Reducing hazardous waste can help create a healthier environment
Hazardous waste refers to waste that can cause corrosion, is chemically unstable and contains a large amount of toxins. Such waste material cannot be disposed of in the normal way as other household trash, as it could cause damage to people, animals and the environment. Every home in one way or another generates a certain amount of hazardous waste. When waste from several homes piles up, its effects could be catastrophic. It’s therefore important for homes to reduce the production of hazardous waste. One way to do so is by avoiding using commercial domestic cleaners. Chemically produced laundry detergents, dishwashing soap, home cleaning detergents, and toilet cleaners are some of the biggest culprits for excessive generation of hazardous waste in the home. You can substitute such chemicals with products such vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, natural soaps and borax. These products are efficient for cleaning dishes, cleaning the home and even for doing laundry, without the added danger of adding chemicals to the environment.
Materials used in home construction also contribute to increased hazardous waste in the home. For instance, if you use oil paint in your home, you will need to use thinners. Both oil paint and oil thinners are harmful to the environment. Another example is the use of building material containing asbestos. When such material wears out, the asbestos starts to seep into the environment. If you notice signs of wear in areas such as the attic or walls, find a company for asbestos removal to conduct safe removal of any asbestos that could have leaked in the walls and attic. Additionally, products that are used for house maintenance, such as floor polish, contain toxic chemicals. A combination of natural oils and natural ingredients such as lemon and vinegar can be used as a replacement for floor and furniture polish. As well, to polish metals, you can use baking soda or a mixture of salt and vinegar.
You can also contribute to less production of hazardous waste by using compost manure. Organic waste from your kitchen is good for creating compost. Natural compost will effectively nourish your vegetable garden without poisoning your environment. You also poison yourself when you use chemical fertilisers, because you will end up ingesting the fertiliser through your food. Additionally, the containers that chemical fertilisers are sold in pollute the environment further when they end up in landfills. Using pesticides is another way that you could be contributing to environmental pollution. You can minimise how much pesticide you use by planning plant varieties that are disease resistant. You can also rely on natural pesticides such as garlic. Natural ingredients such as garlic and onion can be combined with water to make natural pesticides that are effective. Lastly, you always have to ensure that you safely dispose of all the hazardous waste produced in your home. If you don’t have bins for disposing toxic waste, you can contact a company that specialises in the disposal of toxic waste and wastewater treatment and they will recommend ways for safe disposal of hazardous waste.
