Organic Waste Disposal Issue

In recent years, the world has witnessed numerous major disasters caused by extreme weather events. In the past, people relied on organic fertilizers to cultivate farmland, which helped maintain the organic matter in the soil. However, with the ever-growing demand for food, humans have been extensively extracting organic matter from the soil through continuous cycles of planting and harvesting. This excessive extraction has led to a decline in organic matter levels in the soil, which can have negative impacts on soil fertility and overall agricultural sustainability.

The combination of chemical fertilizer invention and the discontinuation of organic fertilizer usage has led to a significant decrease in the return of organic matter to the soil. As a consequence, soil degradation and even desertification have become prominent issues. The image below illustrates the widespread human-induced soil degradation occurring around the world.

#The most serious desertification area is Asia, and this have connected greatly with the frequency of natural disasters 。

What is the impact of organic waste disposal on the human body?

Research indicates that

According to a recent study conducted by UC Berkeley in the United States, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers has been found to significantly contribute to the increase of greenhouse gases, potentially being one of the main factors responsible for global warming. This phenomenon not only affects the environment but also has a profound impact on human beings.

The most serious impact on our humanity is—Food Safety

When the soil lacks organic matter, the health of crops can be negatively affected. This often leads to increased reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides for cultivation. However, excessive use of these chemicals can have detrimental effects. Residues of chemical fertilizers and pesticides may remain on food, and long-term consumption of these toxins can accumulate in the body and contribute to various diseases.

While nitrate in nitrogen fertilizer is generally considered non-toxic, it can be converted to nitrites in the acidic environment of the stomach through bacterial metabolism. Excessive nitrite levels can interfere with the oxygen-carrying function of the blood and have been linked to the development of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and bladder cancer.

Therefore, it is important to strike a balance in agricultural practices, considering both the need for crop health and the potential risks associated with the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Why I didnt know about this before?

The neglect of the relationship between organic matter and nature in our education, as well as the lack of attention from governments and media, have contributed to the ongoing ignorance regarding the management of organic waste.

One of the reasons governments tend to ignore the management of organic waste is because it is not as visibly noticeable compared to other types of waste. Illegal disposal or mismanagement of organic waste may go unnoticed by the general public, leading to a lack of urgency in addressing the issue.

Furthermore, many local governments choose to handle organic waste through incineration or direct landfilling, rather than seeking proper treatment methods. This may be due to various factors, such as cost considerations, limited awareness of alternative solutions, or a lack of infrastructure for effective organic waste management.

To address this issue, it is crucial for governments to prioritize the management of organic waste, educate the public about its significance, and invest in sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management practices. By doing so, we can minimize the negative impacts of organic waste on the environment and promote a more sustainable future.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *