Waste

In order to achieve a sustainable lifestyle, it's also important to understand what waste actually is, who is responsible,

where the most waste is produced, and where the waste ends up.

Can it be recycled, or will it end up in landfills?

In the most generic way, waste can be defined as unwanted or unusable materials.

Waste is any substance discarded after primary use, or deemed worthless, defective, and of no further use.

This can be anything. Unfortunately, the majority of human waste ends up in landfills, posing toxicity risks to the environment.

The UK produces more than 100 million tonnes of landfill waste per year.

HISTORY ON

Global Waste

19th Century

The Industrial Revolution led to increased urbanization and waste, prompting the creation of more structured waste management practices.

1950s

Post-World War II economic boom led to a rise in consumerism and disposable products, increasing waste significantly.

1980s

Globalization and economic growth, particularly in developing countries, significantly increase waste production. Recycling programs gained momentum globally as awareness of waste's environmental impact grew.

2000s

Rapid technological advancements and the proliferation of electronic devices contribute to increasing e-waste, whilst advances in technology improved waste sorting and recycling processes; zero waste movements began gaining traction.

2020s

The global waste crisis is exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, and consumption patterns, prompting international efforts to manage and reduce waste effectively. Growing emphasis on plastic waste reduction and international agreements, like the Basel Convention amendments, aim to better regulate waste management globally.

"If you think you're too small to make a difference. Try sleeping with a mosquito in the room"