EVS - Unit 2 - Waste Management and Ecolabelling PDF

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES USCHE0101S WASTE MANAGEMENT  A waste management system or waste disposal is a streamlined process that organizations use to dispose of, reduce, reuse, and prevent waste. It is also an approach where compan...

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES USCHE0101S WASTE MANAGEMENT  A waste management system or waste disposal is a streamlined process that organizations use to dispose of, reduce, reuse, and prevent waste. It is also an approach where companies implement comprehensive strategies to efficiently manage wastes from their origin until their final disposal. Possible waste disposal methods are recycling, composting, incineration, landfills, bioremediation, waste to energy, and waste minimization. As for waste management, it is the measures utilized to manage waste in its entire life cycle, from waste generation to disposal or recovery. Presentation title 3 Presentation title 4 Presentation title 5 Presentation title 6   REDUCE As you can likely deduce from its being the first of the three R’s, reducing is the best way to go about managing solid waste. It’s quite simple really, the less you use the less waste you will produce. This R causes the most unease in consumers because we tend to think we need to cut back on everything or we won’t be making an impact This is not the case, though. By just doing a few things to cut back you can noticeably reduce your waste without totally altering your lifestyle. You could do this by several ways. Presentation title 7  Buying products with less packaging. Did you know that 30% of the waste in our landfills comes from product packaging? When shopping for items choose the ones in just one bog or bag as opposed to those that are double and triple packaged. Buying products in bulk. By buying more of the same item all at once you reduce the overall amount of packaging you will encounter. Try to stay away from disposable goods. In particular, paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils. Buy durable goods. Especially when making a big purchase look into the history and reviews of the item you are buying. By buying something that will last you help to make sure wastes will stay out of landfills for longer. Presentation title 8  The Reduce process starts with reconsidering what you will use. Here are some things you can do to reduce waste or Reduce:  Print on both sides of the paper to reduce paper wastage.  Use email as an alternative to sending paper letters.  Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels.  Avoid using disposable plates, spoons, cups, cups and tissue. Because, The amount of single-use plastic waste is very large.  Avoid buying items that are over-packaged with foil, paper, and plastic. This over-packaging will go to waste.  Buy durable goods that have a year's warranty to reduce landfill waste.  Use refillable ink pens instead of buying pens in bulk.  Buy a multifunctional product that does many different types of work in one product.  If you don't use anything for a long time, give it to someone else so it doesn't go to waste. Presentation title 9   REUSE The second R is for reuse. This one is becoming more and more popular with the surge of upcycling and craft projects all over the web. If you reuse something as opposed to throwing it away you keep waste out of landfills and create something new. Learning to reuse old items is very important in waste management. In the construction sector, the concept of reuse is also quite popular. Where, there are a number of offices or startups that use used containers as workspaces. Semi-truck-sized metal containers such as containers are a waste problem that takes up space. If we can reuse them as homes, offices, or even shops and places of business, then landfills don't need to spend the resources to melt metal and make new containers. Presentation title 10  Don’t automatically throw away items that are broken, several can be reused and turned into great new things! Use sealable containers rather than plastic wrap. Invest in some reusable shopping bags or bring old plastic ones with you to the store. Look into upcycling ideas for common household items, many have alternate uses you may never have thought about. Embrace hand-me-downs. As a younger sibling I can understand wanting clothes of your own but if you have kids of similar ages try to supplement wardrobes with some hand-me-downs as well. Another option is to shop second hand stores or consignment shops. That way the items will be totally new to you while still helping to reuse someone else’s potential waste. Presentation title 11  Here are some things you can follow to reuse old items or Reuse. The snack jars can be reused to store sugar, tea, coffee or stationery to make the house look tidy. Used tires can be reused to make tire swings or garden stool chairs. Used wood can be used for wood crafts and firewood. Old newspapers can be reused to pack things when moving. Waste paper can be used to sketch pictures or paper pulp. Old jeans or t-shirts can be reused as a tote bag or cleaning cloth. Donate things you don't use to others in need. For example books, clothes, bags, and others. Create unused used items into other items such as wall hangings, or anything else so that they can be used further. Presentation title 12   RECYCLE The final, and probably the best known, R stands for recycling. As you probably know, recycling is the process of remanufacturing a product to be sold as new. Along with the basics of paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard there are tons of items which can be recycled that you may not even realize. And remember, recycling only works if you complete the process by buying recycled materials. Start