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Desire to Save The Oceans? Never Again Recycle Plastic

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Plastic recycling is a horrible idea, so we should cease doing it until we know where it will end up. Instead, we ought to dispose of plastic in landfills.

Although it might sound like a tremendously hot opinion, this is not. In my opinion, it is generally accepted by those who research these issues. Although there is a lot of plastic in the oceans, which is undesirable, none of it originates from British landfills. Almost all of it originates in developing nations, and by recycling, we exacerbate the issue.

In the United Kingdom, 0.5% of plastic trash is “mismanaged”—that is, it is left in open landfills, dumped into the environment, or left as litter. In India, however, that percentage is over 20%, which is 400 times greater. China, at roughly 19%, is comparable.

This percentage is roughly 6.5% in the Philippines, which is still more than 100 times higher than the United Kingdom average but not quite as pronounced. The Philippines, however, are a group of tiny islands, so it is simple for plastic waste to enter their little rivers and end up in the ocean. Similar to other countries, Malaysia has fewer issues with improperly handled trash, yet a sizable portion of it ends up in the ocean. Therefore, it is likely that the typical piece of plastic produced in one of those nations will wind up in the ocean.

What Happened?

Until China decided to stop accepting it in 2018, a significant portion of “recycled” plastic from the West was exported to that country. Then wealthy nations began sending it to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. But in those nations, more than 80% of plastic garbage is improperly disposed of. They meticulously recycle the rubbish that the West sends to them, which is surprising given how much of their own waste ends up in the rivers.

A few of those nations have now drastically reduced the amount of plastic they import. Other nations have joined in as a result, frequently nations with limited capacity to recycle their own plastics. A significant number of US waste currently travels to Bangladesh, Laos, Ethiopia, and Senegal, according to a 2019 investigation by a respected news publication.

Current Landscape

According to research published this year, 6000 tonnes of the 37000 tonnes of plastic food packaging that the Netherlands exports each year end up in the ocean.

Recycling isn’t always done this way. There are sophisticated plastic recycling facilities in the United Kingdom. Some plastic is recycled in the nations that dispose of it. But a significant portion of it is exported.

In the meantime, plastic that is thrown in a non-recycling bin in the United Kingdom is transferred to a landfill after being placed in a wheelie bin and collected up by a trash lorry. The bottom of modern landfills is made of high strength “geotextile” materials, which prevent liquids from seeping out and into the groundwater. They are divided into smaller compartments called cells, and as each cell is filled, a thick clay cap is placed on top to prevent the contents from escaping. Methane is released as the contents decompose, but it is either burned off or trapped and used as energy. And nothing from that landfill will get into the sea.

Additionally, there isn’t a serious scarcity of room to build additional landfills. Once your landfill is full, you can cover it and farm on it, construct a golf course there, or do whatever else you choose.

How Can I Help?

We can and should make an effort to use less plastic, but only up to a certain point. Many of the plastic products we use are really beneficial. For example, plastic food packaging helps us use less food, and disposable plastic bags are much more affordable and energy-efficient than heavy-duty canvas totes. An organic cotton bag needs to be used 150 times more than a supermarket plastic bag before it is energy efficient. Cheap plastic bags are probably overall better for the environment than more expensive ones; nevertheless, if disposed of in United Kingdom landfills, they won’t wind up in the sea.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and bioengineering technologies, which can effectively select recyclable materials and disintegrate polymers into useable chemicals, respectively, will likely improve plastic recycling in the future. When we get to that stage, we need to make sure we follow through. It’s not like we couldn’t even salvage old plastic from landfills; after all, it’s not like it’s going anywhere.

Additionally, recycling metal is a good concept in general, so we should keep doing it.

However, as things stand, too much of what we “recycle” ends up in the oceans off the coast of east Asia. That is not ideal. Better than you may imagine is landfill.

8 Strategies How Tech Can Help Reach Environmental Sustainability

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The world’s resources are finite. With a rapidly growing population, it’s more important than ever to reach environmental sustainability for the planet’s future! By applying sustainable alternatives to current practices, humanity’s ecological footprint can be reduced.

As the world shifts to tech tools that make people’s lives easier and more efficient, there is a growing opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment. The good news is that there are many ways technology can help.

What is Environmental Sustainability?

