Is rubbish production increasing?
Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish. Statistics show that the amount of rubbish handled by the local government in X has increased by 10% in the past two years. This amount might not sound significant immediately. However, the increase is in the rubbish production handled by local government which can significantly contribute to the nation’s rubbish production.
Firstly, I firmly believe that this increase is due to the economic condition of our country. The average household income in our country has increased by 25% in the past ten years. This means that people have been earning well and have enough money to spend on essential and non-essential items. For example, when a country is to doing well economically, their main focus lies on the basic necessities like food, shelter and clothing. However, as the countries perform economically well, the focus starts to shift towards luxuries. The main reason for this shift is that people can afford it.
Secondly, in my understanding, the idea of a community has significantly decreased due to busy lifestyles. People do not find enough time to do community services like food and clothing donations, or engage in cleaning activities. The growing economy certainly creates a busier population, who do not have enough time to engage in social activities. This indirectly has led to discarding things which can be donated or used by someone who is in need. Earlier, when I moved houses, I used to collect items like hangers, groceries, clothes and toys to donate. However, nowadays, due to the busy schedule and insufficient amount of time to pack things, I throw everything I am not taking with me in the garbage making it impossible for someone else to find it.
I believe that it is important for us to understand the importance of the three R’s – Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle, to reduce wastage and demand. The local government can take initiatives to collect items from homes to recycle or to donate rather than asking individuals to do it themselves. This will encourage people to reduce rubbish. The local government can also ask individuals to contact them and let them know if they would like to make donations, making it easier for people to donate. Increasing awareness among individuals is also an option that can help reduce rubbish. Moreover, setting up donation boxes at community centers and housing areas can also create positive influence.