10 ways to reduce waste production -

We must roll up our sleeves to reduce the production of garbage at home and at work. They are simple measures and here we share 10 of them.

Implementing some ways to reduce waste production in your home helps safeguard your economy and save our planet. A report published in 2019 by the British organization Verisk Maplecroft set off alarms by revealing that there is a growing global crisis due to pollution.

This report states that more than 2100 million tons of waste are produced in the world per year, of which only 323 million are recycled garbage. That is, 16%.

Although these figures are chilling, it is still possible to contribute to try to curb the environmental effects generated by the massive increase in our waste. Here’s how.

Why is it important to reduce waste production?

Continuing with the data, we know that only in the United States, a country that is home to 4% of the world’s population, 12% of the world’s waste is generated, while China and India generate 27% and concentrate a third of the planet’s inhabitants.

On the other hand, experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) revealed that about 10,500 tons of waste were generated in hospitals in that country. Today, this figure has reached 29 000 tonnes, an increase of 300%.

It is important to reduce the production of waste because, if we continue on this path, soon there will be no planet to inhabit. According to estimates, by 2050 there will be more plastics than fish in our oceans.

In addition, this is a problem that generates social and economic expenditure that can seriously affect the health of people and animals. The environmental cost is high and requires attention from governments and the population.

At this point, we can all contribute, if not to reduce the impact, yes to stop its accelerated increase.

Tips to reduce waste production as much as possible

As we already mentioned, we can implement different ways to reduce waste production and do it from home or in the office. It all adds up.

Here we tell you what those forms are. Choose several and help save the only habitable planet that exists.

1. Avoid buying unnecessary things

One of the main ways to reduce waste production is to stop buying unnecessary things. The reason is that, when goods are acquired massively and without awareness, demand increases and with it the processes that are required behind.

On the other hand, buying new things all the time increases the use of plastics for delivery, labels and inks, for example, which will then end up in the trash.

Excessive purchases generate, at the same time, a series of waste and residues that end up polluting.

2. Don’t throw clothes in the trash: recycle them

This advice is closely related to the previous one. The goal is that when you decide to discard your clothes you are sure that they cannot be reused.

If you think you no longer want to wear a garment, identify a foundation or check in an application how to get it to someone who can take advantage of it. You can go to second-rate stores, where you exchange clothes that you no longer wear for clothes that other people have left there and that may be of interest to you.

3. Buy local

Buying local food has great advantages. First, you will support the peasants or producers of your region, which will be rewarded in the economic circulation.

In addition, you will avoid generating contamination on account of the transport of imported food or that is difficult to access because it is not seasonal.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), every year 1300 million tons of food are wasted in the world. In Latin America alone, 127 million tons are wasted, equivalent to the food needs of 300 million people.

28% of this waste is caused by the consumer who decides to leave aside food that is cooked and not consumed or whose appearance condemns them to end up in the trash.

4. Use cloth bags

A single plastic bag takes between 200 and 400 years to degrade. In the world, about five billion of these bags are consumed every year and most end up in landfills or contaminating green spaces and water sources.

So, perhaps, one of the ways to reduce waste production that has the most positive impact is the use of cloth bags to transport your consumer products.

In this section it should be noted that, in the case of the final disposal of pet waste, biodegradable bags can be used or feces can be collected to deposit them in a space in the garden.

5. Avoid single-use plastics

Fortunately, many countries have begun to ban single-use plastics. There we find utensils such as plates, cutlery, glasses, straws and disposable bottles. Between 60% and 80% of marine litter is plastics and microplastics that reach the sea due to poor disposal.

These elements have a use time of 20 to 30 minutes and then are thrown away, as they can not be used again. They can take up to 200 years to decompose and microparticles remain in the environment that will go to water sources.

6. Bulk purchases

When you buy bulk foods for consumption, such as rice, beans and lentils, the idea is to bring your own glass or aluminum containers. These two materials have a longer shelf life and preserve food very well.

On the other hand, do not only buy in bulk, but in considerable quantities. The goal is not to waste, but to save resources and money. It’s something you can achieve if, instead of buying half a pound of rice, you buy enough for the whole month. Help the planet and your pocket too.

7. Don’t waste too much: compost

Do you like gardening? If so, don’t waste organic food scraps or money on chemical fertilizers. In addition to considerably reducing your waste, the remains of foods such as fruits, vegetables and eggs contribute to beautify the plants.

You can take advantage of waste, such as spinach root or some seeds (from tomatoes) to plant and start your own organic garden.

8. Separate your waste and recycle

Recycling will allow the final disposal of waste to be correct and reduce the chances of contamination. In the same way, it gives you the opportunity to take advantage of some glass or plastic containers.

Ideally, during the purchase you avoid buying products that come bottled in plastic. But if it’s not possible, think about what that container could become. If it is definitely impossible to reuse it, then recycle it. The same with cardboard or paper.

Recycling, sorting waste and reuse are very simple actions with a huge impact on the environment.

9. Lean on digital: avoid using paper

Another way to reduce waste production is to stop using paper when you can rely on digital. For example, if you already have a tablet, why schedule it? Use this device to bring your appointments and budgets.

Now, if you need to write on paper, make sure you use both sides of the sheet or use some that have blank space.

It is important to note that electronic devices, as well as batteries, must be disposed of in a special way. The most appropriate thing is that you locate a copy point in a store or shopping center.

Don’t throw them away! Studies have shown that several of the components used in its manufacture are toxic and cause serious damage to the ecosystem and people’s health.

10. Avoid using disposable toiletries

Finally, you will greatly reduce waste production if you stop using disposable products. In this category we find razors, diapers, sanitary napkins and tampons, for example. The most recommended option is reusable products such as the menstrual cup.

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