recycling today by doing any of the following: Check with your municipal garbage company to see if they have a recycling option as well. This can help make recycling even easier. Check with local recycling facilities to see what items they accept. Start an office recycling program. Presentation title 13  Buy recyclable products such as paper, glass, aluminum, plastic, etc., to use at home, in the office, or at school. For example, certain plastic bottles have a recycling symbol on the bottom of the product to indicate whether the product is recyclable or not. Separate waste that can be recycled and what is not. Thus, it is easier to classify in waste management. Avoid buying products with hazardous chemicals so that they are not toxic when recycled. Use recycled paper to print or make paper crafts. Presentation title 14  BENEFITS OF 3R’s FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT Could reduce carbon emissions and prevent water and soil pollution. Therefore, the amount of waste that is thrown into the environment can be reduced. Prevent the practice of burning waste that causes smoke and air pollution. Reduce Reuse Recycle can support more efficient use of resources. Contribute to consumption sustainable energy because resources are used efficiently. Presentation title 15  BENEFITS OF 3R’s FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT Support the development of green technology , namely creating clean waste management and reducing the impact of climate change. Increase the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, etc. Reduce Reuse Recycle save energy and resources to improve people's economy. It is very important to understand and apply the concept of Reduce Reuse Recycle to manage waste. Starting with educating ourselves, family, and children so that we can get used to practicing Reduce Reuse Recycle in everyday life. Presentation title 16 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT  SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT The term solid waste management mainly refers to the complete process of collecting, treating and disposing of solid wastes. In the waste management process, the wastes are collected from different sources and are disposed of. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste. It needs to be monitored so that strict regulations and guidelines are followed. Presentation title 18  Solid waste is a non-liquid, non-soluble material ranging from municipal garbage to industrial waste that sometimes contains complex and hazardous substances. It includes domestic waste, sanitary waste, commercial waste, institutional waste, catering and market waste, bio-medical waste, and e-waste. Several tonnes of garbage are left uncollected on the streets of most developing cities each day. It acts as a breeding ground for pests that spread disease, obstruct the sewers, and cause other infrastructural issues. India produces 277.1 million tonnes of solid waste every year, which is likely to touch 387.8 million tonnes in 2030 and 543.3 million tonnes by 2050 due to ‘rapid urbanisation, population growth, and economic development.’ Presentation title 19  SOURCES OF SOLID WASTE Solid domestic garbage from residential areas, commercial areas and institutions Solid waste material from various industries. Solid agricultural waste. Plastics, glass, metals, e-waste, etc. Biomedical waste. Construction waste, sewage sludge Presentation title 20 Presentation title 21  DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE An integrated waste management strategy includes three main components: 1. Source reduction 2. Recycling 3. Disposal Waste segregation and Disposal Presentation title 22  TYPES OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT LANDFILL: It involves burying the waste in vacant locations around the city. The dumping site should be covered with soil to prevent contamination. In a sanitary landfill, garbage is spread out in thin layers, compacted and covered with clay or plastic foam. In the modern landfills the bottom is covered with an impermeable liner, usually several layers of clay, thick plastic and sand. The liner protects the ground water from being contaminated due to percolation of leachate. Leachate from bottom is pumped and sent for treatment. Presentation title 23  When landfill is full it is covered with clay, sand, gravel and top soil to prevent seepage of water. Several wells are drilled near the landfill site to monitor if any leakage is contaminating ground water. Methane produced by anaerobic decomposition is collected and burnt to produce electricity or heat. Benefits: A sanitary disposal method if managed effectively. Limitations: A reasonably large area is required. Presentation title 24  TYPES OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Incineration: It is the controlled oxidation (burning/thermal treatment) of mostly organic compounds at high temperatures (around 900°C) to produce thermal energy, CO2, and water. The required heat comes from oxidation of organically bound carbon and hydrogen present in the waste material or the added fuel. During incineration high levels of dioxins, furans, lead and cadmium may be emitted with the fly ash of incinerator. Dioxin level may reach many times more than in the ambient environment. Presentation title 25  For incineration of materials, it is better to remove batteries containing heavy metals and plastic containing chlorine before burning the material. Prior removal of plastics will reduce emissions of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Benefits: Burning significantly reduces the volume of combustible waste. Limitations: Smoke and fire hazards may exist. This process includes collection, transportation, treatment, analysis and disposal of waste. It needs to be monitored so