Category: Pollution

There is not a developed world and an underdeveloped world, but only one underdeveloped world.

The key principles of the Plastics Treaty, such as the establishment of human rights obligations for TNCs, mechanisms to prevent violations and impose sanctions in the event of non-compliance, and access to remedies for victims, are also essential in the negotiation of this Plastics Treaty. Better waste management practices are needed!

Negotiations will continue

According to Nevada Nature Environment, Pusan ​​and Geneva, same fight, same defeat. Meeting in Switzerland after the failure of negotiations in South Korea, representatives of 185 countries failed to reach an agreement on a global treaty against plastic pollution.

Yet, more than 100 countries submitted ambitious texts aimed at reducing plastic production at the source. These countries faced a small group of countries, notably oil and gas producers, wanting to limit commitments to waste recycling. Negotiations will continue, with several countries calling for an absolute majority vote to prevent countries from blocking the treaty by adopting the arguments of the petrochemical industry to the detriment of health and the environment.

A global waste challenge, a global response

Plastic pollution is an environmental and health emergency. Without action, global plastic production could triple by 2060. Every year in Nevada, 10,000 tons of plastics end up in nature, instead of hiring a dumpster to send it to the nearest landfill. More than a quarter of the chemicals in plastics are known to be harmful to human health, and this pollution has a significant impact on biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly marine environments.

Plastic Pollution: The Scale of the Disaster

What key measures do NGOs believe will be needed to achieve the necessary reduction in production?

The nice call for an ambitious treaty on plastics

A Decisive Moment in Geneva in 2025

The resumption of negotiations in Geneva aims to reach a consensus enabling the adoption of an international treaty that commits countries to concrete, ambitious, and coordinated measures. Faced with these challenges, the USA will play a leading role, along with its European and international partners, to protect the environment and human health, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

The United Stated are committed to making a strong voice against plastic pollution. Without a binding agreement on this issue, plastic production is expected to triple by 2060, and therefore the pollution that goes with it.

We call on every state to take responsibility before we are overwhelmed by this pollution, which has harmful consequences for our health and our natural ecosystems. An investigation into our addiction to plastic and the growing threat that microplastics pose to human health is needed. Almost every piece of plastic manufactured breaks down into harmful microplastics.

These microscopic particles drift through the air, float in all bodies of water, and mix with the soil, becoming a permanent part of the environment.

What impact do these invisible invaders have on our health? And can we do anything about it?

The impact of microplastics on human health

Microplastics, small fragments of plastic with a diameter less than 5 millimeters, are a growing concern due to their potential impact on human health. Microplastics result from larger pieces of plastic breaking apart or are designed intentionally to be used as such in many consumer goods like cleansers and cosmetics. Microplastics have been detected in drinking water, sea animals, table salt, and even the air we breathe, so human exposure is effectively unavoidable.

Once they are in our body, microplastics are able to move through the gastrointestinal tract and, in some cases, enter the bloodstream or get stuck in some of our organs. Although there is more research being done, early studies suggest microplastics have the potential to cause inflammation, disrupt hormonal processes, and contain poisonous materials such as phthalates and heavy metals. These poisons have the potential to disrupt cellular functions and possibly contribute to an increase in diseases, i.e., cancer or reproductive-related diseases.

Ingestion and respiratory intake of airborne microplastics are also causes for concern, especially in large cities like Reno, NV. Our lungs can become a source of respiratory issues or complicate pre-existing conditions like asthma. Further long-term studies, however, will be required to fully comprehend these health risk.

As citizens become more informed, plastic conservations and improved waste management are essential in reducing microplastic pollution. Meanwhile, scientists continue to learn more about their overall impact on human health and to guide public health policy accordingly.

What could be sadder than seeing New York state or the city of Rochester with a mountain of garbage? However, this painful reality is very much present in certain countries, more particularly in the majority of developing countries. The tons of waste accumulating everywhere can cause serious environmental and health problems. Let’s take a closer look in this article at the consequences of poor waste management.

The different types of hazardous waste

To avoid poor waste management, the best option is to recycle it. Some companies like Rochester Dumpster Rental Team specialize in buying and recycling recyclable waste in New York. Using their services is therefore a good gesture for the environment. Please note that the world only recycles a third of waste on average according to global statistics.

Indeed, some of this waste is not recyclable, which can lead to serious consequences once left in the environment, unless you use a dumpster rental service to bing the junk to the nearest local labdfill. Here are some dangerous substances to be aware of:

Heavy metals

Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium are among the most dangerous metal wastes in the world. There are still certain companies which buy these scrap metals and non-ferrous metals in order to preserve the environment and everyone’s interests.

Oxidizers

Oxidizers are also very dangerous waste for humans and the environment. Indeed, these substances contain chemicals allowing combustion such as sodium chlorate.

Hospital waste

Disposable hospital items like syringes and needles are also not recyclable. In addition, they can cause serious consequences whether on the environment or on health once discarded.

The consequences of poor waste management

Poor waste management can have serious consequences, whether on the environment of New York State or on humans. We detail this below under different categories.

