INDIA’S WASTE GENERATION
variety, persist in the environment for thousands of years. The thinner the plastic bag, the more easily it can tear, become unusable and end up as waste. Thicker plastic bags, though still nonbiodegradable, can be reused. They are more expensive so their callous use is discouraged.
In 2016, the government asked citizens to take up another small step — separate out waste. However, the true aim of the move was never realised: to wean people off plastic bags.
As better technologies are now available it is possible to put the waste to good use. All waste is not equal, each has its different reuse value. Wet waste or biodegradable waste that is usually generated in the kitchens, like peels, leftovers and shells can be composted to generate fertiliser.
Hazardous waste like batteries, paints, mosquito repellents and cleaning agents should not be mixed with other waste. Electronic goods — from mobile phones to refrigerators — should also be disposed of safely because they contain elements that can harm the environment if abandoned without care.
The other kind is dry waste that includes plastic, paper, metal and wood. A lot of this waste can be recycled and reused. However, it is only possible if the waste is segregated. Wherever possible, cloth and paper bags can replace plastic ones. However, if they are used, plastic bottles and bags don’t need to go into the trash, they can be recycled inside the house.
Dumping them all into one bin yields only mountains of garbage, not recyclable waste. A plastic bag or a plastic bottle may sound like a little thing, but it is enough to create mammoth trouble for our planet. But environmentally-conscious little acts, however small they may be, can bring about a big change. Total waste from about 8,000 towns and cities: 62 mn tonnes (MT) annually Plastic waste:
Biomedical waste:
Hazardous waste:
E-waste:
Collection:
Processed and Treatment:
Dumped in Landfill sites:
Estimated waste generation by 2030:
Everyone should change or improve his/her lifestyle and spread awareness so that our planet becomes liveable.
ARPITA JHA, Class 5, Decent Public School, Rohini
Planting more trees, managing waste are the only ways to keep our Earth green for us and the future generations.
ARUSH SACHDEVA, Class 10, Hansraj Model, Punjabi Bagh
I would like to plant a tree every day and encourage cycling to keep our environment clean and green.
SNEHA SHARMA, Class 9, St Joseph’s Academy, Savita Vihar
I want people to act as responsible guardians and spread awareness to make the Earth beautiful, pleasant and clean.
ADIBA MAAZ, Class 12, Gyan Bharati School, Saket
I want to start a garden. Growing one’s own food would also help reduce the waste produced by transportation.
SHAYORI DEY, Class 9A, Amity Int’l, Pushp Vihar
I want to make Earth pollutionfree and save forests because people have no right to spoil our habitable planet.
TRISHA SHARMA, Class 7, Bal Mandir School, Defence Encl
It is time for us humans to act immediately to keep our water bodies pollution-free.
Only then can the Earth Day be meaningful.
GUNJAN NIMIA, Class 8, JBM Public School, Noida