The urgency for action in the alleviation of the environmental, economic and health problems poor sanitation poses to our society is very obvious, considering the billions of people globally who remain without access to any kind of improved sanitation, and the over 2 million annual deaths caused mainly by sanitation- related diseases.
Much concentration has been placed on how to address the poor sanitation in our society, as well as raising awareness of the health and economic benefits of better hygiene and sanitation. Every now and then, more emphasis is given to how waste could be managed effectively, to reduce the negative impact it has on the society.
There are various methods of waste management and disposal, and each system affects the environment differently. However, there has not been an ‘absolute answer’ because proper waste management depends on many factors, including the availability of facilities and the types of waste material.
Obviously, the best way to manage waste is to prevent waste. Creating less of it is the most appropriate method as compared to other methods. In Accra alone, many tonnes of waste are generated each day, with only a few tonnes on average being collected. Hence, the remains build up; block drains and collects in open areas.
Having less waste to dispose will help immensely in the reduction of the environment impact of waste, which in turn helps to conserve resources, reduce pollutants and save energy.
Many have suggested recycling of waste materials such as glass, plastic, paper and metal as another alternative to manage waste. The reason is that it will help reduce the energy and raw materials needed to produce brand new resources as well as reducing the amount of waste for disposal.
Another measure to manage waste is the composting of waste materials such as food scraps, plant materials and paper products into organic matter. The organic matter can be used as mulch or fertilizer for agricultural and landscaping activities. Also, composting the right waste materials can significantly benefit the environment by reducing climate change.
However, good policies and initiatives ought to be made to help regulate the disposal of waste in our society. It is important that policy and decision makers observe some basic principles when planning and implementing measures to solve the sanitation problem. Some ideas were endorsed by members of the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council during its 5th Global Forum in November 2000:
·Human dignity, quality of life and environmental security at household level should be at the centre of any sanitation approach.
·In line with good governance principles, decision making should involve participation of all stakeholders, especially the consumers and providers of services.
·Waste should be considered a resource, and its management should be holistic and form a part of integrated water resources, nutrient flow and waste management processes·
The measure in which environmental sanitation problems are resolved should be kept to the minimum practicable size (household, community, town, district, catchment, and city).
Furthermore, it is also incumbent on the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with all other stakeholders to intensify campaigns and initiatives in alleviating the crisis.
Source – http://news.peacefmonline.com/features/201001/36961.php
Sanitation Updates 