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Don't dump all garbage in one bin - sort it for recycling
By Frank Jiang |
January 5, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SHANGHAI can better reduce its carbon footprint by adopting a viable recycling system and sorting its garbage.
Many communities in Shanghai dump all their miscellaneous rubbish into a single bin, both organic and inorganic, without paying attention to what they are discarding.
This wholesale waste ranges from daily plastic wrapping to toxic batteries. This widespread system without sorting has serious health consequences. As the garbage is burned, toxic elements are released. This practice needs to be confronted with greater urgency than it already receives, especially at a time when environmental responsibility is a no-brainer.
One way to reduce the garbage would be to sort it into bins for recyclable and non-recyclable products.
Even though several areas have instituted basic recycling, many people still ignore regulations, either because they simply don't care or they don't know what can be recycled - that's a no-brainer, too.
Lack of education and awareness about recycling are daunting challenges.
In Sydney, Australia (where I lived for six years), bins are clearly marked with the materials that can be deposited inside.
If anyone is confused about what to recycle, the signs on the bins make it clear. As for countering the ignorance and indifference toward recycling, education campaigns in communities can help.
Introducing a financial incentive and paying people to recycle soda bottles, cans and other items, can also help motivate people to recycle.
This system of recycling and financial incentives are "old-school" in Sydney. Basically, one is paid for every bottle that is recycled. A proper system of recycling, sorting and financial incentives could also create jobs.
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