8 Shocking Waste Facts

by Aaron C. Writer, Blogger, Manager

People are known for their never ending needs and desires. To have this, to buy that, to use the other one. You don’t see much of a problem in this till you actually glance at some trash tendencies statistics. It wouldn’t be too farfetched to describe the nation as nation of wasters then!

More than 50 million electric waste is binned each year on a global scale. If you cannot wrap your mind around this figure, think of it this way: it is the same amount as four million double deckers stretching more than 3 times over to the moon. Electric goods feature TVs, stereos, computers, kitchen appliances and more, all part of one enormous junk collection!

20-40% vegetables and fruit produce doesn’t even hit the shelves on supermarkets, as they are rejected. Not because they are not fit for consumption, but rather because they are cosmetically-flawed. Think lumpy, misshapen or plain weird looking. This is one of the most unforgivable waste disposals ever!

7.2 million tonnes of food are thrown each year. You’d think that is because the food is not in edible condition, but the truth is at least 50% of that amount is in perfect state. Reducing food waste is one of the most important challenges every household should focus on in their waste removal efforts.

The UK alone generates so much waste, as to fill Lake Windermere in less than 8 months. Another estimate is this: it could fill the Albert Hall in London in less than 2 hours.

Every week the UK uses nearly 500 million plastic bags. Large portion of those are handed for free in stores. Wales is showing a great example in reducing the amount of rubbish removal based on plastic bags by charging 5p for each. That is discouraging people from using such bags and relying on more reusable solutions instead.

83% of furniture in great condition is sent to landfills or for recycling. Even though the former is a great alternative to furniture disposal, it is still not as good as using the opportunity to give those items a second chance. Reusing them is actually the best option, which should be a top priority for people. Donation to charity is one great idea, as it can help out people in need and continue the life of furniture that is still in good condition.

The UK uses six billion glass containers - bottles and jars - each year. Recycling that should be a top priority, since the same amount put in a landfill will never decompose. Cautious rubbish disposal for that material is strongly advised!

Wasted water - a single leaky tap in your home can amount to 5000 litres of wasted water. Considering that is one of the most precious resources on the planet, it pays to reduce that waste to zero as soon as possible.

If you are truly shocked by these facts, you will do the environment a big favour to adopt some green and eco-friendly living practices today. It takes such conscious approach to contribute to the green cause and make a difference.