Environmental Impacts of Waste

With the earth's population growing, and more countries industrializing, the world is producing more waste than ever before. While the progression of civilization and technology are very important to everyone, the waste generated has an astoundingly negative impact on the environment. With the environment deteriorating at such an alarming rate, all the progress society makes are in vain.

Landfill impacts on the environment

All over the world, landfill sites, large holes in the ground to store garbage, are filling up with society's solid waste. It is true that some of the garbage rots but by no means does it all rot. Often times, methane gas is created in these landfills, which contributes to the already growing global warming problem affecting the environment. Badly managed landfill sites also contribute to pollution and water contamination as garbage can seep into groundwater and effect surrounding plant and wildlife.

Incineration is not the answer

Incineration is another popular solution to waste disposal, but this, too, has adverse effects to the environment. When plastics are burned, they produce toxic substances, such as dioxins. Gases released during incineration pollute the air and contribute to acid rain, which, again, affects all plant and wildlife in the surround area. Ash from incineration also spreads heavy metals into the air which reduces the quality of the air.

Getting rid of human created waste impacts the environment in a major way. Every time something is thrown away, the worlds raw materials and energy is being depleted. Action is required to reduce the amount of waste people create in order to rectify this dire situation.