Stop-Take-make-dispose

In our modern society, the rapid growth of waste has become an environmental concern. Biodegradable waste occupies an important place among the various types of waste generated. Biodegradable waste refers to organic matter.

. Since biodegradable waste can decompose naturally, improper management can have serious consequences for the environment and public health. In this article, I am trying to highlight some major reasons why it is very important to manage biodegradable waste in our own homes. Because of the back-to-back incompetent governance, it has become more necessary for us.

It is now our responsibility to reduce the landfill burden. We must understand this fact of life and help others to understand as well. The disposal of biodegradable waste in landfills is one of the primary contributors to environmental degradation. When biodegradable waste is buried under layers of non-biodegradable waste, it produces harmful greenhouse gases such as methane in the absence of oxygen- “Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change even worse than CO2”. Now let’s -walk the talk “stop climate change”.

Just three humble steps: collect biodegradable waste at home, use a technology-based composting system available, and the job is done within 24 hours. We must stop the way we are handling biodegradable waste; we must stop burning imported fossil fuel to transport such waste to landfill sites. We must reduce the burden on landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Composting is a simple and effective way to manage biodegradable waste at home that makes soil nutritious. Through composting, organic matter is broken down into nutritious soil called humus. This compost can be used as an excellent natural fertilizer for home gardens, potted plants, or community green spaces. We can close the loop by taking the biodegradable waste from our homes back into the natural cycle, returning valuable nutrients to the soil, thus promoting healthy plant growth.

Biodegradable waste management at home encourages the concept of the circular economy. Instead of a linear "take-make-dispose" model, the circular economy aims to close the resource consumption loop, reduce waste production and promote sustainable practices.

Kathmandu residents have repeatedly suffered from pollution created by improper disposal of rotten waste. Dumping or burning garbage not only affects natural ecosystems but also harms human health. For example, when decaying sewage decomposes in water sources, it depletes oxygen levels, which kills aquatic life. By managing biodegradable waste responsibly at home, we can reduce these negative impacts and protect the environment for future generations.

Only when you take responsibility for biodegradable waste management at home, will you become more conscious when purchasing your consumer goods. When individuals actively participate in composting and waste reduction practices, they become more aware of the amount of waste they generate. This, in turn, can lead to more careful purchasing decisions, favoring products with less packaging and choosing reusable options.

We can encourage a culture of responsible consumption by managing biodegradable waste at home. After all, imitation of best practices by the fellow citizenry is a highly desirable outcome expected.

Home-based biodegradable waste management can be a community-building activity. Neighbors can come together to share knowledge, experiences, and resources related to composting and waste reduction. Community composting projects can be initiated, where residents collectively manage biodegradable waste and use the compost to support local urban agriculture. This sense of community involvement not only strengthens social ties but also creates a positive impact on the environment.

Biodegradable waste management at home empowers individuals to actively contribute to environmental protection. Often, people can feel overwhelmed by global environmental challenges, but by taking concrete steps like composting, they can see the positive impact of their actions. This sense of accomplishment can motivate individuals to adopt other sustainable practices and advocate for broader environmental initiatives.

 

In conclusion, managing biodegradable waste at home is an important step toward building a sustainable future. By reducing landfill burdens, promoting composting, and supporting a circular economy, we can minimize environmental degradation and mitigate the effects of climate change. Home-use composting equipment can also be very handy if you want to make your own “Karesa-Bari”, or “Kausi-Kheti” and a garden supplied with nutritious humus out of biodegradable waste composting at your own home.