Waste serious problems.

In the UK much is buried in landfill sites – holes in

The old saying out of sight, out of mind definitely does not apply when the ground, sometimes old quarries, sometimes specially dug. Some

it comes to getting rid of personal waste. waste will eventually rot, but not all, and in the process it may smell or

For many people, though, sending old items including electronics made generate methane gas, which is explosive and contributes to the

with potentially harmful metals to the garbage bin is done without greenhouse effect. Leachate produced as waste decomposes may cause

thought for what impact the trash will have on the environment. pollution. Badly-managed landfill sites may attract vermin or cause

Here at Gorilla Bins, we dispose of waste in an environmentally friendly litter.

manner by separating and sorting out recyclable materials like paper, Incinerating waste also causes problems, because plastics tend to

cardboard, metals and wood after receiving a delivery. produce toxic substances, such as dioxins, when they are burnt. Gases

And we do this for a reason. from incineration may cause air pollution and contribute to acid rain,

Garbage, though unseen, can have real impacts on the environment while the ash from incinerators may contain heavy metals and other

when it is not properly disposed of. toxins. Because of these problems there are active campaigns against

Chemicals contaminating soil waste incineration. Greenpeace actively worked on these issues and

When waste ends up at the landfill, chemicals in the trash can leech out some information, including a map of UK waste incinerators, can be

into the soil, contaminating it. This will hurt plants, along with animals found by searching the Greenpeace website for waste incineration.

and even humans who come into contact with the soil. However, burning waste can generate energy and there are operational

Once polluted, contaminated soil can be very hard to clean, and will schemes. The Renewable Energy Association website provides more

likely have to be dug up to clear the area. information including a map of biomass and energy from waste

Surface water projects.

Chemicals don’t just run from garbage into the soil. They can also reach Throwing away things wastes resources. It wastes the raw materials and

nearby surface water, such as rivers and lakes. This will change the energy used in making the items and it wastes money. Reducing

levels of chemicals in the water for the worse. The result? The waste means less environmental impact, less resources and energy used

ecosystems such as fish habitats in the water get hurt, as do any and saves money.

creatures that drink from the water source. Not good.

Air pollution

Garbage can create air pollution due to gasses and chemicals

evaporating from the waste. This air pollution can occur in open-air

dumps, where a lot of our waste and electronic trash goes, and through

incinerators used at garbage disposal sites. The air pollution from

incineration can be so bad, in fact, that it can even release toxic

substances that can contribute to acid rain.

Other garbage will release methane as it wastes away, and methane is

one of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming – and

can also be ignited to cause an explosion. Water

Remember, much of our stuff these days is made with chemicals. These The increasing demands placed on the global water supply threaten

chemicals don’t just disappear when they end up in the dump – they biodiversity and the supply of water for food production and other vital

will continue to exist and cause environmental problems for a long human needs. Water shortages already exist in many regions, with more

time. Getting rid of your trash in an environmentally sustainable way is than one billion people without adequate drinking water. In addition,

one of the best things we can do for the earth! 90% of the infectious diseases in developing countries are transmitted

Disposing of waste has huge environmental impacts and can cause from polluted water. Agriculture consumes about 70% of fresh water
worldwide; for example, approximately 1000 liters (L) of water are

required to produce 1 kilogram (kg) of cereal grain, and 43,000 L to

produce 1 kg of beef. New water supplies are likely to result from

conservation, recycling, and improved water-use efficiency rather than

from large development projects.

Effects of climate and environmental change on water availability

Estimates of water resources and their future availability can only be

based on present world climate patterns. The continued loss of forests

and other vegetation and the accumulation of carbon dioxide, methane

gas, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere are projected to lead to global

climate change. Over time, such changes may alter precipitation and Emissions

temperature patterns throughout the world (Downing and Parry Air pollutants are substances that adversely affect the environment by

