Many communities around the world are overwhelmed by the trash that they create and are resorting to burning all of it. This waste includes batteries, electronics, Styrofoam, chemicals, plastic, synthetic materials etc. They burn their waste to either save money or because there is not a functional trash collection or recycling program established in their community.
The direct source of the problem is obviously consumerism…. This is the consequential result of people buying and supporting non-sustainable or cheap-low quality products that are sold in plastic packaging. These consumer products are distributed in areas that lack the basic infrastructure to even deal with the waste.
The direct source of the problem is obviously consumerism…. This is the consequential result of people buying and supporting non-sustainable or cheap-low quality products that are sold in plastic packaging. These consumer products are distributed in areas that lack the basic infrastructure to even deal with the waste.
The burning of plastic causes direct health problems for the surrounding communities, animals and insects as well as, pollutes the local ground water for people in the immediate area. The toxic smoke also contributes to our worldwide air pollution problem. Education is the key and in encouraging our fellow humans to talk to their families, friends and community leaders to establish efficient waste collection systems, is the first step in creating the solution. They could also organize a recycling collection system that incorporates the separation of recyclable materials. On completion of the first two steps, separating and collection of compostable organic materials would be step 3.
If you currently live in a country where there is not a waste collection program these are some proactive options.
Option #1
Understand that there is a problem, (you can share this page to help raise awareness) do not be afraid to bring up this topic with your family and friends. The more people become aware of this global issue the greater the likelihood that it will eventually be resolved.
If you currently live in a country where there is not a waste collection program these are some proactive options.
Option #1
Understand that there is a problem, (you can share this page to help raise awareness) do not be afraid to bring up this topic with your family and friends. The more people become aware of this global issue the greater the likelihood that it will eventually be resolved.
Option #2
It is very important to know that we all vote with our money and our combined decisions create our reality. Please try to avoid purchasing anything with excessive plastic packaging. Do not support the companies that package their products in raw plastic or non-biodegradable wrappers. There are many alternatives to plastic, such as products made from glass, stainless steel, cast iron, recycled paper, wood, hemp, non GMO plant derived material etc. The companies using these materials are the companies that you should support. Buying food in bulk helps reduce packaging waste and used items and merchandise will lower the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere.
Option #3
You can make an impact by directly questioning people who litter. Sometimes I tell people that “they dropped something” when I see them littering, it embarrasses them and makes them think about their actions. I take this very seriously because the choices others make will affect the people that I care about such as, my younger sisters and their children.
Option #4
You can pick up trash on your own, even once in a while will set a great example and collectively makes our world a better place. The immediate waste removal priorities are areas that have a high moisture content because this accelerates the decomposition process of waste. This would include marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, beaches etc. Every year before winter we have an opportunity to remove any Styrofoam and plastic trash that may have been littered in our yards, parks, roadways, street gutters, creeks, streams and riverbanks.
It is very important to know that we all vote with our money and our combined decisions create our reality. Please try to avoid purchasing anything with excessive plastic packaging. Do not support the companies that package their products in raw plastic or non-biodegradable wrappers. There are many alternatives to plastic, such as products made from glass, stainless steel, cast iron, recycled paper, wood, hemp, non GMO plant derived material etc. The companies using these materials are the companies that you should support. Buying food in bulk helps reduce packaging waste and used items and merchandise will lower the amount of carbon entering the atmosphere.
Option #3
You can make an impact by directly questioning people who litter. Sometimes I tell people that “they dropped something” when I see them littering, it embarrasses them and makes them think about their actions. I take this very seriously because the choices others make will affect the people that I care about such as, my younger sisters and their children.
Option #4
You can pick up trash on your own, even once in a while will set a great example and collectively makes our world a better place. The immediate waste removal priorities are areas that have a high moisture content because this accelerates the decomposition process of waste. This would include marshes, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, beaches etc. Every year before winter we have an opportunity to remove any Styrofoam and plastic trash that may have been littered in our yards, parks, roadways, street gutters, creeks, streams and riverbanks.
In a recent Washington Post report it stated that there are now over 5 trillion pieces of floating trash in our oceans. If we do not collect the trash and debris that is littered inland, then eventually it will flow into our rivers and waterways. This trash will then enter our environment, contribute to our global pollution crisis, harm wildlife and disrupt the ecosystem. It may even flow downstream into our ocean. Regardless where it ends up, it will eventually biodegrade and further pollute our environment. It is through this process that (fossil fuel derived) plastic enters our globally interconnected food web. Eventually we will consume the carcinogenic and mutagenic micro particles that have now contaminated our food. We "all" have the responsibility to keep our outside area's free of any trash. This includes business owners, property owners and those renting. Our governments have the responsibility of dealing with any trash on city and county properties. If they are not complying, please contact them and bring it to their attention.
Once the consistent series of storms begin it is too late. We can all choose to prioritize 1-2 hours of collecting and removing any trash in our areas of responsibility. We can individually set a positive example and collectively make our world a better place.
Once the consistent series of storms begin it is too late. We can all choose to prioritize 1-2 hours of collecting and removing any trash in our areas of responsibility. We can individually set a positive example and collectively make our world a better place.
Option #5
You can organize a trash clean-up project with your friends and recruit volunteers. Have them sign release waivers form and provide the necessary supplies like; gloves, trash bags or buckets to pick up the trash etc. Check to see if there is already an environmental organization in your area and inquire in ways that you can become involved.
