a good example that helps promote sustainable practices for better waste management.
This type of collaboration helps to encourage improved cooperation between private, public and other stakeholders. It helps improve livelihoods by reducing the adverse effects of waste in poor countries or communities. You can also collaborate with like-minded individuals and suggest ways of improving sustainable waste management.
5. Buy Second-Hand Items
Before you decide to purchase something new, consider purchasing used items. This can save you money and avoid wastage at the same time. It can either be second-hand clothes, used furniture or re-purposed construction material. There are several places where you can buy used items such as Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. By buying second-hand items, you will not only be supporting local charities but also preventing waste from ending up in the dump.
6. Compost It
Do you know that approximately 30% of the waste in your trash can be removed and buried in your backyard? Things like egg shells, coffee grounds, vegetable scraps leaves and grass clippings can all end up in a compost pit.
Although digging and maintaining a compost pit requires a little more effort, the benefits of composting are worth the effort. You will not need to buy fertilizer in case you are growing your own vegetables. You will however have to wait for at least three months before you can use the manure in your garden.
Closing Thoughts
You have a responsibility to protect the environment just like anyone else. The simple decisions you make every day can have a great impact on the environment. It is important to practice sustainable waste management to protect the planet.
