12. Waste management

In the absence of waste management, wastes are littered on the streets, road corners and improperly disposed of on vacant land. They are not only distracting to the eyes but also pose serious health problems and hazards. They invite many new problems, including increasinginsect vectors such as flies, mosquitoes, animals like stray dogs, pigs, and rats, which spread dangerous diseases.

 

It also emits a foul odour and pollutes the environment. Industrial chemicals, insecticides, radioactive compounds, and heavy metals are non-biodegradable pollutants that extremely damage living organisms. These substances enter the food chain at a lower trophic level. Their concentration rises as the food chain progresses, resulting in biomagnification.

The improvement of our lifestyle has resulted in an increase in the amount of waste generated. A shift in mindset is essential as most of the items we use are disposable. In metropolitan places, waste management has become a severe problem. Garbage disposal on the outskirts of a city is a familiar sight.

 

Empty cans, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable items are littered in crowded areas and tourist centres. The way we dispose of the garbage generates havoc in the environment.

 

The usage of several waste management concepts varies in their usage between countries or regions. The waste hierarchy refers to the  3R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle, which define waste management strategies based on their waste minimization effectiveness.

 

 

In order to live a healthy life, society must effectively manage the waste it produces.