Recycling of Materials and Reduction of Waste
2018
Reuse and recycling of different important resources is becoming increasingly essential due to several factors triggered mainly by population explosion and modern lifestyle, increasingly exploiting world’s natural resources
such as materials, land, water, and energy. Used resources usually turn
into waste. Earlier, mother earth had enough space and capacity to accommodate or recycle such wastes, generated by a smaller population with
a “lower” lifestyle. Natural recycling is at its best in the water cycle of
nature, now pushed to the point of breakdown by unforeseen problems
such as global warming. So, we propose to extend existing advice of 3
Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) to 4 Rs (Restore, Reduce, Reuse, and
Recycle), stressing the need to Restore natural recycling processes. For
example, in addition to highly needed artificial recycling or purification of
water, serious efforts must be made to preserve and restore nature’s water
cycle. Some priority steps for these 4 Rs have been explored. However,
implementation of the concepts through public initiative and government laws is as important as the development of recycling technologies
that are economically viable and safe. Here, we look for a solution to the
health hazards of ship breaking and recycling of some electronic items and
batteries. Fuels burnt in industry and transport sectors generate pollution
and green house gases (GHGs). Increased global warming due to GHGs
has endangered water cycle of nature threatening life on earth. Planting
more trees, developing green technologies and banking on green energy
sources including nuclear power are discussed as best possible ways to
combat global warming and pollution. Recycling of spent nuclear fuel and
thorium fuel cycle are discussed as long term solution to growing energy
need of India and the rest of the world.
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