Waste Crisis
Waste Crisis
Serious impact on the environment
Waste Crisis: A Growing Environmental Problem and Solutions
Waste Crisis
Environmental Problem and Solutions:
The world continues to produce over 400 million tons of plastic annually, one-third of which becomes plastic waste after just one use. Estimates suggest that every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into rivers, lakes, and oceans. Annually, approximately 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste pollutes ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, and oceans. Furthermore, plastic production accounts for over 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.
The Global Situation of Dramatic Waste Growth and Lagging Management:
With the development of modern civilization, the generation of solid waste, e-waste, and plastic waste has increased dramatically, causing serious environmental impacts. For example, the United Nations' Global E-waste Monitor report shows that global e-waste generation increased by 82% in 2022 compared to 2010, reaching a record 62 million tons. This is equivalent to 7.8 kilograms of e-waste generated per person per year. According to the report, the growth rate of e-waste generation is much higher than the growth rate of recycling.
In 2022, only 22.3% of e-waste worldwide was properly collected and recycled. Based on current trends, global e-waste generation is expected to increase by 33% by 2030, reaching 82 million tons, while the global e-waste recycling rate will drop to 20%.
Resource Recycling Practices in Countries Around the World
Building a comprehensive legal and regulatory system:
Building a comprehensive legal and regulatory system. Laws are a solid foundation for resource recycling, and many countries have enacted detailed and strict laws and regulations. Japan is relatively advanced in this area, with core laws including the Basic Law for Promoting the Formation of a Circular Society, the Waste Disposal Act, the Home Appliance Recycling Act, and the Container and Packaging Recycling Act. Data shows that the recycling rate for used home appliances in Japan exceeds 80%, with air conditioners reaching 82%, televisions at 80%-81%, and refrigerators at 80%-82%.
The EU's legal:
The EU's legal framework includes the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Waste Framework Directive, and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive, while the US's is primarily based on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. These laws have regulated the resource recycling industry, integrating waste sorting and recycling into daily life, and significantly improving resource utilization efficiency.
Garbage Crisis: The Hidden Driver of Environmental Deterioration
The garbage crisis:
Behind the thriving modern civilization, an overlooked but increasingly serious environmental problem is gradually emerging: the garbage crisis. With the continuous growth of the population and the prevalence of consumerism, the amount of garbage generated globally is skyrocketing, placing a heavy burden on the planet.
Various hazards posed by garbage:
Improper disposal of this waste not only pollutes the environment but also poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems, human health, and the economy. This article aims to delve into the various hazards posed by garbage and call for collective attention and action from all sectors of society to address this global environmental challenge.
The Invisible Killer of Air Quality
Incineration, a common waste disposal method, has led to serious air pollution problems. During incineration, harmful gases such as dioxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metal vapors are released. These gases severely pollute the atmosphere, increasing residents' risk of respiratory illnesses and spreading through the wind, impacting wider areas and exacerbating global air pollution.
Health Threat: Invisible Vectors
Improper waste disposal, such as open dumping and illegal dumping, creates an ideal breeding environment for vectors such as mosquitoes and flies, increasing the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. Furthermore, people living near garbage dumps, especially children and the elderly, are more vulnerable due to prolonged exposure to toxic substances, potentially leading to chronic diseases such as cancer, neurological damage, and reproductive problems.
Resource Waste: A Sustainability Challenge
Garbage contains a wealth of recyclable resources, such as paper, plastic, metal, and electronic waste. Unfortunately, due to an imperfect recycling system, these precious resources are often wasted. This not only exacerbates the burden of natural resource exploitation but also runs counter to the principles of a circular economy and sustainable development.
Economic Burden: An Invisible Pressure
Waste disposal and collection requires substantial capital investment, which is ultimately often shared by all taxpayers. Furthermore, the waste problem indirectly impacts key industries such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, reducing the attractiveness and productivity of these regions and causing substantial damage to national and local economies.
Inlips waste disposers effectively reduce kitchen waste accumulation by addressing food waste at the source, thereby maintaining a clean and hygienic kitchen.
