The very existence of the "concept of waste" has had dire consequences for the health and development of our society and natural environment. Not a very intuitive statement? Make no mistake, waste management as we know it was concocted to improve public health and reduce disease and transmission. It is time however for us to think differently about waste, instead of dealing with waste, could we get rid of it altogether? And I am not talking about burying trash underground or gasification/pyrolysis, but shifting the foundation or framework of our society in such a way that waste simply does not apply, does not exist. In 50 years, could we be living in a society where waste is valuable and no different than a renewable resource?
When you think through this concept of waste and its history, one can realize that waste is a single point source for many of our perceived problems and issues. This includes physical and mental health, land development and human growth patterns, all major industries and corresponding environmental impact, and the list goes on. The existing policy and regulation on waste has enabled us to grow without care and without responsibility. Again, counter intuitive? This is a graphic, adapted from the original work of John Tillman Lyles. What would our society look like if waste was a concept that simply did not exist?
Waste, within our current throughput systems, is essentially the act of refusing to allow appropriate nutrient cycling and natural biological breakdown of materials and products. Products are not designed to be assimilated, stored, and reused as depicted in the graphic. This enables industries to pollute and turn profits. All we ask in return is that industries spend or divert some of there profit on the reduction of pollution.
In terms of solid waste, landfills are an illusion of waste management and control. Out of sight, out of mind? The reality is that our industries and corresponding consumers are out of touch with the life cycle of products and with the impact that a particular product has globally on natural systems and human society.
The concept of waste has driven consumerism to new levels. Products and materials can be made out of the cheapest material that meets performance requirements and boosts profits. Products are not made to be reused, recycled, or re-purposed. Instead today's products are manufactured to become waste. Why don't we hold our industries to a higher standard? Personally I will pay more for most products that are of better quality, and provide added value such that I can repair and reuse if the product breaks. And what about the local economy, and creating jobs and invigorating small businesses? And what about the connection that local economy makes with the local environment? Does it not drive a certain level of community scale conservation of resources?
The same could be said for the packaging. But why is packaging even necessary? Perhaps because products are shipped nationally and globally. But what if products were manufactured locally and sold locally? Would we require packaging? What would be the implications of local policy that set guidelines for landfill free communities? Would industries respond to provide packaging that could be recycled, composted, or reused within a community?
Industries will respond to what consumers demand, if they do not, they will not be in business very long. What are we waiting for? What are the implications of reducing and diverting wastes from our waste stream?
Are we that far away from developing landfill free communities? Will we be able to shift our habits and value our perceived wastes as valuable resources?