Humans are a species that occupies a large part of the world’s population. As creatures with needs and desires, we humans produce tons of waste on a daily basis in order to meet these needs and desires. This amount of pollution, which is directly proportional to the density of the population, is increasing day by day with the number of people.
Basically, we generate waste as a result of every action we take. For example, while we produce the energy we need to live, we release carbon dioxide to nature in return for the oxygen we use to burn food. The release of carbon derivatives causes global problems by causing gases to be suspended in the atmosphere, preventing air circulation, slowing down atmospheric activities, forming radicals in the atmosphere, and deteriorating the properties of the atmosphere. One of these global problems is global warming.
Exhaust vehicles we use to go from one place to another, cigarettes and tobacco products that we supply and consume, deodorants, the wastes left by the factories we produce, the release of animal wastes accumulated in the farms into the water, the wastes of the plants we use while making salads, the plastic containers and bottles we store our food are examples of daily human waste.
In order to make the world a livable place in the future and to make energy sources sustainable, efforts are made to reduce pollution in all areas. For less harmful gas production, we can give examples such as directing public transportation vehicles to use other than personal vehicles, certain areas reserved for tobacco use, chimney and water filters, and recycling areas.
One of the most functional measures and methods taken by governments is domestic waste sorting and recycling obligations. This practice that I am talking about is the sorting and recycling of plastic, glass, paper and organic waste, which is seen as an obligation for every citizen in most countries.
In South Korea, which is one of the places where it is most necessary due to population density, the practice is followed very closely and the results are seen. Every citizen is responsible for separating wastes and plastics according to their types and leaving them in suitable areas. Those who do not fulfill this duty are of course punished and order is maintained.
Although it is new in our country, unfortunately, the increase in awareness in the last few years is effective. The number and use of recycling bins, which we can now see in many places, are increasing. In addition, the studies carried out to raise awareness of the public also show their effects.
I think one of the simplest and most important things we can do to reduce pollution is to recycle our waste. As we know, it has been calculated that under normal conditions, it takes 1000 years for plastic to disappear in nature, 4000 years for glass, and 1000 years for synthetic fibers. Considering the existence of future generations and leaving a livable world, it is unthinkable that hundreds and thousands of wastes are left to decompose in nature every day. In other words, one of the best decisions that can be taken as a state is to make waste separation and recycling mandatory. For a healthy and green tomorrow, we should also participate in this practice.