Waste

Waste is generated in all shapes, sizes and forms (solid, liquid or gas). All wastes produced on Earth contribute to environmental damage such as soil contamination and air pollution. Waste on a large environmental scale is generally a by-product of resources used for energy production, such as the carbon dioxide generated from burning fossil fuels which enters our atmosphere. There are numerous problems and issues resulting from too much waste generation. The implications this causes for life on Earth contribute to such things as the greenhouse effect, leaching of landfill substances into groundwater, and pollution of our waterways. Environmental degradation caused by overproduction of waste and pollution can result in a decline in standard of living, i.e. poor quality of water, air and soils, which in turn create many implications for sustainability.

Reducing the amount of waste produced is critical in the pursuit of sustainability. The amount of waste generated can be minimised by enhancing resource efficiency, recycling or reducing resource usage. The waste hierarchy is a good example of how waste generation can be minimised, simply by reducing the amount of products purchased. The waste hierarchy consists of the following steps: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover.

To find out more about waste including facts and stats please visit the website:
http://www.ecorecycle.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/981-waste-generation-data.asp?intSiteID=1