My Waste, My Responsibility
It has been insightfully said that
“The earth does not belong to us. We belong to earth. ”
In spite of this prudence, we humans are undoubtedly one of the most extravagant creatures on earth. Making the best use of resources has always been a remarkable trait of humans. The trouble begins when we neglect the importance of ensuring the safe disposal of the wastes generated in extracting and enjoying those resources.
According to Times Of India, people of India generate the highest amount of waste in the world and it is expected to increase by 70% by 2050 unless urgent actions are taken. Unsafe disposal of garbage, which includes burning and throwing them in open areas are a serious menace for environment. It leads to emission of toxic chemicals, piling up of garbage in open areas, deposition of pollutants in soil and water, which could in turn severely affected nature and human health.
None of us wish to live amid heaps of stinky garbage, breathe polluted air or consume toxic food, right? Then, what is the solution of his vicious cycle of waste disposal? The solution is simple enough, take responsibility of the waste you produce. It is not a mammoth task to dig a small compost pit in one’s backyard, neither is it difficult to carefully collect all the non-biodegradable wastes and give it to the garbage collector. Going ahead, we can also talk with the people of our society and urge them to take measures to ensure safe disposal of wastes. But our priority should be taking responsibility of our own waste, and if everyone does that, we would not have bother about environmental pollution anymore! Remember the famous words:
“How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
It has been aptly and wisely said that
“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. “.
Thus we are the only ones who can bring about the change we seek. Our actions determine our life.
In many developed countries, citizens are not even allowed to burn waste in their own backyard. All wastes are segregated into different dustbins. Recycling industries collect recyclable garbage, biogas and manure producers take charge of biodegradable waste. This is a very simple scheme, which could create tremendous effect if employed everywhere. We need to give much emphasis on raising awareness on the role of an individual in saving the environment.
A sad thing about most waste that pile up in landfills is that they are not truly waste! People should ask themselves if what they throw away can be used by someone, in some form. We all have learnt about the 3Rs, that is reuse, reduce, recycle. If put into practice these three words can be life changing. Every individual should think about how his or her action can affect the environment. Our future is in our hands, it is worthwhile spending one minute to ensure a safe future, right. The next time you decide something is a waste, think if it is recyclable or non recyclable, non biodegradable or biodegradable, then dispose it accordingly. Remember that what you do has a significance. Each of our slightest deed plays a role in determining the future of our home, our earth.
The earth is the only thing we all have in common. We are all equally responsible to protect our planet. It is time to take action. Let’s pledge that we would not allow the earth which nourishes us to get demolished by wastes.
Taking responsibility of one’s wastes is the first step of taking pleasure of one’s resources. In the thought provoking, and inspiring words of Margaret Mead,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed that is the only thing that ever has. ”
So, let’s do our part in saving the planet, let’s take responsibility of our wastes.