that strict regulations and guidelines are followed. Presentation title 26  TYPES OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Composting: It is a natural process of recycling organic matter like leaves and food scraps into beneficial fertilizers that can benefit both soil and plants. A good quality nutrient rich and environmental friendly manure is formed which improves the soil conditions and fertility. Due to shortage of space for landfill in bigger cities, the biodegradable yard waste (kept separate from the municipal waste) is allowed to degrade or decompose in an oxygen rich medium. Benefits: It is beneficial for crops and is an environment-friendly method. Limitations: Requires high-skilled labour for large-scale operation. Presentation title 27  TYPES OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Recycling: It is a process of converting waste material into new material. Examples: wood recycling, paper recycling, and glass recycling. Some instances include the following: Formation of some old type products e.g. old aluminium cans and glass bottles are melted and recast into new cans and bottles. Formation of new products: Preparation of cellulose insulation from paper, preparation of fuel pellets from kitchen waste. Preparation of automobiles and construction materials from steel cans. Presentation title 28  Benefits: It is environment-friendly. The process of reducing, reusing and recycling saves money, energy, raw materials, land space and also reduces pollution. Recycling of paper will reduce cutting of trees for making fresh paper. Reuse of metals will reduce mining and melting of ores for recovery of metals from ores and prevent pollution Limitations: It is expensive to set up and not reliable in case of an emergency. Presentation title 29  TYPES OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting is a bio-conversion technique that is commonly used to handle solid waste. Earthworms feed on organic waste to reproduce and multiply in number, vermicompost, and vermiwash as products in this bio- conversion process. Benefits: It reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and enhances plant growth. Limitations: It is time-consuming, cost-ineffective, and requires extra care. Presentation title 30 Presentation title 31 ECOLABELING AND ECOMARK SCHEME  ECOLABELING Ecolabelling is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification and labelling that is practised around the world. An ecolabel identifies products or services proven to be environmentally preferable within a specific category. In contrast to "green" symbols, or claim statements developed by manufacturers and service providers, the most credible labels are awarded by an impartial third party for specific products or services that have been independently determined to meet transparent environmental leadership criteria, based on life-cycle considerations. Presentation title 33  When developing ecolabel criteria (standards for products), the focus is on the stages where the product has the highest environmental impact, and this differs from product to product. Taking a look at textiles, for instance, fabrics have strong environmental impacts when they are dyed, printed and bleached. So, experts have designed the criteria for textiles in order to make sure harm at the manufacturing stage is reduced as much as possible. For other products such as detergents, the substances that go into the products are one of the key priority areas. Presentation title 34  Other products, such as electronic equipment, have a very high environmental impact during their use phase, so criteria will focus on the efficiency of their energy consumption. In addition, product-specific criteria ensure that any product bearing the ecolabel is of good quality with high performance. Criteria are developed and revised in a transparent way by a group of experts and stakeholders. Presentation title 35  TYPES OF ECOLABELS The International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) has identified three broad types of voluntary labels, with ecolabelling fitting under the strongest Type I designation. Type I: a voluntary, multiple-criteria based, third party program that awards a license that authorises the use of environmental labels on products indicating overall environmental preferability of a product within a particular product category based on life cycle considerations Presentation title 36  TYPES OF ECOLABELS Type II: informative environmental self-declaration claims Type III: voluntary programs that provide quantified environmental data of a product, under pre-set categories of parameters set by a qualified third party and based on life cycle assessment, and verified by that or another qualified third party. Presentation title 37  HOW ARE ECOLABELS DIFFERENT Standard criteria must:  be developed in a transparent process open to the public  address multiple key environmental and health impacts over the product life cycle  be attainable, verifiable and measurable  consider the performance of the product  be published and available for inspection by anyone  be updated regularly to represent environmental leadership Presentation title 38  ECOMARK  Eco Mark, also known as Eco Label, is a symbol applied to ecologically friendly products complying with the requirements of the Eco Mark Scheme.  The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) implements the Eco Mark Scheme under the BIS Act, 1986.  It provides the criteria eligible, assesses and certifies the products for which a manufacturer can use the Eco Mark Presentation title 39  What is an ECO-MARK scheme?  The government (Ministry of Environment and Forests) launched the Eco-labelling Scheme known as the Eco Mark Scheme in 1991 to identify environment-friendly products.  