Benefits of Waste Management

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There are several benefits of solid waste management and using it can control vermin that otherwise can spread harmful diseases. One can eliminate habitats for rodents as well as insects by disposing residential and commercial waste. These rodents and insects can create health risks, and wastes are the generator of these insects. One of the most alluring benefits of waste management is that it excludes the requirements of burying or burning the waste that can cause health risks to those living nearby to the area. Solid is considered as the perfect means to recycle the waste and convert it into some useful material.

Industrial waste management is another popular method in which all kinds of wastes are eliminated so as to reduce public health risks be it a solid waste or liquid waste. It is also necessary so as to keep the nearby environment pollution free and safe for the inhabitants. One can notice several toxic waste dumps in the industrial area where industrial waste is neglected or is not followed properly. The inhabitants in these areas can face serious health threats such as asthma.

One of the most unfortunate facts is that most of the successful industries neglect the need of proper industrial. You can feel threatened by knowing that these negligent industries never care for the regulations made for industrial waste management and are still earning huge profits. We all are equally responsible for our nearby areas and we must complaint the local authorities in case we find some waste in our surrounding area. Recycling the waste has become essential in the present times when environmental pollution is continuously on rise. Household as well as industrial waste is causing threat to our precious ecosystem and so we must initiate waste management. There are websites which give the latest news related to the recycling waste industry and its services.

By: Guna Seelan

Posted in Articles

The Green List

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Since there has been a massive increase by the government to look into how the country is run and ways to make sure there is less environmental impact in doing so, there have been a few awards given as incentives for businesses to put in that little bit extra effort to do their bit for the cause.

One of the awards, which is given is by the Times newspaper, awards companies a place on their ‘Green List’ based on several different aspects of how they are run. This includes the procedures which they undergo, the manner in which they do business and whether they have the environment in mind or not.

The companies that make the list must adhere to certain standards and, as it were, gain Cub Scout style badges for being good in different areas, which are then showcased next to their name. The criteria which the Times uses to compare companies against each other are:

The Company’s Environmental management system (EMS): an EMS that meets the ISO 14001 international standard.
Green suppliers: more than 80% of suppliers assessed for environmental impact.
Carbon footprint: companies which have calculated their carbon footprint.
Public reporting of green issues: green credentials subject to third-party verification.
Green training: 80% of employees given environmental training on induction.
Water consumption: at least a 3% cut compared to the previous year.
Electricity consumption: at least a 3% cut compared to previous year.
Recycling: at least a 10% decrease in waste production or 10% increase in recycling in nominated waste stream achieved compared with the previous year.
Gas consumption: at least a 3% cut achieved compared to previous year.
Water consumption: at least a 3% cut achieved compared to the previous year.
Green energy: at least part of energy needs sourced from green tariffs.

There are currently only 60 companies in the running for these accolades and some seem to be harder to obtain than others clearly, with having under 50% of the overall companies obtaining some of them.

The idea of the list is excellent though and it means that consumers can look at it and know that they are using some of the best companies around in being good to the environment, or can maybe even change so they are doing so. Forget taking your cloth bag out with you to the shops; make sure that the businesses you use provide you with services that are as good to the environment as they should be, as you should not be the only one doing your bit. It is a big responsibility, but with awards now being given, companies will be able to strive to make it onto the list next year.

By: Nora Davies

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20 Environment-Related Diseases

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There is a strong link between environmental degradation and public health. The occurrence of these diseases are on the increase as environmental degradation worsens. Below are 26 diseases and ailments related to the environment.

Allergies and Asthma
Many people today suffer from allergies; sneezing, with running noses and itching eyes from pollen, dust and other substances. About 50 million American have allergies. Some suffer asthmatic attack.

Birth Defects
When a pregnant woman is exposed to the inhalation of dangerous chemicals, and cigarette smoke, the fetus can be adversely affected. This could lead to the malformation of a babies organs.

Cancer
Cancer can be caused by cigarette smoke, asbestos, radiation and chemicals from the environment. The chanced of having cancer can be reduced by reducing human exposure to potential harmful chemicals or gas.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis defines skin inflammation and irritation. It can be caused by poison ivy, oak and sumac. Some chemicals used in dyes, paints detergents and cosmetics can also cause rashes and blisters.

Emphysema
This is the inability of the lung to expand and contract normally. It can be caused by air pollution and cigarette smoke. This can break down sensitive tissue in the lungs.

Heart Disease
Environmental chemicals contribute to the cause of heart ailments.

Job-Related Illnesses
Every job no matter how safe it appears has its hazard. Many job-related ailments are caused by chemicals and other agents present in the workplace. Factories and work places do sometimes contain poisonous chemicals, dyes and metals. Radiation equipment in the hospital, quarry dust at mines, noise inside of factories, etc.

Lead Poisoning
Lead dust, fumes and lead-contaminated water do introduce lead into the body. Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, liver, and other organs.

Mercury Poisoning
An insignificant amount of mercury in the body can damage the kidneys, liver and brain. Mercury exposure results from eating contaminated fish and other foods.

Nervous System Disorders
Toxic chemicals from the environment can cause nervous breakdown. This can result in mood changes, memory loss, blindness, paralysis and death.

Pneumoconiosis
Some airborne particles such as fibers from asbestos, cotton and hemp, and dusts from such compounds as silica, graphite, coal, iron and clay can be very dangerous. They can damage sensitive areas of the lung resulting in pneumoconiosis, or black lung.

Queensland Fever
Dust from a hide and skin work environment can result in this illness is called Queensland fever. It is caused by a tiny organism that infects livestock and then spreads to the milk and feaces.

Sunburn and Skin Cancer
Sunburn and even skin cancer can be caused by exposing the skin to too much sun.

Tooth Decay
The absence of fluoride in drinking water can cause tooth decay. Today, fluorides are increasing used in drinking water or in toothpastes to protect the teeth from decay.

Uranium Poisoning
Uranium is a poisonous and dangerous radioactive element that can damage living tissue.

Vision Problems
The eyes are very sensitive to the environment. Airborne organisms, over exposure to sun and or a slight change in the chemical composition of air can cause eye irritation. redness and produce a burning sensation and cataract.

Waterborne Diseases
Malaria, typhoid, skin irritation and diarrhea diseases are some of the diseases that are related to water and sanitation problems.

Xeroderma Pigmentosa
Xeroderma is an inheritable ailment from parents. When someone is exposed to direct sunlight, his skin can break out into tiny dark spots that look like freckles. If this condition is not treated, the spots can become cancerous.

Yusho Poisoning
This sickness comes from eating food contaminated in rice oil. If toxic PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) leaks into oil during the manufacturing process. of rice, the case of Yusho poisoning might occur.

Zinc Deficiency/Zinc Poisoning
In some cases, people can be poisoned by zinc when it is consumed much in water or food.

It is therefore very important that we make every effort to ensure that our water and sanitation system is clean and working. This would save us a lot of health problems and diseases.

By: Fortune Ihunweze

Posted in Articles