We can be happy that today’s people are starting to appreciate the fact that our planet and the environment and nature are one of the greatest assets we have. Despite the growing focus on naturalness and sustainability, we do not avoid mistakes that prevent us from achieving our goals and maximally improving living conditions and reducing pollution. Efficient waste management is a very important part of everything. It is in this place that people forget about such things as waste sites, the importance of sorting and responsibility for their actions. The Kaunas Regional Waste Management Center (RATC) wants to remind everyone how to avoid the most common mistakes in order to make waste management more efficient and the world we live in cleaner.
1. The origin of waste is forgotten
One of the biggest mistakes is to only think about waste management post factum. After all, the beginning of everything is our own consumption. For this reason, it is recommended to prioritize waste reduction at the point of its generation. on the spot).
After all, when the conversation turns to sustainability and waste, we often hear calls reduce consumption.
In the most recent Global Waste Index (The Global Waste Index) it is announced that each person generates about 0.8 kg of waste per day. Wealthy countries (including Lithuania) generate more than twice as much waste per inhabitant as in developing or third world countries.
By focusing on what we use and how much we use, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated. This means that we must be prepared to buy less, choose products with less packaging and choose sustainable products that are made more sustainably.
As a result, waste management centers will do their work more efficiently and will bring greater benefits to the entire circular economy in which we live.
2. Sorting of household waste is avoided
Incorrect sorting is another common mistake that not only wastes resources and raw materials, but also harms the entire recycling process.
According to official statistics, recently, about 35% of municipal waste is burned to obtain energy, and approximately 40-45% is recycled. Imagine the amount of things and materials we throw away resurrect for a new life or to become raw material for new things. Interestingly, the amount of recyclable waste should only grow in the future.
The common stereotype that even sorted waste ends up in one pile reduces the effectiveness of recycling programs, which unfortunately increases the cost of recycling raw materials. In order to make the world a greener and better place for all of us, it is important that landfills and treatment centers receive sorted waste.
3. Green waste is not composted
Many people don’t realize the great potential of their grass clippings, collected branches, fallen fruit and other organic, biodegradable, green waste.
Not only in the EU, but also here, for example, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), food scraps and yard waste can currently make up more than 30% of what we throw in the trash.
Composting these materials not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills, but also enriches the soil, so the need to use chemical fertilizers decreases. If you do not have the opportunity or desire to compost, your waste will always be accepted by green waste collection sites.
4. Improper disposal of hazardous waste when the management of such waste is very important
While the mistakes listed above certainly have a negative impact on the environment, this point poses the greatest risk. Improper disposal of hazardous waste, such as batteries, paint and electronic devices, is excusable negligence and can result in fines.
If they are not properly disposed of, hazardous waste can release harmful chemicals into the environment, pollute soil and water. Because there are special waste sites that collect hazardous waste, negligent disposal cannot be excused.
About how such waste is managed and how you can contribute, read on the Kaunas RATC website.
5. Not looking for alternatives to fast fashion
Take a look at your closets or those of your family members. Almost all people do not avoid visits to large, chain, fast fashion stores. Statistics show that the so-called fast fashion contributes significantly to excess waste generation on a global scale.
According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the fashion industry generates 10% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Well, the textile industry emits more carbon dioxide than international flights and shipping combined. The main driving force behind these industries is the customers of fast fashion stores.
By choosing quality instead of quantity, buying second-hand clothes, giving clothes that are no longer needed for recycling or donating them and even selling them, we can greatly contribute to the conservation of Earth’s resources, and to the fact that waste sites are less burdened. There would be less work…
