What India could learn from Sweden(they just ran out of the trash for recycling)?
Karan Thakkar
Your Sustainability Partner, Recycler, Shaping Indias E-Waste Management, Circular Economy Scenario
Sweden, the Scandinavian country known for its excellent quality of living, education, equality and prosperity, has recently come into the international light for running out of trash! The country that recycled most of its waste and turns it into energy observes less that 1% trash going into landfills. They have resorted to importing from other countries, like Norway and England. Obviously, running out of garbage is a good thing for Sweden, why would they import from other countries? The answer to that lies in the extremely sophisticated method of energy production that Sweden relies on.
Sweden lies in one of the coldest regions of Europe, and to battle this cold, the government uses waste to heat homes. The waste that is collected in Sweden is divided into two categories. Most of the waste is recycled and the rest is sent to landfills where it is turned into energy to heat homes during the cold winters. The country makes minimum use of fossil fuels, opting for renewable energy production methods instead. The country uses highly advanced techniques to ensure that they make the best use of all their waste.
Flying from Sweden to India, let us take a look at our own surroundings. India produces at least 150 tons of garbage in a single day, a majority of which comes from urban dwellings. More than 75% of this waste is sent to landfills where it rots, releasing toxins into the soil, air, and water. India has used the 'bury and forget' approach for its garbage for years. It is, however, getting back to bite us. The stench from landfills, the toxins, that leak into water bodies are all causing problems. The waste that we produce includes mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead and PVC, all of which are extremely harmful to us.
It all starts with being well aware of the different types of waste and the correct method of disposal for each item. Sweden put in the time to educate all their citizens, which is why they have reached a point of minimum garbage production. We could definitely learn a lesson from them if we embrace and follow some of their strategies.
Keep Recycling !!!!
Sources:
https://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/what-we-can-learn-from-sweden-about-recycling-trash/