Research from the United Nations Development Programme have stated that there are close to five million people who die annually, from a disease related to incorrect waste disposal, and they say the number is getting larger.
It is evident that the developed countries are the ones that are generating the most waste. For example about three quarters of a ton of garbage is producedannually by every individual in the United States.
These statistics are confirmed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (aka US EPA). These disturbing statistics can be lessened through proper waste management.
People need to understand that waste management at home is not just about making less trash. It is more than just saving and the protection of our environment.
Starting out your first step toward a responsible household waste management program is to begin recording what exactly you are tossing out and how much garbage is being taken from your home. By monitoring your trash habits, you will see how you can control your household trash in other ways. The mantra of waste management is summed up in three simple words; reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Reduce household waste
The purchasing of food in containers can add considerably to your garbage. Always make an effort to buy food that is sold individually such as vegetables and fruits.
Thinking for the future, you should consider having your home appliances serviced on a regular basis. If they are broken have them fixed. This lessens the chance of having to throw the appliances and keeps them from the landfills for a longer interval.
•Reuse items
If you have an appliance or other home equipment that you are not using and is still working, you should look at the idea of giving it to charity.
Avoid the use of plastic bags and paper bags by carrying a reusable shopping bag or re purpose everyday items that you usually discard. There are loads of different websites that will offer you some rather unique ideas.
Be sure and purchase reusable over disposable items. Reusable coffee cups and drinking water bottles, should be substituted rather than the disposable containers. This alone can save a tremendous amount of garbage from being discarded into landfills.
• Recycle
One of the easiest ways to recycle is by composting. This method of recycling is good for both for your garden and the environment. You may even research worm farming as a good way to earn extra money and recycle your waste at the same time.
Recycling centers are located in nearly every municipality. Make it a habit to use take advantage of one near your home.
Food is another large source of household waste. How can you slash food waste? Simply by buying only the amount you really will consume and need. A shopping list is a vital tool to prevent impulse purchases. Research has shown that 75 of the shoppers who buy an item in a grocery store made that decision after they entered the store. A shopping list can help your budget and it can help the environment.
Become a savvy shopper and check your supplies before you leave home. Use up those items that will spoil first. Be knowledgeable about what happens to the food you purchase, how much packaging it uses, and where it is coming from, before you buy.
Finally, a mention about the hazardous chemicals found in our homes. The U.S. Government has identified nearly 500 hazardous chemical waste products and how they are properly discarded. Everyday items in our home, such as paint, cleaning supplies, and pesticides contain these chemicals. By switching to organic products, the need to go through the extra steps necessary to discard of hazardous household materials can be eliminated.
Getting the trash out of your life is one simple way to go green Reduce Reuse Recycle is a great way to make your home safer and healthier and is a great way to help the environment.
Author Resource:
Beverly Saltonstall is an enviro-entrepreneur - both a wildlife lecturer and advocate and website owner. She has published extensively about topics of interest concerning sustainable development, pollution and recycling. Her goal is to show the world how easy it is to make simple steps towards going green. http://agreenlady.com/Blog
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