It is a voluntary mark labelling consumer products as environment- friendly based on specific quality and environmental parameters.  A product made, disposed of or used to reduce environmental harm significantly is considered environment-friendly.  These products have less potential for pollution during their life cycle, i.e. raw material, use, manufacture, and disposal. Presentation title 40   The Eco Mark Scheme applies to all products, including household and commercial products introduced in the market. Any industrialists and commercialists can apply to the BIS for an Eco Mark license.  The criteria follows a cradle-to-grave approach, i.e. from raw material extraction, to manufacturing, and to disposal.  The 'Ecomark' label is awarded to consumer goods which meet the specified environmental criteria and the quality requirements of Indian Standards. Any product with the Ecomark will be the right environmental choice. Presentation title 41  OBJECTIVES  To provide incentives for importers and manufacturers to reduce the adverse environmental impact of products.  To reward companies for their initiatives taken under this scheme.  To provide information to consumers, take account of environmental factors in their purchase decisions and become environmentally responsible in their daily lives.  To encourage citizens to purchase products with less harmful environmental impacts  To promote the sustainable management of resources and improve the quality of the environment. Presentation title 42  ECOMARK PRODUCTS LIST IN INDIA The Eco Mark Scheme covers the below 16 product categories: Soaps and detergents Cosmetics Food items Plastic products Paints Fire-extinguisher Lubricating oils Textiles Electrical and electronic goods Leather Batteries Food Additives Wood substitutes Architectural paints and powder coatings Aerosols and propellants Packing or packaging materials Presentation title 43  ECOMARK SYMBOL / LOGO  An earthen pot is the logo of the Eco Mark, signifying the usage of renewable resources, like clay, which consumes less energy and does not have hazardous waste.  It represents the strength and fragility which characterises the ecosystem.  An Eco Mark signifies that a product is the right environmental choice product.  The Eco Mark and ISI mark on a product indicates that the product meets the environmental criteria and quality requirements specified in the relevant Indian Standards. Presentation title 44  The combination of the Eco logo and ISI mark is given below: Presentation title 45  ECOMARK CERTIFICATE AND LICENSING Manufacturers will have to apply for an ECOMARK label for testing and certification. BIS will carry out the necessary testing and certification process. Once the product gets a label, it can carry the ECOMARK label for a prescribed time period after which it will have to apply again for a renewed license to carry the mark. The minimum period for which the award is given is one year. The award may be withdrawn by the BIS if they find any misleading information. It can also withdraw the award in case of technology advancement or any other valid reason. Presentation title 46  CRITERIA FOR ECOMARK Manufacturers should ensure that the product qualifies the criteria as per Indian Standards before applying to BIS for Eco Mark certification. BIS will assess the products for certification based on the following environmental impact factors: The product has substantially less potential for pollution compared to similar products in terms of production, usage and disposal. The product is made of recyclable, recycled or biodegradable materials. The product creates a significant contribution towards the preservation of non-renewable resources. The product’s use must contribute to a decrease in the environmental impact. Presentation title 47  CRITERIA BY BIS BIS will consider the following criteria while determining if the product is eligible under the Eco Mark Scheme:  Process of production, including the source of raw materials  The potential impact of the resources on the environment  Natural resources utilised by the manufacturers  Amount of biological waste emanating out of the product and their likely effects  Amount of energy consumed while producing the product Presentation title 48  CRITERIA BY BIS  Disposal aspects related to the product, product container and other requirements  Sustainability of the product for recycling or packaging during one life cycle  Biodegradability of the product Presentation title 49  BENEFITS OF ECOMARK  Compliance BIS has made specific compliance standards for improving and maintaining product values and authenticity towards the environment. When a product has Eco Mark, it ensures to the consumers that the manufacturer is maintaining and complying with the standards of BIS, making the product safe to buy. Presentation title 50  BENEFITS OF ECOMARK  Promoting Efficiency A manufacturer must fulfil the environmental-friendly standards to get the Eco Mark label. Thus, when the products meet these standards, it promotes sustainable development and efficiency at every level. Presentation title 51  BENEFITS OF ECOMARK  Increasing Consumer Awareness When a product has the Eco Mark, consumers would be aware that the manufacturer maintains environmentally-friendly standards. It will help create awareness amongst consumers to choose products with the Eco Mark and cause less environmental harm. BIS allows using Eco Mark on products upon application and fee payment. However, before granting the Eco Mark license, the respective authorities will inspect and take samples of the products for analysis and check if they conform with the Eco Mark criteria. A product containing the Eco Mark causes less environmental harm and encourages consumers to buy these products to help maintain and sustain the environment. Presentation title 52