Environmental sustainability is the act of preserving the world’s resources so future generations can utilise them. Sustainable practices don’t compromise the planet’s natural resources or harm its ecosystems. Sustainability is often broken down into three pillars: environmental, social, and economic. To be environmentally sustainable, the world needs to find ways to live within the planet’s carrying capacity, which is the maximum number of living things that can be supported by its resources.

Environmental sustainability has become a pressing issue as the world population continues to grow and put a strain on the planet’s resources. To sustain the Earth’s carrying capacity, humans need to find ways to use resources to reduce the impact on the environment. Today’s businesses are also prioritising sustainability to remain competitive in the market, as more consumers patronise sustainable businesses and products.

Environmental Sustainability Strategies that Use Technology

Technology plays a vital role in sustainable development and environmental protection. To achieve sustainable development, technology must be used in an efficient and responsible way. Additionally, technology can help the world move towards a more sustainable future by providing solutions to environmental problems. Here are some strategies that utilise technology to help reach environmental sustainability:

1. Reducing Energy Consumption

One of the most important ways to reduce your carbon footprint and live more sustainably is to reduce your energy consumption. Although technology is often the main culprit of an increasing carbon footprint, it can also help reduce it in several ways. People are already living in a world of technology, so the best way to help initiatives that combat global warming is to apply more advanced technology!

A popular way to reduce energy consumption is to invest in renewable energy. Renewable energy is a sustainable source of energy that doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Solar, wind, and hydropower are all examples of renewable energy. For example, solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy that can be used to power your home or business.

2. Recycling and Upcycling

Another way that technology can help the environment is by improving recycling and waste management. Today’s economies are experiencing a surplus of single-use products and packaging. This has led to an increase in the amount of waste being produced each year.

To combat this problem, technology can be used to develop new recycling methods and improve existing ones. For example, individuals can use a smartphone app to find the nearest recycling center for paper, plastic, and glass waste. You can also compost your food scraps with the help of a kitchen compost bin. In the business sector, the development of 3D printing has allowed for the recycling of plastic waste into new products.

3. Transportation

Technology can also help reduce your reliance on cars and other fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Car-sharing apps, for example, allow you to find a ride when you need one without owning a car. Electric vehicles can also contribute to a more sustainable transportation system. Electric vehicles are powered by electricity instead of gasoline, so they produce zero emissions. Additionally, the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is becoming more widespread. It may even be possible to charge your car at home with solar panels just a few years from now!

4. Water Conservation

Water is an increasingly scarce resource, so it’s important to use it wisely. Many countries around the world are already suffering from a shortage of potable water. Technology can also help reduce water consumption in several ways.

For example, low-flow showerheads and toilets can save a significant amount of water. Smart irrigation systems can also be used to reduce the amount of water used for landscaping. These systems use sensors to track the moisture levels in the soil and only provide enough water to keep the plants healthy.

5. Sustainable Building Design

Technology can also help architects and engineers design more sustainable buildings. For example, green roofs can help reduce a building’s energy consumption by providing insulation. Solar panels can also be used to generate electricity, and wind turbines can be used to generate renewable energy.

6. Green Computing

Green computing is the practice of using computers in a way that minimises their environmental impact. Nowadays, almost everyone in the workforce and education sector uses computers. Through green computing, people can use energy-efficient devices and recycle old computers.

7. Sustainable Agriculture

Technology can also help farmers to produce food more sustainably. Agricultural production is a primary contributor to world economies. Simply put, without agriculture, the world would starve. However, modern agriculture is not sustainable. It uses large amounts of water, energy, and land – usage that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Technology can help reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in several ways. For example, precision agriculture uses sensors and GPS to track things like soil moisture and crop yields. This information can help farmers to use water and fertiliser more efficiently.

8. Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the growing trend of devices that are connected to the internet. This includes things like smart thermostats, security cameras, and wearable devices. In these devices, digital security is of utmost importance to protect people’s privacy. But these devices can also help increase sustainability.

For example, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature of your home to save energy. A security camera can send you an alert if it detects someone tampering with your solar panels. And a wearable device can track your fitness activity and help you become more active.

The Bottom Line

Technology can help people live more sustainably, but it’s not the final solution to global warming and climate change. Individuals, businesses, and economies still need to make an effort to reduce consumption and waste. However, if technology is used wisely, it can be a powerful tool in the fight for environmental sustainability.

