Live Earth Alert gives me a good reason to get on my environmental soapbox again. Those of you who know me are probably aware that the environment (and nature) are very important to me. I can get extremely angry when I see people dump their trash 2 meters away from a trashcan. It saddens me to see the dirt and filth that lays at the bottom of the highway exits where people have to wait for a traffic light and than decide to get rid of some unwanted things, rather than keeping it in the car until you get an opportunity to throw it away properly.

There are enough trash cans around to throw away your stuff, do you have any idea how long it takes for even natural things like an apple core or banana peal to decompose? Well it takes months! So you can only imagine how many years it will take before a soda can is decomposed…

I separate my biodegradable waste from my other waste, paper goes in a separate box and glass goes to the glass box where it’s separated by color.
With that said it doesn’t automatically mean that biodegradable waste doesn’t put a big strain on the Greenhouse Effect. If it’s disposed off in landfills it decomposes under uncontrolled anaerobic, which then produces landfill gas. Landfill gas contains methane, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

With that in mind; if it’s decomposed through correct waste managing, it’s a valuable resource. Usually this is done through anaerobic digestion or composting. Products from anaerobic digestion can be used for heat, or renewable energy. Obviously composting results in compost which in its turn can be used for numerous things.

So even doing something simple such as separating your biodegradable waste can help us all! Of course this would mean that all wast management companies will have to include anaerobic digestion as part of their waste management system but shouldn’t that be a ‘sacrifice’ all those companies (and governments) will have to make and spend money on?!

Not only for us, but for our children and their children, so basically for the generations to come. It’s so easy to take things we have for granted and leave our electricity running all day. Why on earth would you leave your TV on when you’re not even there? And how about using that sleep button on your computer more often when you go out, instead of leaving it running when you don’t need it?

Durability is the key and if we can make energy from our waste and, while making it, not strain on the environment and the greenhouse effect we should all stand united in that…

*gets off soapbox*

Plugged: Tracey, Miranda

3 Comments on "Soapbox Teacher"

Leave a comment

Before you post be aware that first-time commenters are moderated and anonymous comments will be deleted.

Name

Mail (will not be published)

Website