Have you ever considered what actually is in our public landfills? The attached pie chart provides a list of items and percentages of waste according to the EPA.
I had no idea that packaging, food waste and yard trimmings represent over half of the items we dispose of every day.
Nondurable goods may be defined either as goods that are used up when used once, or that have a lifespan of less than 3 years.
Examples of nondurable goods include cosmetics, cleaning products, fuel, office supplies, paper and paper products, personal products, rubber, plastics, textiles, clothing and footwear.
Durable goods a product which does not quickly wear out or more specifically, it yields services or utility over time rather than being completely used up when used once.
Examples of consumer durable goods are appliances, home furnishings, toys and games, cars, and DVD players.
This week the Green Team will be collecting catalogues that you receive and would like to be unsubscribed from. We have realized that there are a number of catalogues being sent that no one wants and we would like to fix the root of the problem rather than just recycling them. Boxes will be located around campus and in the mailroom until Friday. To participate, simply place your catalogues in one of the marked boxes and the Green Team will call and unsubscribe you from them before recycling. Please contact Immie Miles or Jessica Baxter with questions.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Standard Mail accounted for about 5.8 million tons, or 2.4 percent, of municipal solid waste (otherwise known as trash or garbage) in 2005. Of this amount, 64 percent was placed in a landfill or incinerated, and 36 percent was recycled.
Municipal Solid Waste in the United States, 2007 Facts and Figures
http://www.epa.gov/osw/nonhaz/municipal/pubs/msw07-rpt.pdf
Disclaimer
This blog is the sole creation of Randy Bass and is not supported by Peace College. The comments and opinions are the responsibility of the contributors.
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