Environmental problems are always an issue. There will always be news about environmental issues like climate change, global warming and the ozone layer. Seeing the news about environmental issues always makes us hopeless and miserable thinking we can’t solve it anymore. But if we implement a zero-waste lifestyle, we can help avoid or decrease the chances of these problems getting worse. A Zero-Waste lifestyle promotes the goal of reducing the amount of waste. Even the youth can help us gain a zero-waste environment. All of us making a small change will make a big change on our environment.
Most landfills are responsible to the wastes. A landfill is a well-managed facility for the disposal of solid waste. We live in a world where we just consume so much then don’t know what to do with it after. The landfills releases methane which results in contaminating bodies of water which damages ecosystems and also our health.
The 5R’s create an important role in solving environmental problems; they are Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot and Refuse. First off, Reduce. We need to reduce using plastics so much. First, it pollutes the environment. Second, they do not last that long. Instead, we should use some alternatives like Tupperware or wooden utensils. Also, if buying groceries or going to the market, we should bring something like an eco-bag, to reduce waste. Second, Reuse. Reuse some items. If some plastics can still be used, well, use it but not for quite too long since it’s also bad for us. Next time, buy reusable utensils or items like metal or wood items since these can be washed and used again. Buy a reusable bottle instead of buying a plastic one every day.
Try pausing on tissue paper and instead go with handkerchiefs. Third, Recycle. Recycle plastic in a way it can be used for something or be decorative like making D.I.Y or do-it-yourself flower pots or decorations. Fourth, Rot. Many vegetable, fruit and leaf scraps can be thrown or made into a compost. A compost also acts out something like a fertilizer for the soil so, it is actually good for the environment. But don’t put meat or any animal products in there. It attracts many pests risking a disease. Many households have compost/pits in them. Even we have a compost so, I encourage everyone including children to do the same.
Last but not the least, Refuse. Refuse in using plastics. Use some reusable alternatives to items. In these times, we can mostly find some reusable wood and metal utensils. Many restaurants nowadays don’t use plastic anymore, like the cups and straws. Some use paper cups and straws. The straws may be uncomfortable, it’s better that way than polluting the environment. Also, if the straws are uncomfortable, we can always just sip from the cup. There are also a lot of other options aside from the 5R’s.
An example is avoid using too much Styrofoam since we all know it’s toxic for the environment. Separate different wastes from each other; biodegradable with biodegradable and non-biodegradable with non-biodegradable. Donate cooking oil into diesel. Donate some old clothes to charity for it won’t be wasted. Make your own cleaning supply from scratch. Try cooking or reusing leftovers or give it someone.
When you’re cleaning your trash, don’t forget to clean trash wherever you go too. At least you can help a little something more. Clean oceans, save marine life. Don’t throw trash anywhere. With these simple yet powerful things, we can surely achieve a long-awaited goal- to live the zero-waste life.
