The proliferation of waste globally presents huge problems to governments because it is causing untold environmental damage. This has required governments to find ways to implement waste reduction plans and reappraise laws relating to waste management and implement programs for waste minimization. The 3R’S (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) program that has been implemented in many countries is an attempt to prevent and minimize waste. The end goal is zero waste and asks of citizens to adopt this strategy by being more aware about waste.
There is more to recycling than finding an alternative to dumping waste in landfills. Recently, the move has been to find commercial uses for recycled materials. Materials recycling facilities (MRF’s) have been set up to accept waste materials for recycling, process them, and then sell to manufacturers who use recycled materials to manufacture products. In this way, they are making a huge contribution to the reduction of traditional raw materials, like wood (taking pressure off chopping down trees) and the likes of plastic and glass. So, the recycling of these products ensures that the manufacture of new products does not require original raw materials.
The process of recycling junk consumes less energy and other scarce natural resources than the manufacture of the original product would normally use.
The compliance with reducing, recycling, and reusing was gaining traction worldwide. In the US, the waste disposal to landfills decreased from approximately 94% of the amount generated in 1960 when records began, to about 52% of the amount generated in 2017. Over this time, rates of recycling increased from a little over 6% municipal waste generated in 1960 to over 35% in 2017. (Source: https://www.epa.gov/)
These were the statistics prior to the Covid-19 outbreak. The virus has been shown to spread rapidly through communities mainly from person to person in close contact with each other, which has resulted in substantial changes in lifestyles.
The consequences of the rampant virus have been to take drastic action with the closing national borders, the curtailment of local travel and tourism, and the grounding of airlines, in efforts to limit its spread. Environmentalists have celebrated this brief respite in carbon emissions, factories on shutdown, and subsequent air quality improvements. Our environment has had a chance to breathe again. As focus is on the virus, little has been written on the benefit to the environment.
Social habits have changed completely, with society going into its shell, and consumer behavior changing in the “new normal”. The way we go shopping, being able to relax in bars and restaurants, and attend large gatherings of people, have all been curtailed. Sports has been suspended and social get-togethers restricted.
Scientific studies of the behavior of this new Coronavirus are not yet conclusive resulting in much conflicting information and advice. The fact that is agreed on is that the virus spreads easily and fast between humans and can lead to serious illness.
This extra junk removal can be carried out by our waste pickup company, The Little Green Junk Company, if you feel you are being overwhelmed by household waste. We operate in the York PA and Harrisburg area and we are here to assist your household to dispose of your unwanted junk. We are available to do your trash hauling at a time suitable to you, even if this means after hours or over the weekend. We are efficient and professional and have the necessary licenses to dispose of your trash responsibly. We are as committed to a clean environment as you are.
Please call us today at 717-467-0070 to arrange a free, no obligation quote. We look forward to hearing from you.
Email us at inquiries@littlegreenjunk.com