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The
easiest and most common thing to do when something is no longer useful
is to throw it away, and then most of us just forget that the object
even existed. But your garbage undergoes a whole cycle that not many
people know about (dividing, recycling, etc). However, not all objects
can be “thrown away” just like that. Some of the most common things we
use every day, like batteries or cosmetics, are tremendously toxic and
can actually have a big environmental impact if not treated properly.
Some others, like hair or food scraps, can be reused without necessarily
having to be treated by experts.
1. Lighters
Lighters contain gases that are used to generate fire by means of a
friction mechanism that causes sparks. It’s already a particularly
dangerous object to have, let alone to store. It can’t just be kept in
just any place, especially if this place is subject to high
temperatures. On top of that, the gas inside all lighters is harmful to
the environment, so it cannot be disposed of in the same way as any
other waste.
It’s because of all those reasons that they can’t be thrown into a
landfill. In theory, you shouldn’t even throw them into containers for
recyclable products. It’s best to consult with an NGO or to look for
places specifically meant to handle this type of waste. And once you got
rid of your disposable lighter, you might want to consider getting a
rechargeable one to reduce the impact your activities have on the
environment. |
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2. Cosmetics
While most cosmetic packaging is made of glass or plastic, what’s inside
might not be as recyclable or environmentally-friendly as you’d think.
There are many cosmetics that contain substances that can be harmful not
only to your health but also to the environment. That’s why some
governments have taken measures to regulate the use of some ingredients
that were common in the manufacturing of makeup, creams, and cosmetics
in general.
A good option is to replace big brand cosmetics with products made with
natural ingredients that you know are not dangerous for your skin, or
even make some yourself at home. If that’s not an option, you can at
least try to reduce your consumption of cosmetics made with harmful
substances that have a high environmental impact. |
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3. Hair
While human hair is not necessarily harmful for the environment, it can
be harnessed for use as compost in the agricultural sector. This is
because it contains nitrogen and other components that, when released,
can be beneficial to plants. So, every time you cut your hair or beard,
consider this fact before throwing it away. Not only that, but in some
cases, it can also be used to make wigs for people suffering from
various diseases. |
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4. Sprays
Some aerosol sprays can be harmful to the environment because they
contain a mixture of liquid and gas, which makes it easier to spray the
paint. While there have been some efforts to ban the sale of some of the
compounds that are known to cause damage to the ozone layer, they should
still be treated with caution and should not be thrown into just any
container.
A good solution is to take aerosols to a toxic materials facility where
they can be discarded in the right way. And this should be the case
regardless of whether we’re talking about a cleaning product, a perfume,
an insecticide, a deodorant, or paint. On the other hand, if you are
going to throw them away, make sure the container you’re using is
completely empty. |
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05. Electronic devices
Computers, radios, or any electronic device or appliance could contain
internal components that can be reused to a greater or lesser extent,
depending on how much they’ve worn out. However, once the whole device
has stopped working, you should dispose of it at a collection facility
to ensure that it is treated properly and does not end up polluting the
environment. As a consumer, you can also play a part by buying from
brands that don’t practice planned obsolescence and that support
repairing and refurbishing old devices.
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06. Oil
Both cooking oil and motor oil should never be disposed of without
following precautions. Cooking oil could cause water purification
problems if you just throw it down the sink drain, the toilet, or simply
pour it in the garbage can. It can also damage your kitchen sink and
drain. On the other hand, motor oils are petroleum-based products and
can easily contaminate any type of surface, including living organisms.
In these cases, it is best to take these to centers that are specialized
in the treatment of this type of product. There are currently certain
initiatives and research being done to create biodiesel from cooking oil
in order to help minimize the impact it has on the environment.
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