Opt for biodegradable alternatives to everyday products in order to minimise waste build-up on our planet.
Living in the age of consumerism and a throw-away culture, we often forget that most of what we throw out may never quite “disappear” in our lifetime. And according to the National Environment Agency, Singapore’s solid waste output has increased from 1,260 tonnes per day in 1970, to 8,402 tonnes per day in 2015.
At this rate, the repercussions of an increasing amount of waste will only leave the planet in a dire, irreversible condition. As manufacturing technology improves, we are creating more non-biodegradable products that do not break down naturally.
Did you know that the humble plastic bag takes 200 to 1,000 years to decompose? Or that a disposable diaper takes 550 years? As more of such waste builds up, we begin to see its impact on the environment. For instance, when left exposed to the natural elements in the long term, petroleum-based products (like plastic) can emit toxic pollutants into the soil or water, in turn harming our health.
On the other hand, biodegradable products are much kinder to our planet, so choose to use them instead. Made from natural materials, they can be broken back down into gases, water, and simple organic molecules by the action of biological organisms and processes.
In fact, biodegradable waste can be used for composting (see how at www.tinyurl.com/HDcomposting) or as a resource for heat, electricity and fuel when incinerated. So, before you grab that styrofoam cup at the office pantry, remember that greener alternatives are available.
Text Gwen Lee Photo 123rf.com
