More and more in today’s society residents and businesses alike are looking to incorporate sustainability into everything which they do! This is even more important when it comes to junk removal. By properly disposing of or recycling junk, we can divert waste from landfills and reduce overall pollution.
Given that a whopping 52.24% of 268 million tons of junk produced in the US alone annually end up in landfills, it is enough to make one wonder how junk removal can be sustainable. Or is junk removal a sustainable practice at all? Don’t worry; we have you covered.
This article will explore what traditional junk removal is, its impact, and the practices or methods that can make junk removal more eco-friendly so you can be a better judge yourself. Also, this article will detail the things you can do to leave a positive impact on the climate by reducing your carbon footprint.
How Does Junk Removal Traditionally Take Place?
Traditionally, junk removal is a simple bin-to-landfill process. Humans throw away their domestic or commercial junk in bins, which are then moved to larger community bins and end up in landfills. But that’s not all! Landfills become a festering source of environmental degradation as the junk slowly breaks down, contaminating soil and water. It harms ecosystems for years to come.
The Impact of Traditional Junk Removal
Environmental Pollution
When junk of any form ends up in landfills, it is left there to decompose – and that happens at a snail’s pace. Eventually, the harmful chemicals produced by the junk contaminate the air, water, and soil around it.
Climate Change
The traditional machinery used for transportation and disposal of junk in landfills produces carbon emissions. Not only that, it gets worse with the emission of methane gas, a byproduct of the harmful practices used in landfills to get rid of junk (e.g., burning it).
Exhaustion of Resources
Traditional junk removal practices often lead us to discard items that can potentially be reused. This is problematic as it accelerates resource depletion and increases environmental strain.
Practices that Contribute to Sustainable Junk Removal
While junk removal is a need of every sentient being producing waste on the Earth, the ways and methods one chooses in this regard can be deemed sustainable if only these practices involve:
● Recycling:
Recycling is at the heart of sustainable junk removal practices as it prevents products from ending up in landfills; instead, they end up being used in other ways.
● Donating and Selling:
Donating and selling clothes and other items that you no longer use is a great sustainable junk removal practice. This way, you can enhance the longevity of these items.
● Upcycling:
Upcycling is another sustainable way of keeping junk from ending up in landfills, as it is all about reusing potential waste materials creatively, like making a flower pot out of a broken jar.
● Sorting and Separating Waste:
Sorting and separating waste into hazardous and nonhazardous materials or usable and unusable materials is also a sustainable junk removal practice. It is key to the proper and safe disposal of electronics like batteries, chemicals, electronic devices, and other hardware.
How Can You Make Junk Removal Sustainable?
Having read what practices make junk removal sustainable, it is only fair to find out ways you can adopt them:
● Reuse, Reduce and Recycle:
Why not start doing the right thing at home: reuse things, reduce waste, and recycle things?
● Sort Waste and Separate it:
Make sure you separate things that can be recycled or reused and throw them in designated bins.
● Compost:
Turn your organic waste into compost, offering a nutrient-rich soil to plants in your backyard.
● Opt for Eco-friendly Junk Removal Organizations:
Are you looking to get your broken refrigerator or old bathtub picked up? Maybe you just want to remove the unwanted furniture from your home. If so, opt for eco-friendly junk removal companies like Flathead Junk Removal that keep sustainability at the heart of their operations. Some appliances, such as freezers and refrigerators; have substances which can be harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of. Choosing a reputable junk removal company like Flathead Junk Removal can ensure all of your junk is disposed of in an environmentally conscious way.
Benefits of Sustainable Junk Removal:
Unlike traditional junk removal, sustainable junk removal is beneficial for reasons like:
● It reduces environmental pollution.
● It enhances our communal health.
● It helps conserve resources.
● It is cost-effective.
● It can minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Now you understand what traditional junk removal is and its adverse effects. With an understanding of the benefits and the responsible practices available, choosing a sustainable junk removal company is a no-brainer for eco-conscious consumers.