Zero Waste; Is it Possible?

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to work with a very respected person (BG-VNC) on a concept called Zero Waste. It opened my eyes to the truth: First, that our present Earth is really suffering from the drastic effects of garbage disposal made by man, from toxic chemicals and heavy metals now incorporated in the air we breath and food we intake without us knowing it. Second, that WE CAN STILL DO SOMETHING TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. It is just a matter of COOPERATION, SELF-DISCIPLINE AND CONSCIOUSNESS OF OUR ACTS. But no matter what we do, there would be garbage which we cannot recycle and reuse. 

According to "Greenpeace", PVC's in construction leads the pact of non-recyclable/non-biodegradable materials, such as cable/wire insulation, window frames, doors, walls, paneling, water and wastewater pipes. Other PVC's come from home products, consumer articles, office, car industry and hospital. Completing the line of non-recyclable/non-biodegradable materials are imitation leather, garden hose and furniture.

Many countries around the world are aiming for zero waste management but as of press time, only 80% of garbage can be re-used and recycled. The remaining 20% are dumped on landfills or burned in incinerators. Two processes which are both unhealthy and unstable. Landfills emits methane gas while incinerators emits dioxins, all considered as the most dangerous greenhouse gases.

BG-VNC is working on a concept which would address the 20% non-recyclable/non-biodegradable garbage problem in coordination with Universidad de Zamboanga. If successful, it will make the Philippines, particularly Zamboanga/Ipil the lead local government unit to address the problem. 

This project, which I'm most thankful to have taken a little part of, brings hope to this ailing Earth we live in.