How to Efficiently Get Rid of Excess Stuff After Cleaning Office Premises

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Have you ever wondered if you’ve just got too much stuff? Clutter may make you feel disorganised and stressed, making the renovation process much more painful.

You may quickly realise how difficult it is for you to work in a crowded and cluttered environment, keeping in mind that your productivity and effectiveness will decrease as a result.

Use these decluttering and organisation methods to make your workplace a more comfortable and enjoyable place to work in order to improve your attitude and performance.

Toss, Donate, Give

You must first organise your clutter before you can begin to get rid of it. Use three huge containers and write labels on separate pieces of paper to identify them. Discard any broken or trashed goods. Examine all of the clutter for any damaged electronics or other waste that can be readily discarded. Place them in the “Toss” container and dispose of them after you’re done decluttering. Alternatively, you may dispose of all rubbish with skip bins in Chermside, which come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to select the one that best suits your needs.

Next, donate any goods you no longer use to someone who can benefit from them. If you come upon an item that isn’t broken but that you no longer use when sifting through your clutter, consider whether you know someone who may benefit from it. Finally, if you come across anything from your workplace that is still usable but that you don’t need or don’t know where to give it, you may donate it. Someone will undoubtedly benefit from it.

Keep Only the Essential Things

Rather than attempting to make specific judgments about what to keep and what to eliminate, it is sometimes preferable to get rid of everything and then gradually bring items back as needed. It’s only after you’ve removed all of the stuff that you realise how little you actually used. To that aim, keep things simple and get rid of everything you don’t think you need.

Get rid of everything from previous jobs or projects unless it’s crucial tax information or other documents that you might need in the future. Remove any outdated notes, pads, papers, and folders that aren’t relevant to the task you’re presently performing. If you have outdated business cards, take the time to enter the contacts into your phone before discarding them.

Trash Box

Keep a box by your front entrance for goods you don’t want or need.  Put everything you want to get rid of in the box whenever you see it around the office. Discard, donate, or recycle the contents in the box until it’s full, and then start over.

Go Digital

One of the best aspects of the digital era is that, where individuals formerly needed large shelves to hold all of their books and paperwork, they can now store them all on a hard drive in digitised versions.

This is also a good technique for office supplies. Keep all of your archives, crucial papers, and other notes that you don’t believe you need in printed form in pdf format so they’re easy to find. Create a spreadsheet with all of the contact information, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, postal addresses, and notes to keep informed of all of your co-workers or potential clients. After that, toss the paper business cards.

Upcycle

Perhaps you think that recycling and upcycling are the same things, however, not really. With a little imagination and a fresh coat of paint, you can upcycle anything you no longer need and give it a fresh start. Instead of trashing an old radio that functions as a decoration in your workplace, you might dismantle it and use it as a large pot for your plants. You’ll have a piece that is both gorgeous and classic and makes your office look like home.

Keep It Clean Every Day

Keep your office tidy once it’s been decluttered. Place everything back in their respective locations after each day’s use of your workstation. Place pens in organisers, file documents, and put notebooks back on the shelf. Then clean your desk with a disinfectant cloth to help keep germs at bay. You can help keep your environment orderly for longer by cleaning up every day. Don’t forget to empty the trash cans every day. Garbage in the lunchroom, office spaces, meeting room, public area, and bathrooms should all be disposed of regularly.

The more you postpone, the messier your office will get. Make a deadline, get to work, and begin making actual improvements. Make sure that the adjustments become habits, and your workplace will never be genuinely cluttered again. This way, your work, and efficiency will not suffer and your working place will feel more comfortable.

Top Ways To Reduce Harmful And Toxic Wastes In The Planet

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Every day, we produce tons of waste that can be harmful to the environment. This waste includes everything from leftover food and packaging to toxic chemicals and manufacturing by-products. If not managed properly, this waste can pollute our air, water, and soil, and endanger plant and animal life.

There are many ways we can reduce the amount of harmful waste we produce. By making simple changes in our daily routines, we can help protect the planet and its inhabitants.

Here are some of the top ways to reduce harmful and toxic wastes:

1. Sustainable packaging

One of the top ways to reduce harmful and toxic wastes on the planet is to use sustainable packaging. Sustainable packaging is made from renewable, recyclable, or compostable materials. This type of packaging is designed to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste.

