Waste management has been a major issue in the society today. It is almost obvious that the world that we live in today is characterized by massive forms of waste that have jeopardized on the quality of life in the society. The homes have been one of the places that have been greatly affected by the menace of waste. In this regard, therefore, it is fundamental to come up with strategies that will educate the public on the ways of reducing waste in the homes.
We can do it today.
First, one of the major ways of reducing waste in the home is through reducing the wastes from packaging. According to Terry, packaging is one of the major sources of solid waste in the homes (chapter 4). This explains that the more purchases are made from packaged items, the more chances of having more waste in the homes. It is also recommended that people reduce the amount of purchases on packaged items so as to minimize the waste that comes from it. In addition, it is recommended that the waste that comes from the packaged items be recycled by the users. A good example is that if the plastic bags that can be recycled for a variety of purposes like carrying items or even shopping instead of purchasing more (Terry chapter 5). Yet another of the packaged products includes reusable spoons, tins and forks that used in fast food restaurants. In the event that these items are recycled, there are higher chances that waste will be reduced in the homes, as there will be m minimal entry and maximum exit of waste in the home.
Secondly, another way of reducing waste in the home is through developing an art of donation as opposed to throwing stuff in the garbage. Many unwanted items in the house normally go to the pit. Among the items include old furniture, clothes, tools and even used appliances. Johnson explains how a majority of the households end up throwing these items (46-50). Some keep them in the store rooms; hence, increasing the amount of garbage in the home. As an alternative, Johnson writes that it would be beneficial if the homeowners would develop an art of donating these items to people, homes or organizations that need them as opposed to disposing them (51, 67). This is not only cheaper but also a friendly way of managing waste in the homes.
Thirdly, waste in the home can be reduced through replacing the reusable items for the ones that can be consumed in the homes. Johnson explains that a good number of people have a lot of waste in the homes that could alternatively be consumed daily as opposed to buying new ones to replace them (22-35) Notable examples include old towels, sponges and rags that sit in the homes. These items can be used in the homes everyday especially if one needs to buy serviettes and towels. Such items also come in handy when the disposable become too expensive and they also become unavailable. The home user will then save lots of money that would have otherwise been used for purchases and other expenditure for replacement (Johnson 22-36). The same case would apply for the cloth napkins that normally sit idle in many homes and contribute to the amount of waste in the home. They could be used as washable towels instead of disposable paper napkins.
Waste can also be managed in the home through recycling and using products that have been used in the homes for a long time. Terry explains that reuse of products in the homes is a useful way of managing waste in the homes (chapter 11). Among the products that can be reused include old computers that can be used to keep home directories as opposed to buying new ones. Old electronics can also be sold for reuse instead of keeping them in the homes, and all other old stuff can also be reused by needy people like charity homes over keeping them in home stores (Johnson 163-172).
Conclusively, waste in the homes can be easily managed if the aforementioned steps can be followed. First, reduction of packaged products has been indicated to be a fundamental step towards handling waste. It was also noted that donation acts as a good way of reducing waste, replacing the old items for consumable ones and finally recycling waste products in the home. With these measures in place, there are higher chances of having homes with minimal waste and friendlier environment that support the thriving of happy families.
- Johnson, Bea. Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste. NY: Simon and Schuster, 2013. Print.
- Terry, Beth. Plastic-Free: How I Kicked the Plastic Habit and How You Can Too. NY: Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., 2015. Print.