Waste not want not

In the name of technological excellence many of us continue to harm the planet earth. We consume valuable and irreplaceable resources at an ever-increasing rate and items like paper, plastics, glass and fabrics are consumed in limitless amounts... and wasted thoughtlessly. Reusing and recycling are not absolute solutions but they can reduce the need for more mining, more extraction of valuable minerals, and more felling of trees. And, they give us time to think of safer alternatives.

Let us look at the use of paper made of wood pulp. Millions of trees are cut down annually to make paper. It is important to understand that forests play a vital role in the planetary recycling of the essentials of life - carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, as well as being diverse natural habitats for a variety of wildlife. And yet, we continue to waste paper when recycling waste paper is vital because, the more paper we use, the more trees we cut down. And if each of us uses less paper, we actually cut down on industrial water use, energy use, air pollution and water pollution.

Lets take a look at bottled drinks and cans: Most cans are made entirely from aluminium. It has a high scrap value, and can be recycled. Glass is not biodegradable, but can be recycled. The best option is to reuse, as in returnable glass bottles. Similarly all over the world, more and more plastic bags are being used every year. These are not biodegradable, since the basic raw material for plastic, is petroleum oil (which is also a non-renewable resource). When they end up in dumping sites, these actually choke the soil by not allowing air to enter. Imagine the extent of damage caused by the innumerable plastic bags we accumulate, and waste. Even when we burn plastic bags, the residue is harmful to the soil.

As a way to avoid pollution through chemicals, one newspaper recently refered to the traditional Chinese practice of composting which started about 4000 years ago. To garden without using fertilizers, a compost heap is made in one’s garden from vegetable and food waste in the house. The bacteria and micro-organisms in the soil, digest kitchen or garden waste into its basic elements to produce a rich natural fertilizer, humus.  

To make a compost heap, the newspaper article said: “In an unused bin, or corner of the garden, make a small pile of woody twigs. Add everyday vegetable or garden waste. Avoid meat or cheese scraps that could attract rodents. Turn the heap over once in a way to speed up the decaying process. Cover with an old carpet or wood frame to keep the heat in. The waste-derived compost helps to restore fertility to the soil.”  With an attitude of waste not, want not we would be playing our part towards help helping to preserve our Earth.