Sustainable packaging is a key part of reducing the amount of harmful and toxic waste on the planet. By using sustainable packaging, we can help to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and incinerators. In addition, sustainable packaging can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by avoiding the need for virgin materials.

There are many different types of sustainable packaging available on the market today. Some examples include: 

  • Recycled paperboard: Recycled paperboard is made from recycled paper. It is a sustainable alternative to virgin paperboard. 
  • Biodegradable plastics: Biodegradable plastics are made from renewable resources, such as corn starch or plant oils. These plastics will degrade over time, making them a more sustainable option than traditional plastics. 
  • Glass: Glass is a sustainable packaging option because it can be infinitely recycled. 
  • Aluminum: Aluminum can be recycled over and over again, making it a very sustainable packaging option. 

When choosing sustainable packaging, it is important to consider the entire life cycle of the product. This includes the materials used to make the packaging, the way the packaging is produced, how the packaging is used, and how the packaging is disposed of. By considering the entire life cycle of the product, we can make more informed choices about which sustainable packaging options are best for the environment.

2. Composting

When it comes to reducing the harmful and toxic wastes in our planet, composting is one of the top ways to go. Composting is the decomposition of organic material by bacteria, fungi, and other organisms. This process breaks down these materials into simpler substances that can be used as a natural fertiliser for plants. Not only does this reduce the amount of waste going into our landfills, but it also helps to improve the quality of the soil. Some compostable packaging companies consider composting as a more energy-efficient and cost-effective approach to conserving nature than recycling. It reduces the need for specialised trash bins, truck deliveries to recycling facilities, and fuel consumption from the recycling process.

There are many benefits to composting, both for the environment and for your own health. For instance, composting can help to:

  • Reduce methane emissions from landfills
  • Improve soil quality
  • Conserve water
  • Reduce the need for chemical fertilisers
  • Provide a natural source of nutrients for plants
  • Help to control pests and diseases.

If you’re looking for a top way to reduce the harmful and toxic wastes on our planet, composting is definitely one of the best options. Not only will it help to improve the quality of the soil, but it can also provide a number of other benefits as well. So, what are you waiting for? Start composting today!

3. Recycling

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of harmful and toxic wastes on the planet is by recycling them. Recycling is a process where waste materials are turned into new products. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfill sites, and it also reduces the need for new resources to be used in the production of new products.

There are many benefits to recycling. It helps to save energy, reduces pollution, and conserves resources. It also creates jobs in the recycling industry, and it helps to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill sites each year.

4. Reduce packaging

As we know, waste materials are one of the main causes of pollution. It has been estimated that every year, humans produce 1.3 billion tons of solid waste. Out of this staggering amount, a large portion is packaging materials. In the United States alone, it is estimated that packaging accounts for 30% of all waste. This is a huge amount, considering that there are other types of waste that should be given attention to as well.

One way to help reduce the amount of harmful and toxic wastes on the planet is to reduce packaging. We can do this by using less packaging materials or by recycling them. If we can recycle packaging materials, we can reduce the number of new materials that need to be produced. This will also help save our natural resources.

Whenever possible, try to reduce the amount of packaging you use. This can be as simple as bringing your own reusable bags to the store or choosing products with minimal packaging. You can also look for ways to reuse packaging materials, such as using newspapers as packing material when shipping items. By doing this, we can help reduce the waste that ends up in landfills and incinerators.

5. Buy in bulk

Purchasing items in bulk can help to reduce packaging waste. When you buy in bulk, you often have the option to bring your own containers to fill up, which eliminates the need for single-use packaging. Just make sure you have a plan for using all of the product before it goes bad.

6. Avoid Toxic Products

Toxic products can leach harmful chemicals into the environment, polluting our air, water, and soil. Whenever possible, choose nontoxic alternatives to conventional products. This includes everything from cleaning supplies to personal care items.

7. Donate or sell unused items

Instead of throwing away unused or unwanted items, consider donating them or selling them second-hand. This keeps usable items out of landfills and helps others in need. When donating, be sure to choose a reputable charity that will put your donation to good use.

8. Educate others

One of the best ways to reduce waste is to educate others about the importance of doing so. Talk to your friends and family about the ways they can reduce waste in their own lives. You can also get involved in community efforts to reduce waste, such as organising a neighbourhood recycling program.

Making even small changes in our daily routines can help to reduce the amount of harmful waste we produce. By working together, we can make a big difference in protecting our planet.