As humans, we use a lot of items everyday which end up increasing our pile of waste. Waste, when not properly disposed is disastrous to the environment. Slow decomposition of solid waste constitutes a nuisance to our environment by polluting the air and water, which is hazardous to health. Also, heaps of waste also known as ‘bola’ cause land use conversion, rendering valuable land inaccessible. Waste can be minimized through the Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle model. To conserve the environment, we have highlighted several ways you can reduce your daily waste.
- Reduce food waste
Quite a number of times, we throw away food after we have eaten to our satisfaction. Instead of continuing this trend, excess food could be packaged and preserved for later consumption. Also, we could contribute positively to humanity by sharing with the needy around us. - Reuse plastic bottles
Packaging of beverages and water in plastic bottles have become conventional in our time. However, the life-cycle of a plastic bottle doesn’t end with the last gulp of its content. These bottles can be reused as storage containers, sold to small businesses that need them or taken to recycling companies. - Reduce and reuse plastic bags
Many-a-times, when we go shopping; we get plastic bags to package our goods. Instead of taking a new plastic bag each time we go to purchase new items, we can use old plastic bags to package our new items or get a dedicated shopping bag. Also, we can collect most of our items in one bag as against different bags for different items. - Use Products That Are Refillable
A lot of products we consume come with container that can be refilled. Where possible, use products that are refillable e.g. water dispenser bottles, bottled water, tin beverages, cooking oil. etc. This way, we can consume new contents without increasing our waste.
- Reduce Paper Consumption
Large numbers of trees are cut down daily to produce paper. This deforestation increases the chances of Carbon monoxide reaching the atmosphere and consequently leading to the depletion of the ozone layer, which in turn results to global warming. Lots of paper get expended in schools and workplaces daily, sometimes unnecessarily. In addition to directly or indirectly increasing deforestation, this ends up causing a nuisance in the environment. Paper consumption can be reduced by printing on both sides of the paper as well as considering the option of electronic modification and sharing of documents. Also, we can reduce the excessive use of tissue paper by using napkins to wipe hands and surfaces.
