Solid Waste Pollution: Strategies For Reduction And A Sustainable Future

Solid waste pollution is a pressing issue that poses a serious risk to ecosystems and human health. The average person generates 4.3 to 4.9 pounds of waste per day, which, if improperly managed, can emit greenhouse gases and poisonous chemicals, damaging ecosystems, causing disease, and threatening economic prosperity. To reduce solid waste pollution, individuals, communities, and governments must work together to minimize waste generation, maximize reuse and recycling, and implement proper waste management practices. This involves adopting the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, as well as advocating for better waste management policies and infrastructure.

Reduce food waste

Food waste is a major contributor to solid waste pollution. In the US, between 30% and 40% of food is thrown out or wasted each year, which equates to about 133 billion pounds of food waste and $161 billion. This waste has a huge environmental impact, as the production, processing, transport, and distribution of food all require energy, fertilizer, and land use.

Planning and Shopping

• Make a list before you go shopping, and stick to it. Think about the meals you will be preparing for the week ahead, and only buy what you need for those meals.
• Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry to see what food you already have, and plan meals around ingredients that need to be used up.
• Buy imperfect or "ugly" produce. This produce is safe and nutritious but has physical imperfections, and is often sold at discounted prices.
• Buy in bulk, but only if you are confident you will use the food before it spoils. Store food in airtight, labelled containers.
• Buy food with minimal or no packaging.

Storage and Prep

• Use your freezer. Freeze food such as sliced fruit, meat, or leftovers that you know won't be eaten before they go bad.
• Check the temperature of your fridge and freezer. The fridge should be set to 40° F or below, and the freezer to 0° F.
• Refrigerate peeled or cut veggies to keep them fresh.
• Store food appropriately. For example, store greens with a paper towel in a plastic container in the crisper drawer, and potatoes and onions in a cool, dark place.
• Use the FoodKeeper App for tips on how to store different foods.

Cooking and Serving

• Use leftovers creatively. For example, vegetable scraps and peels can be made into soup stock, and stale bread can be used for croutons or French toast.
• Use serving size information on the Nutrition Facts label to help you portion meals.
• If you have cooked too much food, package extras in containers for guests to take home, or donate untouched leftovers to a local food bank or homeless shelter.

Reuse shopping bags

Reusing shopping bags is an effective way to reduce solid waste pollution. Plastic bags are a major source of pollution, often ending up in landfills, streets, natural areas, and water bodies. They are also difficult to dispose of properly due to their lightweight nature. By reusing shopping bags, we can reduce the number of plastic bags that are discarded and minimize their negative impact on the environment.

• Use reusable bags for grocery shopping: Instead of accepting single-use plastic bags at the grocery store, bring your own reusable bags. Many stores offer affordable, durable, and washable bags that can be used repeatedly.
• Reuse plastic bags: If you already have plastic bags at home, reuse them for multiple shopping trips. This helps reduce the number of new bags entering the waste stream.
• Repurpose plastic bags: Plastic bags can be repurposed as trash liners or pet waste bags. This extends their usefulness and reduces the need for purchasing additional trash bags.
• Refuse unnecessary bags: When making small purchases, refuse a bag for easy-to-carry items. You can also carry your own reusable bag and avoid taking a new plastic bag for each purchase.
• Wash and maintain reusable bags: Regularly wash your reusable bags to remove dirt and germs. Proper maintenance ensures that your bags remain clean and can be used multiple times.
• Choose the right type of bag: Different types of reusable bags have varying environmental impacts. Consider the pros and cons of plastic, paper, and cotton bags, and choose the option that aligns with your values and needs.
• Use bags for multiple purposes: Reusable bags can be utilized for various tasks beyond shopping. For example, plastic bags can be used to store food, line wastebaskets, or pick up dog waste. Finding multiple uses for your bags reduces the need for additional single-use items.
• Encourage others to reuse bags: Share your commitment to reusing bags with your community, friends, and family. Encourage them to join you in reducing solid waste pollution by adopting reusable bag habits.

By following these suggestions, you can make a significant impact in reducing solid waste pollution and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Recycle paper and cardboard

Recycling paper and cardboard is an effective way to reduce solid waste pollution. Paper and cardboard recycling is a relatively straightforward process, and it has a significant environmental impact. Here are some detailed and instructive guidelines on recycling paper and cardboard to reduce solid waste pollution:

Understanding the Importance

Recycling paper and cardboard saves natural resources, energy, water, and trees. It also reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. The paper industry recyles nearly 60% more paper today than it did in 1990. In 2023, the paper recycling rate was about 65%-69%, with approximately 46 million tons of paper recycled, which equates to about 126,000 tons per day.