Poor waste management can lead to serious health problems. Did you know that the various non-recyclable waste thrown everywhere encourages the proliferation of rodents and also harmful insects? And yet, this is what we sometimes notice in certain countries. Indeed, the proliferation of rats, mice and other rodents can lead to plague, a contagious and fatal disease. This long-standing rodent disease still exists in the majority of African and underdeveloped countries.

Waste containing heavy metals also causes serious health consequences. Indeed, they can cause neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Metallic Trace Elements or ETMs can even cause kidney failure in the worst situations, while destroying the digestive system and the respiratory tract.

Poor waste management can also lead to serious environmental problems. Uncontrolled waste also causes water and air pollution. Indeed, the various harmful substances thrown everywhere produce fermentation odors. While air pollution can cause serious health consequences such as asthma attacks, bronchitis, allergies of all kinds, etc. Poor waste management can also cause other serious health diseases such as lung and skin cancers.

As for water pollution, this can have consequences whether on aquatic species or on humans. Indeed, this can lead to the extinction of certain species living in aquatic environments. Water pollution can also cause serious illnesses such as diarrhea, hepatitis, etc.

Uncontrolled waste can also cause soil pollution. In fact, it becomes acidic given the chemical and toxic substances it contains. These chemicals and toxic products are very dangerous and may reduce crop yields. Not only is acidic soil harmful to crops, but it is especially dangerous for consumption.

Recycled waste management plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices and addressing environmental challenges. With the growing concern about the planet’s well-being and the need for resource conservation, recycling waste has become a crucial component of waste management systems worldwide. This article explores the numerous advantages associated with recycled waste management and highlights how it contributes to environmental protection, resource conservation, energy savings, and economic benefits.

Environmental Protection

Recycled waste management significantly contributes to environmental protection by reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and minimizing the negative impact on ecosystems. By diverting waste from landfills, recycling helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are major contributors to climate change. Recycling also reduces the need for extracting and processing raw materials, such as metals, plastics, and paper, which in turn helps to preserve natural habitats and ecosystems that are often disrupted by resource extraction. Moreover, recycling minimizes the pollution associated with waste disposal, including the leaching of hazardous substances into soil and water bodies, leading to cleaner air, water, and soil quality.

Resource Conservation

One of the primary advantages of recycled waste management is the conservation of valuable resources. Recycling allows for the recovery and reuse of materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. By transforming waste into valuable resources, recycled waste management helps to extend the lifespan of these resources and reduces the pressure on finite natural resources. For example, recycling paper and cardboard reduces the need for cutting down trees, conserving forests and preserving biodiversity. Similarly, recycling metals reduces the need for mining and extraction, conserving energy and reducing environmental degradation associated with mining operations. Overall, recycled waste management promotes a circular economy, where resources are utilized efficiently, and waste is minimized, leading to a more sustainable and resource-conscious society.

Energy Savings

Recycled waste management also offers significant energy savings compared to the production of goods from raw materials. Manufacturing products from recycled materials generally requires less energy than producing them from virgin materials. This is because recycling eliminates or reduces several energy-intensive processes, such as mining, extraction, and refining. For instance, producing aluminum from recycled aluminum requires approximately 95% less energy than producing it from bauxite ore. Similarly, recycling plastics can save up to 80% of the energy required to produce new plastic. By reducing energy consumption, recycled waste management helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate the strain on energy resources, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.

Economic Benefits

Recycled waste management offers numerous economic advantages at both local and global levels. Firstly, recycling industries create employment opportunities, contributing to economic growth and job creation. The process of collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials requires a skilled workforce, providing jobs in recycling centers, manufacturing facilities, and related industries. Additionally, recycling helps to reduce waste management costs for municipalities and businesses. By diverting waste from landfills, which can be expensive to operate and maintain, recycling lowers the overall waste disposal costs. Moreover, recycling materials, such as metals, paper, and plastics, reduces the demand for raw materials, leading to cost savings for industries that rely on these resources. Ultimately, the economic benefits of recycled waste management extend beyond immediate cost savings and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Public Health Improvement

Recycled waste management can have positive implications for public health. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, recycling helps to mitigate the risks associated with waste disposal, such as the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. Landfills can contaminate groundwater and emit harmful gases, impacting the health of nearby communities. By diverting waste through recycling, these risks are minimized, leading to improved air and water quality, and subsequently, better public health outcomes. Additionally, recycling reduces the need for incineration, which can release harmful pollutants into the air, further contributing to the protection of public health.

Recycled waste management offers a range of advantages that extend beyond environmental benefits. It plays a crucial role in conserving resources, reducing pollution, saving energy, stimulating economic growth, and improving public health. By embracing recycled waste management practices, individuals, communities, and businesses contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. Governments and policymakers should continue to promote and support recycling initiatives through the implementation of effective waste management policies, education campaigns, and the development of recycling infrastructure. Together, we can harness the advantages of recycled waste management to build a more sustainable and prosperous world for future generations.

References

• https://sustainability.ku.edu/
• https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/city-manager-s-office/office-of-environmental-quality/sustainability-1186
• https://produmpsterrentalatlanta.com/junk-management-in-conway/
• https://dumpsterrentalwichitaks.net/
• https://produmpsterrentalatlanta.com/renting-a-dumpster-for-your-yard-cleanout/