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More about this topic
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- What's Waste? |
- What's in our garbage? |
- Where does it come from? |
- How much do we produce?
What's in our garbage?
When hazardous waste (batteries, paint, solvent, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, pesticides, moth balls, etc.), is not disposed of properly, it can harm people and the environment by contaminating ground water and soil.
Everything, including sometimes, the kitchen sink! About one-third of the household waste we produce is composed of paper; another third is organic waste: food scraps and yard waste (grass clippings, dead plants); and the final third is made up of glass, metals, plastics, textiles (clothing, linens), wood, and other materials (washing machines, old furniture, rubber tires).
Electronic waste, or "e-waste," such as computers and cell phones is becoming a problem in Canada. Fortunately, there are organizations out there such as Reboot Canada and Phones for Food that recycle old computers and cell phones. Your local Public Works Department may also offer such services.
Toxic Waste Diet
Cut down on your hazardous waste consumption. Start by making your own natural cleaning products with vinegar and baking soda instead of buying chemical ones.
Is that pop can garbage?
No! It's a valuable piece of aluminium made from bauxite ore that was mined from the Earth. It can be recycled into new pop cans!
Is that glass bottle garbage?
No! It's made of sand that had to be dug out of the ground and melted down with enormous amounts of energy. It can be crushed and melted down to make new containers and construction materials for roads, driveways and sewers
Is that old newspaper garbage?
No! It came from a tree that might have taken a hundred years to grow. It can be made into new paper, insulation, egg cartons and even kitty litter!
Is that plastic container garbage?
No! It was made from coal or oil and mixed with water and limestone. It can be recycled to make toys, rope, binders, flowerpots, park benches, blue boxes, coat linings (among other things)!
