Transcript Reduced Waste - Inova Health System

Reduced Waste
Did you know that America’s
number one export is… garbage?
Americans make up only five percent of the world’s
population, but produce almost a quarter of its trash.
Much of this waste ends up in landfills and the ocean,
creating a variety of environmental and health issues.
Landfills. Even the best-run landfills generate
harmful air emissions that reduce air quality and
lead to the formation of harmful smog. They
also have the potential to leach liquids and toxins
into the ground and water supplies.
Incineration. The burning of waste releases
pollutants into the environment. Some of these
pollutants are highly toxic and can cause health
problems including cancer, immune system
damage, reproductive and developmental
problems, and motor, sensory and cognitive
function impairment. Many incinerators use
pollution control equipment to remove pollutants
from the air, but this only moves these toxins from
one medium (air) to another (solids or water)
rather than eliminating them completely.
Pollution. Often waste enters the environment as
litter. A disproportionate amount of this litter makes
its way to the world’s poorest regions, who are
least-equipped to manage it responsibly. As a
result, the chemicals contained in this waste
contaminate the environment and the humans
living in it. Litter also harms the health of the
delicate marine ecosystems that form the base of
our food chain.
Share your action for your
chance to win!
Text “JUSTONEACTION” and
your action to 22333
Share online at
www.pollev.com/JustOne
Recommended JustOne Actions
Recycle ◊ Print Double-Sided ◊ Refill a Bottle
Bring a Reusable Tote ◊ Compost Food & Yard Waste
Buy Recyclable Products ◊ Invest in Reusable Dishes
“Reduced Waste”
Resources
Information
•
•
http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2012/06/04/how-americas-trashbecame-a-worldwide-problem-an-interview-with-garbology-authoredward-humes/
http://www.no-burn.org/downloads/Waste%20Incineration%20%20A%20Dying%20Technology.pdf
Photos
•
•
•
•
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/ABAFtC_2HRo/UC6bar_S6yI/AAAAAAAABFI/Vq4m3OdG41s/s1600/0
81712_garbage.jpg
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/imgget2/I00006Wu46u3.jNo/fit=1000x1000/full-trash-can001.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/935VNbY3rgw/TkAor94__II/AAAAAAAAAGE/xpL7HOzlvM0/s1600/G
arbage+Collectors.jpg
http://coastalcare.org/wpcontent/images/issues/pollution/plastic/Seabed-pollution.jpg
Questions? Comments? Email [email protected].