Waste: The Forgotten Environmental Disaster
In the era of climate change awareness, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation, one environmental disaster that often slips under the radar is WASTE. While the world is waking up to the urgency of reducing carbon emissions and protecting endangered species, the issue of waste management rarely gets a mention. This blog aims to shed light on why waste is an environmental disaster that demands our immediate attention.
The Magnitude of the Waste Problem
The statistics are staggering and waste continues to grow. According to the UK Government’s own data, waste increased from 6.1m tonnes in 2020 to 6.8m in 2021. The sheer volume of waste is overwhelming, and it's growing every year. By 2050, global waste is expected to increase by 70% if current practices continue.
Landfills: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Landfills, the most common method of waste disposal, are environmental ticking time bombs. When waste decomposes in landfills it produces methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Landfills also leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater, posing significant health risks to nearby communities.
The Ocean: A Dumping Ground
The ocean has become the world's largest dump. According to Plastic Oceans (plasticoceans.org) 10 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year, negatively impacting marine environments. An estimated 1m marine animals killed every year due to plastic waste.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Modern lifestyles prioritise convenience, often at the expense of the environment. Single-use plastics, disposable packaging, and fast fashion contribute significantly to the waste problem. These products are designed for short-term use but have long-term environmental impacts. The linear "take-make-dispose" economy is unsustainable, and we must transition to a circular economy that prioritizes reuse, repair, and recycling.
The Role of Legislation and Corporate Responsibility
Governments and corporations have a critical role to play in addressing the waste crisis, including stronger legislation on waste management and incentives for recycling. Lobbying major retailers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal, and adopt sustainable practices is also critical.
What Can We Do?
While systemic change is crucial, individual actions also matter. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your waste footprint:
#Reduce - choose products with minimal packaging.
#Reuse- opt for reusable items over single-use ones.
#Recycle - properly sort your waste.
Compost - turn organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden (all our products are #home compostable).
Educate and Advocate - spread awareness about the waste problem and advocate for better waste management policies in your community.
Waste may be the forgotten environmental disaster, but it is one we can no longer afford to ignore. The consequences of our wasteful habits are far-reaching, affecting our health, our environment, and our future. By taking collective and individual action, we can turn the tide on waste and pave the way for a more sustainable world. Let’s remember that every piece of waste we reduce, reuse, or recycle is a step towards a healthier planet #drivechange
All our products at Urban Green Company are handmade in our workshop in Northwest London, using only 100% natural raw materials. Our products include beeswax wraps, bowl covers, cherry stone hot and cold packs and eco-friendly facial pads. Other environmentally sound products include, reusable sponges, organic produce bags, dish cloths, natural scrunchies, tea bags, face masks etc. All products are available to buy nationwide via our online web shop.