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EEnnvviirroonnmmeenntt PPrreesseerrvvaattiioonn Saving the Earth from the wastes of mankind is a long and winding road. This is why recycling plays a crucial role in ensuring the ongoing preservation, conservation and maintenance of the environment. By recycling, there would be lesser need to cut down trees, along with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, which intensify abrupt climate change.

Based on the data of National Waste Reporting 2013, Australians increased their recycling efforts from 21.4 million tonnes to 27.3 million tonnes per year between 2007 an 2011. They also have increased the amount of waste they convert to energy from about 1.32 million tonnes to 1.52 million tonnes per year. Environment Minister Hon. Greg Hunt MP, however, notes that there is still work to do in diverting waste from landfill, and a range of benefits from re-using waste material.

Organic Recycling A number of households have been engaging in organic recycling. This type of recycling can be done in three different ways, such as using compostable bags and kitchen caddy, wrapping waste in newspaper, and placing them in green organics bins.

Placing Inside Green Organics Bin

Placing food scraps and garden organics in the green bin diverts organic matter from landfill. They are professionally processed into compost-based products, such as top dressing soils and soil conditioners.

Materials that can be placed in the green organics bin are the following:

Lawn clippings, prunings, small branches, twigs, leaves and weeds

Fruit and vegetable scarp, cake, takeaway foods, bread, teabags and coffee grounds

Meat scraps, bones (cooked and raw), eggshells, oyster shells and seafood

Pizza boxes, shredded paper, tissues and paper towels

Cheese and yoghurt

Using Compostable Bags and Newspapers

Individuals can dispose garbage and wastes by using compostable bags, which are designed to decay in a commercial composting facility with high temperatures. They may, however, take longer periods in decomposing in a home composting system. If these are unavailable, kitchen caddies and newspapers can be used for organic recycling. By wrapping in newspapers, wastes are to decompose safely with a biodegradable material that breaks down into compounds that are normally found in nature.

Benefits of Organic Recycling

There would be reduced wastes going to landfills, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and lower waste management costs. An increase in local renewable energy sources and local “green-collar” jobs can occur by engaging in organic recycling. In addition, high-end organic fertilisers for growing local food can be produced through organic recycling. Continuing environment preservation can significantly impact the environment. Through organic recycling, there would be greener communities and environment preservation.

Sources: http://www.compostinghome.com.au/

http://www.zerowaste.sa.gov.au/upload/at-home/fact-sheets-for-home-users/ZER0148_ZeroWaste%20Green%20Waste%20Fact%20Sheet_v7.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/ec92550b-d1e8-4f93-994e-caebd7d38c4a/files/organics-

recycling-2011.pdf