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Similar to Sci275 Ms Lee Moon Check Point Terrestrial Resource Plan
Similar to Sci275 Ms Lee Moon Check Point Terrestrial Resource Plan (20)
Sci275 Ms Lee Moon Check Point Terrestrial Resource Plan
- 1. Solid Waste – A Global Issue Ms. Lee MoonAxia College of University of Phoenix
- 5. Hazardous Waste MaterialsWhy is Solid Waste an Issue?
- 6. Despite regulations, runoff, dumping and evaporation is contaminating streams other water sources. Since most streams and rivers are in low lying areas: Runoff from landfills flows towards water. Dumping, while illegal, is still an issue. Evaporation of liquid garbage pollutants is re-released by rain. Water Source Contamination
- 7. Hazardous Wastes are Also an Endangerment Industrial Chemicals Household Cleaners Automotive Supplies Pesticides Hazardous Waste Concerns
- 8. Solid Waste can be disposed of many ways: Open Dumps Sanitary Landfills Incineration Composting Disposal Methods
- 9. Though garbage is not a new problem, participation in the solution is. There are several steps that could gain awareness and help: Education Legal Requirements with Consequences Think BEFORE You Buy Reusing Products By Recycling How to Reduce Garbage
- 10. Individuals and commercials sources of waste will react to any changes in a plethora of ways including: Negatives: Attempt to Slow Regulations Attempts to Avoid Regulations Overall Discontent Positives: Community & Corporate Participation Cleaner, Safer, & Healthier Living Negative & Positive Reactions to Curbing Solid Waste
Editor's Notes
- The global issue of solid waste is a main concern for the entire world. I choose to present this topic because I believe it has had and continues to have a direct effect on many other environmental issues. Solid Wastes encompasses issues like Hazardous Waste and Waster Contamination. Issues that, if not addressed, will eventually lead to an end to the human race.
- The terrestrial problem of Solid Waste is a main concern throughout the world, but can be said that it should be a primary concern in the United States as we generate more garbage per person than any other country. The main issues associated with Solid Waste include the variety of disposal methods, water source contamination, hazardous waste, and methods to reduce the shear amount of solid waste.
- Water Source Contamination is a bi-product of garbage disposal methods. Despite regulations in place, runoff occurs in landfills. Since most streams, rivers, and other water sources are in low laying areas or underground, runoff is almost unavoidable. In rural areas, or areas of low traffic, dumping is still common and often people still toss garbage out their car window while driving, thinking very little of it. Hefty fines for dumping still make litering hard to curb. In open landfills, evaporation can be an issue depending on what types of garbage have been deposited and is re-released into the atmosphere and deposited as precipitation.
- Hazardous Waste is also a large concern and is endangering not only the environment but the lives of people and animals. Industrial grade chemicals are used daily that are highly toxic. Many household cleaners are also hazardous and even automotive supplies like antifreeze, brake break fluid, and corrosives. Pesticides also pose a toxic threat.
- As part of the sustainment plan for Solid Waste, the disposal methods of Solid Waste are important to examine. Some methods, like open dumps which are rare and unhealthy have been made illegal. Sanitary landfills are the most common method and are operated by local governments and regulated. The regulations of what can be sent to the local landfill is still very loose and requires improvements to allow this method to become sustainable. Incineration is another method of disposal of garbage, but it has been proven harmful to the environment and it is very hard to avoid these effects from the release of carbon gases. Composting is not a new method of disposal but is is the least utilized. Any organic materials should be composted for use in flower beds or gardens are natural fertilizers and will significantly lower the amount of garbage found at landfills with required participation.
- Reducing the amount of garbage is not really any mystery, it just requires active participation. As part of my action plan, educating others in responsible practices could help people decide to start being a more conscientious. Of course, there are people who just really will not care about what is happening and that is when local, state, and federal governments must step in and pass new laws that require responsible disposal and present hefty consequences for those who simply refuse. As part of education, “Think Before You Buy” should be initiated. If you are shopping at the grocery store, purchase items in bulk or items that are package in recyclable containers. This will encourage manufacturers to offer more items in recyclable friendly packaging. Reusing products by recycling is one item that some people participate in but many others attempt to remain ignorant of. If you purchase milk, recycle the plastic bottle. It can be used to manufacture any number of other items. Glass can be recycled as well as newspapers, cardboards, cans, and many other everyday items. If everyone began to actively recycle the garbage sent to landfills would be reduced by half.
- While the challenges of reducing solid and hazardous wastes are not particularly difficult, gaining cooperation of people and corporations is. As with any plan of action there will be negative responses to any change. Companies may attempt to lobby and slow regulations and once regulations are passed may still try to avoid those regulations. Individuals, who are not willing to put in effort, may express overall discontent and require monetary and legal recourse action.As a result of managing and initiating sustainability plans, communities and corporations will have the chance to work together and participate in a cause with a single goal, the continued existence of the human race. Once the populace begins to reap the benefits from recycling, proper disposal, and active participatory programs the world will become a cleaner, safer and overall healthier place to live, and that is what is important for the future.