1994, IPCC 2002). With major shifts in water availability, future interfering with climate, the physiology of plants, animal species, entire

agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, and diverse human activities will be ecosystems, as well as with human property in the form of agricultural

affected. For example, if California experiences a 50% decrease in crops or man-made structures. We list climate at the top of the list to

mountain snowpack because of global warming, as projected (Knowles reflect the fact that global climate change has been recognized as one of

and Cayan 2002), this will change both the timing and intensity of the most important environmental challenges to be faced by humanity

seasonal surface water flow (Pimentel et al. 2004). In contrast, Canada in the 21st century. In this context certain climate forcing agents—the most

might benefit from the extended growing seasons caused by global important one being carbon dioxide—which otherwise cause no harm

warming, but even this region eventually could face water shortages to living organisms, should be added to the list of “classic” pollutants,

(Parry and Carter 1989, IPCC 2002). If, as projected, the annual along with such compounds as oxides of nitrogen or sulfur. On the

temperatures in the US Corn Belt rise by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius, rainfall other hand, climate research has linked certain compounds long

may decline by about 10% (Myers and Kent 2001), and evaporation recognized as air pollutants (for instance black carbon) to the warming

rates from the soil may increase, limiting corn production in the future of climate, thus providing one more reason for their control.

(Pimentel et al. 2004). Air pollutants can originate from natural or anthropogenic (man-made)

The predicted global warming, along with increased human food sources, or both. Examples of natural sources of pollution include

requirements, can be expected to alter the amount of irrigation needed volcanic eruptions or wind erosion. Emissions from internal

worldwide to ensure food security, probably increasing it by 30% (Doll combustion engines are an exemplary source of anthropogenic

2002). Other serious impacts of global warming could include loss of pollution. Some sources of pollution, such as forest fires, can be related

biodiversity and increases in deforestation, desertification, and soil to both natural phenomena and human activities.

erosion. All of these major changes are likely to reduce water availability Atmospheric reactions can transform primary pollutants into different

for humans and other living organisms, including the water needed for chemical species. These reactions can produce both harmless

crop and forest production (Root et al. 2003). compounds and secondary air pollutants that may be more harmful

This is the Dagua River, in Colombia, dying: than their precursors.

The cause: Mining, which equals to mercury, cyanide and other The world’s most important air pollutants, their sources, and known or

chemical wastes thrown into the water in search of gold. suspected environmental effects are listed in Table 1 (after [Sher 1998]).

Mining and fracking are one of the most shocking examples of water Table 1
pollution, but you can also see the damages made by tanneries or paper Air Pollutants, Their Sources, and Effects
mills, especially in developing countries.
Pollutant Natural Anthropogenic Environment
 Source Source al Effect combustion,

mainly from
Nitrogen oxides Lightnings, High temperature Primary
motor vehicles
(NO + NO2) soil bacteria fuel pollutants that

combustion—mot produce Carbon dioxide Animal Fossil fuel and Most common

or vehicles, photochemical respiration, wood combustion greenhouse

industrial, and smog, acid decay, gas

utility rain, and release from

nitrate oceans

particulates. Non-methane Biological Incomplete Primary

Destruction of hydrocarbons processes combustion, pollutants that

stratospheric (VOC) solvent utilization produce

ozone. photochemical

Human health smog

impact.
Methane Anaerobic Natural gas leak Greenhouse

Particulates Forest fires, Combustion of Reduced decay, and combustion gas

wind biofuels such as atmospheric cud-chewing

erosion, wood, and fossil visibility. animals, oil

volcanic fuels such as coal Human health wells

eruption or diesel impact. Black

Chlorofluorocarbo None Solvents, aerosol Destruction of
carbon
ns (CFC) propellants, stratospheric
particulates
refrigerants ozone
contribute to
Governments and international organizations have been taking actions
global
to protect the quality of air, as well as—in more recent years—to
warming.
control emissions of climate forcing agents. Ambient air quality
Sulfur dioxide Volcanic Coal combustion, Acid rain. standards and guidelines, issued by environmental protection
eruptions ore smelters, Human health authorities, are instrumental in achieving the air quality objective. An
and decay petroleum impact. example of such legislation is set by the US National Ambient Air
refineries, diesel Quality Standards (NAAQS) adopted by the Environmental Protection
engines burning Agency (EPA). The NAAQS apply to both human health (primary
high-sulfur fuels standard) and public welfare (secondary standard). Primary standards

Ozone Lightning, Secondary Damage to protect sensitive members of the human population from adverse

photochemic pollutant plants, crops, health effects of criteria air pollutants. Secondary standards protect the

al reactions produced in and public welfare from any known or anticipated adverse effects associated

in the photochemical man-made with the presence of a pollutant in the ambient air. Welfare effects

troposphere smog products. include effects on soils, water, crops, vegetation, manmade materials,

Human health animals, wildlife, weather, visibility, climate, damage to and

impact. deterioration of property, hazards to transportation, as well as effects

on economic values and personal comfort and well-being.

