Waste
Every country produces goods for consumption by its population. Production and consumption of goods results in a lot of waste, which has to be disposed of in some way. The more we produce and consume, the more natural resources we use up, and so less is available for the people of the future. The waste that comes from consumption can also produce pollution, both in air and in water. We all contribute to the generation of waste, so we can and should all help to minimise it. Sustainable development encourages less consumption and less waste generation.
Waste in the home comes in many forms - food, plastic, bottles, cans and paper. Industries also generate waste in the form of oil, chemicals, bricks, wood and metals. Sewage is also a major form of waste. A lot of this waste can be recycled, so that new materials do not need to be produced, using up further natural resources. Many supermarkets and car parks now have recycling centres where paper, glass, plastic, aluminium cans and clothing can be taken. Some countries in Europe already recycle a lot of their waste but the UK is a long way behind, although the Government is trying to encourage us to catch up.
There will always be some waste that we cannot recycle. This must be disposed of. Currently, most waste in the UK is dumped into large holes dug in the ground called landfills. When a landfill becomes full, it is covered up and left. If the landfill is poorly managed the waste in it can pollute underground water channels which may supply some of our drinking water. Landfills also release a lot of methane gas which contribute to global warming. This gas however, can be burnt to supply energy and electricity, making the landfill a little more sustainable.
If we don't bury waste, we burn it. This is called waste incineration. Burning waste can release harmful pollutant into the air. However, like landfill gas it can also be used as an important source of energy and electricity. In addition, waste incineration does not take up as much space as waste landfill.
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