The Recycling Process

The first step in recycling paper and cardboard is to separate them from other recyclables like plastic, steel, and glass. The paper is then transported to a reprocessing facility, where it is sorted into different grades based on the length of the fibres. The paper is shredded, mixed with water and chemicals, and heated, causing it to break down into fibres. Adhesives and contaminants are removed, and the paper is spun in a cone-shaped cylinder to clean it. The pulp is then sent through a machine that sprays it onto a conveyor belt, and the paper fibres start to bond together. Heated metal rollers dry the paper, and it is then put onto large rolls to be made into new paper products.

Cardboard boxes, packaging, Manila folders, paper towel or toilet roll inner rolls, and cardboard egg cartons are all recyclable. High-grade papers, such as printing paper, can be recycled into more office paper or other products like tissue paper and stationery. Lower-grade papers, such as coloured paper, are used to make cardboard, tissues, and newspaper. Corrugated cardboard, made from three layers of brown kraft paper, can be recycled into products like cereal boxes, paper towels, and writing paper.

Contamination and Wet Paper

Contamination can occur when the wrong type of paper is included or when liquids spill and soak into the paper and cardboard. It is important to ensure that bottles and cans are empty before placing them in the recycling bin. Wet paper and cardboard can reduce the quality of the fibres and decrease their recyclability.

Reducing and Reusing

There are also ways to reduce and reuse paper and cardboard products. For example, you can make your own paper from old paper, reuse cardboard boxes for storage or postage, and donate old magazines to local doctors' or dentists' offices. Many paper items, such as paper towels, tissues, and newspaper, are good for composting.

Tips for Recycling

To effectively recycle cardboard and paper, ensure that they are dry and flattened. There is no need to remove all sticky tape, but removing excess tape is beneficial. Large cardboard boxes should be torn or cut into reasonably-sized pieces to facilitate recycling and prevent them from getting wet.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively recycle paper and cardboard, contributing to a significant reduction in solid waste pollution.

Compost food scraps

Composting food scraps is an effective way to reduce solid waste pollution. It is nature's way of recycling organic matter, such as food scraps and leaves, into a valuable fertilizer that can enrich the soil and plants.

There are different methods for composting food scraps, including cold and hot composting, trench composting, and vermicomposting. Cold composting is a slower process that requires minimal intervention, while hot composting is faster and more managed. Trench composting involves burying organic waste directly in the soil, and vermicomposting uses worms to decompose organic waste.

To compost food scraps, you will need a compost bin or tumbler, or simply a shovel and a patch of dirt. If using a bin, you can purchase one or make your own using materials such as wire, wood, plastic storage bins, or wooden pallets. It is important to ensure proper aeration and moisture levels in the compost pile, as well as maintaining the right ratio of carbon-rich ("browns") and nitrogen-rich ("greens") materials. "Browns" include dry leaves, twigs, and branches, while "greens" include food scraps, fresh grass clippings, and coffee grounds.

When adding food scraps to your compost pile, it is important to chop or cut them into small pieces to speed up the decomposition process. You should also cover the food scraps with a layer of "browns" to prevent animals from being attracted to them. Turning the compost pile regularly and maintaining the proper moisture levels will help speed up decomposition.

Composting food scraps offers several benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and recycling nutrients. It is an effective way to divert waste from landfills, reduce waste management costs, and create a valuable soil amendment for gardening and agriculture.

Avoid single-use plastics

Single-use plastics are a huge contributor to solid waste pollution. Here are some tips to avoid using them:

• Always carry a reusable water bottle with you. This will help you save money and reduce waste. You can also carry a reusable coffee mug to avoid using disposable coffee cups.
• Avoid using plastic straws, even in restaurants. If you must use a straw, opt for a reusable metal or glass one.
• Use reusable grocery bags. Keep them in your car so you don't forget them when you go shopping. Many stores offer a refund for each bag you bring, so you'll be saving money while reducing plastic waste.
• Avoid buying products with excessive packaging, especially plastic packaging. Look for products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
• Purchase food in bulk and bring your own containers or bags. This reduces the amount of packaging waste and is often more cost-effective.
• Refuse single-use plastic utensils and napkins. Carry your own reusable cutlery set and napkins. Some businesses even offer discounts if you bring your own mug or container.
• Avoid frozen convenience foods as they often come in plastic packaging. Opt for fresh or homemade meals instead.
• Say no to plastic produce bags. You can put most produce directly into your cart and then into your reusable shopping bag. If you prefer to use a separate bag for produce, choose a cloth option.
• Shop at your local farmer's market and bring your own bags. You can also return containers for small fruits and vegetables to be reused.
• Choose milk in returnable glass bottles instead of plastic ones.
• Opt for wine bottled in glass with natural cork stoppers instead of plastic stoppers or metal screw caps.
• Learn to love the bulk bins! Look for stores that sell foods in bulk and allow you to use your own containers. This way, you can avoid the plastic packaging that comes with pre-packaged goods.

Frequently asked questions