As one may know, we have limited resources, while we have unlimited needs and wants. The process that it takes to make certain items such as “…logging a forest, mining for minerals, or drilling for oils, requires large amounts of energy and causes pollution. Once [the made items] are used, they are simply dumped into the landfill or destroyed in an incinerator. (Toronto Environmental Alliance, 2020)”. On the other hand, “A Zero Waste approach conserves natural resources and reduces pollution from extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. Reusing means fewer products are made, as people buy less, and as products are made to last. Recycling, [also], keeps waste out of landfills and incinerators and provides manufacturers with recycled instead of raw materials to make new goods” (Toronto Environmental Alliance, 2020).
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Robert Swan
To start helping our planet, we have to start with what we can control: which is organizing our own trash. Before starting my Healthy and Environmentally-Friendly lifestyle, I wasn’t very much aware of how sorting garbage cans can help. However, with these two places that I always go to which are Sheridan College, where I go to school, and the Royal Ontario Museum where I volunteer, I realized the importance of sorting trash with organized garbage cans. Aside from these attractive amenities, educating people on how to properly dispose garbage is just as important.
How do we identify which item goes where in an organized garbage can? [Image 1] If you’ve ever tried reading the Organics, Mixed Recycling and Landfill labels and still don’t know where your trash is supposed to go, you’re not alone. I feel that asking and being told about why we should throw garbage properly is a more helpful act. Perhaps the solution to this is to attend events on campus relating to creating Zero Waste.
Another way can be that I can educate you on ways to Recycle, so that together, we can help lessen pollution in our country.
References
Toronto Environmental Alliance. (2020). Zero Waste Toronto. Retrieved from Toronto Environmental Alliance: https://www.torontoenvironment.org/zerowaste_report
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