Option #6
If ever speaking with someone of governmental or authoritative status, let them know your concerns and try to work with them in establishing some sort of trash collection or recycling program. You could start an online petition or even visit a local council meeting to express your concern.
Option #7
If you are working directly with community members to create a local dump in a third-world country that lacks basic governmental infrastructure. First make sure that the prospective dump is at least 1000 feet (305 Meters) from any creeks, streams or water source. Make sure that the location has road access and make sure the location can eventually expand. Always try to separate chemicals, batteries and electronics from any dump if possible.
Option #8
Use the internet as a resource to find solutions that may be more specific to your individual situation.
Option #9
This is my concept idea to help resolve much of our trash problem around the world. This will encourage and motivate people to make money in exchange for trash that they collect throughout their communities. The implementation of project is urgently needed. This could be taken on by any individual, church group, community leader, governmental or non-governmental organization.
Step 1
Arrive in literally any country on earth with access to approximately $500-900 in funds.
Step 2
Hire a translator if necessary as well as a private security team or arrange for police or military assistance.
Step 3
Rent a large flatbed truck or dump truck near the project location and city dump.
Step 4
Drive the truck and security convoy to the selected village. Stage the truck in the pre-planned area.
Step 5
Once in the remote village call the attention of the community. Wait for 30 minutes for people to arrive and then the announcement would be made.
Step 6
The announcement would be spoken in their native language. They will receive a dollar for every full bag of plastic trash or that they collect throughout their community. Clarify that they only have 2 hours to collect trash before the truck will depart. Announce that only potato chip bags, product wrappers, broken or deteriorating plastic consumer products, batteries and broken electronics are accepted. This would exclude large or heavy items such as chairs and furniture because people might start bringing stuff from their home.
Step 7
Distribute trash bags to those who choose to participate, then start the timer.
Step 8
As people return to the truck you must have them form a line and start collecting the bags and pay them out with security standing by. Immediately load up the full trash bags into the truck as they come in.
Step 9
Transport all of the trash collected to the nearest city dump. Pay the dump fee from the general fund or work with the government to have the fee waved.
This amazing project would clean up the remote villages around the world. It would help educate people on the importance of keeping their community and environment clean. It would also provide temporary employment and stimulate their local economy.
Statements and opinions expressed are those of my own, Alekz Londos from Advanced Disaster Relief; environmentalist, humanitarian, photojournalist and activist. AdvancedDisasterRelief.com
You can organize a trash clean-up project with your friends and recruit volunteers. Have them sign release waivers form and provide the necessary supplies like; gloves, trash bags or buckets to pick up the trash etc. Check to see if there is already an environmental organization in your area and inquire in ways that you can become involved.
Option #6
If ever speaking with someone of governmental or authoritative status, let them know your concerns and try to work with them in establishing some sort of trash collection or recycling program. You could start an online petition or even visit a local council meeting to express your concern.
Option #7
If you are working directly with community members to create a local dump in a third-world country that lacks basic governmental infrastructure. First make sure that the prospective dump is at least 1000 feet (305 Meters) from any creeks, streams or water source. Make sure that the location has road access and make sure the location can eventually expand. Always try to separate chemicals, batteries and electronics from any dump if possible.
Option #8
Use the internet as a resource to find solutions that may be more specific to your individual situation.
Option #9
This is my concept idea to help resolve much of our trash problem around the world. This will encourage and motivate people to make money in exchange for trash that they collect throughout their communities. The implementation of project is urgently needed. This could be taken on by any individual, church group, community leader, governmental or non-governmental organization.
Step 1
Arrive in literally any country on earth with access to approximately $500-900 in funds.
Step 2
Hire a translator if necessary as well as a private security team or arrange for police or military assistance.
Step 3
Rent a large flatbed truck or dump truck near the project location and city dump.
Step 4
Drive the truck and security convoy to the selected village. Stage the truck in the pre-planned area.
Step 5
Once in the remote village call the attention of the community. Wait for 30 minutes for people to arrive and then the announcement would be made.
Step 6
The announcement would be spoken in their native language. They will receive a dollar for every full bag of plastic trash or that they collect throughout their community. Clarify that they only have 2 hours to collect trash before the truck will depart. Announce that only potato chip bags, product wrappers, broken or deteriorating plastic consumer products, batteries and broken electronics are accepted. This would exclude large or heavy items such as chairs and furniture because people might start bringing stuff from their home.
Step 7
Distribute trash bags to those who choose to participate, then start the timer.
Step 8
As people return to the truck you must have them form a line and start collecting the bags and pay them out with security standing by. Immediately load up the full trash bags into the truck as they come in.
Step 9
Transport all of the trash collected to the nearest city dump. Pay the dump fee from the general fund or work with the government to have the fee waved.
This amazing project would clean up the remote villages around the world. It would help educate people on the importance of keeping their community and environment clean. It would also provide temporary employment and stimulate their local economy.
Statements and opinions expressed are those of my own, Alekz Londos from Advanced Disaster Relief; environmentalist, humanitarian, photojournalist and activist. AdvancedDisasterRelief.com
With the purchase of the International Survival Kit [ISK] you support my humanitarian mission, expanding company and creative project ideas. If you would like to make a charitable donation please, please....please click here on the PayPal link or you can just mail contributions like Cash (foreign currency ok) Personal Checks, Money Orders, Bitcoins, Silver Bullion and Gift Cards to Alekz Londos 850 Front St. #7227 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 =)