Zero Waste Scheme: A better choice for a better tomorrow

Zero waste scheme and incineration are two different waste disposal methods widely adopted worldwide, including Malaysia.

Incineration disposes of waste by means of burning. Trash collected from residential areas and industrial districts are dumped into incinerators and burned. This is an easy yet efficient way of elimination waste as there is no need for segregation of waste types and properties. However, incineration process produces toxic by-products such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide gases. These air pollutants are released to the atmosphere which further worsens the air quality. Also, incineration requires energy resources such as fuel and electricity to heat up the furnace to as high as 1200°C. A large amount of natural resources are wasted each year to dispose of the waste generated by society daily.

On the other hand, the zero waste scheme adopts a slightly different strategy in handling waste. Most of the waste collected is recycled or reused for other purposes. Waste is separated into three main categories by end users. No extra cost is involved for the pre-processing work. Also, the zero waste generates less harmful by-products but more usable outputs such as organic fertilizers and pesticides. Moreover, resources are retained within the system and regenerated in new forms. We no longer require more energy resources for waste management.

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In my opinion, the zero scheme is a better choice of waste disposal method for my home country Malaysia. Malaysia has recently announced the sectors which use fuel and electricity as the main contributor to air pollution and climate change in Malaysia. By adopting the zero waste scheme, Malaysia can be made a greener country to stay in.

Approach to climate change - Malaysia & U.S.

According to the national policy, Malaysia adopts a “precautionary principle” policy that allows justified actions to mitigate climate change, even though there is presence of scientific uncertainties. The energy sector in Malaysia has been identified as the major contribution (within Malaysia) of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. One of the strategies adopted by the government is to make known hydro power and gas as the primary energy sources to reduce the heavy dependence on oil. Besides that, “Guidelines for energy efficiency in Buildings” has been introduced to set minimum standards for energy conservation in the design of new buildings. Lastly, campaigns and programmes are implemented by government agencies to promote energy efficiency, recycling and use of public transport.

On the other hand, the United States has adopted another approach to deal with climate change. George Bush has addressed a proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that does not compromise economic growth, which is to develop advanced clean energy technologies. Till date, the U.S. has funded $18 billion on research, development and promotion of clean and highly efficient energy technologies. The new generation of technology will run on sustainable bio-fuels like cellulosic ethanol, which is made from agricultural wastes. In addition, the U.S. is expected to operate the world’s first zero emissions coal-fired energy plant in near future.

Be it a developing or a developed country, we should all do our parts in fighting against global climate change. Together, we can make our Earth a better place to live.