Overpopulation And Man-Made Waste

[Chris Lewer]

Mankind currently produces 2 billion tonnes of waste each year. And according to a recent report by The World Bank, if current industrialisation and urbanisation trends continue, that figure will increase by a further 70% by 2050.

Is it really possible to reduce waste as the world’s population continues to grow?

[Freebird]

I very much doubt it. Putting recyclable rubbish in your green bin may make you feel like you’re taking responsibility, but if you have 3 or 4 children, then you’re part of the problem, not the solution. More people, more waste. It’s simple mathematics!

[Ripley]

I have friends in North Queensland and in their town recycling waste is just put on the local landfill along with the general waste. They are actually provided with a separate bin for recycling, but the local council doesn’t yet have a recycling facility, so dumps everything in one place. I suspect this is not unusual. But yes, less people and you have less waste to worry about.

[Kora]

Waste won’t reduce while the population continues to grow. Or even if it remains the same. We need to see a steady decline in the world population. Less people will consume less and if we consume less, there will be less waste. It really is that simple.

[Author]

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