Sharjah
The most common discussion topic at all workshops and forums I have attended, seems to be about the dream for a cleaner and greener world, with people sharing environmental tips, recycling strategies and warnings about global warming.
However, looking at the present situation, with garbage bins full of accumulated non-segregated waste, we still have a long way to go, to reach the target. As seen in the photographs, a lot of recyclable materials are being thrown into the trash, along with degraded kitchen waste. A great deal needs to be done by residents to ensure an efficient waste segregation process.
Segregation simply involves the separation of waste into ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ categories. It starts with the understanding of waste. For instance, organic kitchen waste often includes fruits, vegetables, leaves, flowers, pencil shavings and so on. These are biodegradable and can be quickly broken down by microorganisms in normal environmental conditions.
Nonbiodegradable waste includes most, but not all recyclable items, such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, Tetrapaks, foil, cans and so on. These could take a long and possibly infinite time to degrade. The biodegradability vastly depends on the properties of the waste components.
If waste is not segregated, it directly affects the amount of trash that could be recycled. It is not easy to separate the waste at the bin, and could pose a risk to municipality workers who clear the waste, because they could be injured by some sharp items dumped in the bin.
Modern society produces a vast variety of garbage and choosing to be eco-friendly starts from the kitchen. It is the easiest practice to follow, and can allow you to categorise dry and wet waste separately for disposal.
I also think the generic waste bins under all residential buildings need to be replaced with green and blue recycle bins, compelling individuals to segregate and dispose at every home. There is a need for strict rules regarding waste disposal, especially for all cafeterias and restaurants, as these are the establishments that generate a high amount of recyclable materials, like cans and plastic. However, most of them can be seen just disposing them into generic garbage bins.
While we do see recycling bins by Bee’ah at every corner of the road in Sharjah, how many of us follow the guidelines given? Do we pay attention to the green and blue garbage bins, that have clear instructions, asking us to dispose recyclable materials and general waste separately?
No one can do everything. But everybody can do something. So, let us start effective recycling from our kitchens, to look forward to a greener tomorrow.
—The reader is a grade 7 student at Delhi Private School, Sharjah.
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