Carbon monoxide Unnoticeable Rich & Human health
Trees
stoichiometric impact
MODERN-DAY PLAGUE environments remain intact. The cutting that does occur should be

Deforestation is clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale, often balanced by planting young trees to replace older trees felled. The

resulting in damage to the quality of the land. Forests still cover about number of new tree plantations is growing each year, but their total

30 percent of the world’s land area, but swaths half the size of still equals a tiny fraction of the Earth’s forested land.

England are lost each year.

The world’s rain forests could completely vanish in a hundred years

at the current rate of deforestation.

The biggest driver of deforestation is agriculture. Farmers cut forests

to provide more room for planting crops or grazing livestock. Often,

small farmers will clear a few acres by cutting down trees and burning

them in a process known as slash and burnagriculture.

Logging operations, which provide the world’s wood and paper

products, also cut countless trees each year. Loggers, some of

them acting illegally, also build roads to access more and more Toxic and Substances

remote forests—which lead to further deforestation. Forests are also Hazardous wastes are poisonous byproducts of manufacturing,

cut as a result of growing urban sprawl as land is developed for farming, city septic systems, construction, automotive garages,

dwellings. laboratories, hospitals, and other industries. The waste may be liquid,

Not all deforestation is intentional. Some is caused by a combination solid, or sludge and contain chemicals, heavy metals, radiation,

of human and natural factors like wildfires and subsequent dangerous pathogens, or other toxins. Even households generate

overgrazing, which may prevent the growth of young trees. hazardous waste from items such as batteries, used computer

EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION equipment, and leftover paints or pesticides.

Deforestation can have a negative impact on the environment. The The waste can harm humans, animals, and plants if they encounter

most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for millions of species. these toxins buried in the ground, in stream runoff, in groundwater that

Eighty percent of Earth’s land animals and plants live in forests, and supplies drinking water, or in floodwaters, as happened after Hurricane

many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes. Katrina. Some toxins, such as mercury, persist in the environment and

Deforestation also drives climate change. Forest soils are moist, but accumulate. Humans or animals often absorb them when they eat fish.

without protection from sun-blocking tree cover, they quickly dry The rules surrounding hazardous waste are overseen in the U.S. by the

out. Trees also help perpetuate the water cycle by returning water federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as state

vapor to the atmosphere. Without trees to fill these roles, many departments of environmental protection. EPA requires that hazardous

former forest lands can quickly become barren deserts. waste be handled with special precautions and be disposed of in

Removing trees deprives the forest of portions of its canopy, which designated facilities located throughout the United States, which charge

blocks the sun’s rays during the day, and holds in heat at night. This for their services. Many towns have special collection days for

disruption leads to more extreme temperature swings that can be household hazardous waste.

harmful to plants and animals. TOXIC WASTE IN PRACTICE

Trees also play a critical role in absorbing the greenhouse gases that A common hazardous waste facility is one that stores the waste in

fuel global warming. Fewer forests mean larger amounts sealed containers in the ground. Less toxic waste is unlikely to migrate,

of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere—and increased speed like soil with lead, is sometimes allowed to remain in place under the

and severity of global warming. ground and then be sealed with a cap of hard clay. Communities may

The most feasible solution to deforestation is to carefully manage eventually decide to use these sites for golf courses or parks, or to label

forest resources by eliminating clear-cutting to make sure forest them “brownfields” sites, suitable for commercial or industrial uses.
Violations, like dumping hazardous waste in town dumps to avoid fellow humans are actually planted right in the crosshairs of this

paying the fees charged by waste transporters and waste facilities, may growing problem in too many ways.

result in hefty fines. Food Scarcity

EPA began regulating hazardous waste in 1976. Many toxic waste Food production abilities are predicted to take a hit as climate shifts.

dumps that pose a threat to communities today are holdovers from the Some of the key threats to food production resulting from climate

era prior to 1976. Other waste sites are the result of more recent illegal change include higher temperatures, changing precipitation patterns,

dumping. and a movement of agriculturally valuable lands and conditions towards

REGULATIONS the poles. The UN has already recognized reductions in yields of

The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulate how crops such as wheat and maize, most likely resulting from the issues

hazardous waste must be handled and stored. It also lists some but not associated with our warming planet such as more frequent droughts.

all of the wastes that EPA considers hazardous. Substances that are not And as food production decreases worldwide, food prices will rise.

on the list but are toxic are also considered hazardous waste and subject Understandably, the people standing to be hit hardest by this

to EPA’s rules. The Superfund Act contains rules about cleaning up phenomenon are those with the smallest share of the economy and

hazardous waste that was dumped illegally. available resources to spend on food.

Communities and environmentalists have long complained about lax Human Health

enforcement of hazardous waste regulations, both by the federal Human health is also expected to be on the decline under the impact of

government and state governments. Meanwhile, many corporations climate change, with the poorest individuals and nations seeing the

argue the regulations are too strict and lobby Congress to soften or most disheartening results. Asthma has increased in parts of Africa

remove certain rules. where individuals are exposed to worsening air quality from wind

One EPA rule that has proved very controversial governs industrial sweeping across ever-expanding deserts. Viruses like Ebola and the

sludge. EPA allows sludge containing heavy metals to be included in West Nile virus stand to increase their infection rates as a changing

fertilizers that are used by farmers on food crops or sold directly to the climate alters the environment in their favor.

public. Environmental and other organizations say dangerous levels of A warming planet may also increase parasitic infections in people,

the metals are taken up by some plants and subsequently eaten by especially for those that are food-borne. The World Health

people, with particularly negative effects on children. Organization believes climate change will result in an additional 250,000

deaths per year caused by health problems including malnutrition,

malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. Decreased hygiene and water

availability could potentially result in the additional deaths of 48,000

children under 15 by the year 2030 as well due to diarrheal illnesses. For

individuals already pressed for resources, having the money and

technology to ward off the health impacts of a changing climate are yet

another daily struggle.

In a chemical accident in Hungary, toxic waste reached a nearby river.

People

Climate Change – Changing Life for People

We are rapidly realizing that fighting climate change isn’t just for the

tree-huggers and animal lovers amongst us. This is very much an issue

for anyone that cares about people and the future of humankind. Our
 organizations. This is obviously a massive problem with global

implications. Yet it’s important to remember this is also an issue that

can be addressed at the individual level. You have the power to help.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade/ Flickr

Climate Refugees

Safe and permanent shelter for people all over the globe is expected to

become more of a luxury for many as a changing climate makes our

world a more dangerous place to call home. The term “climate refugee”

has recently entered the vocabulary of many scientists and human aid

organizations as a manner in which to refer to individuals that become

displaced from their homes due to climate change. Sea-level rise alone

may force tens of millions of people to relocate to higher ground and

build new homes. Residents of low-lying Pacific islands already have to

face the reality of this threat.

Natural disasters under climate change are expected to increase and

intensify which puts more people, more often, at the threat of

destructive events like cyclones, hurricanes, flooding and drought.

Powerful bodies such as the UN Refugee Agency are starting to

publicly acknowledge the ability of climate change to cause a mass

refugee crisis given the harsh environmental conditions our planet is

beginning to experience. Although, world powers still need to outline if

and how they will respond to the climate refugees that may arise in the

coming decades. Just as with food and medical care, guaranteeing

proper and safe shelter will be more difficult for the more

impoverished individuals we share this planet with.

Standing Up for the Planet Means Standing Up for People

Climate change is a problem that world powers are wringing their hands

over. Governments are looking at ways to reduce their own country’s

contributions, and major corporations are bracing for the call to meet

growing restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions. World leaders are

talking about it, as are world-renowned scientists and international