Policy Brief: Waste Management – A Social Phenomenon

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Policy Brief: Waste Management
The social phenomenon to be studied in this policy brief is waste management. This phenomenon is interesting and relevant because it has a direct impact on society. It helps minimize environmental problems associated with waste disposal. These include pollution and climate change. Studies show that waste management is one of the primary issues for achieving a circular economy and sustainable development (Goyal, Esposito, and Kapoor 729). Wastes significantly impact the environment and their effective management strategies help in conserving the environment. Their contribution to climate change is very high. Researchers have spent voluminous resources investigating waste management improvement methods and approaches to mitigate their impact on the environment (Esmaeilian 177). Several studies have found that proper waste management and recycling protect the environment and reduce climate change impact.
The waste management phenomenon is linked to societal and economic aspects. It is a social phenomenon because it helps mitigate environmental problems in society, including pollution and climate change associated with poor waste disposal and management. Societies play a critical role in achieving sustainable development and addressing climate changes associated with waste generation (Sasinovich 51). Waste management is also related to the field of economic behavior. Economically, engaging in effective waste management practices saves money and resources than mitigating the damages caused by poor waste disposal, yet people do not make wise decisions. Why people engage in activities that will cause economic challenges, leaving cost-effective actions is the subject matter.
Science-based Policy Recommendations
Waste general is a common practice that degrades the environment. Everyone should be responsible for protecting the environment by practicing proper waste management. This is important for the sustainability of the ecosystem, the economy, and an individual’s well-being. Several science-based policy recommendations are available to reduce the impact of waste on the environment. One of them is recycling. Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste in landfills and diverts numerous harmful waste away from landfills (Kabirifar 121). This minimizes the risk of landfill sites emitting toxic substances and other harmful materials into the environment. It prevents the emission of water pollutants and many greenhouse gases (Goyal, Esposito, and Kapoor 731). Governments and manufacturing industries should significantly increase the use of recycled content.
Another science-based policy recommendation is reducing and reusing. According to scientists, the most effective way to minimize waste is to not create. Manufacturing a new product emits greenhouse gases that lead to climate change (Kabirifar 125). This process also requires a lot of energy and materials, which must be extracted from the earth and the product fabricated and then transported to the required destination (Kabirifar 125). Reusing materials saves energy and reduces emissions from manufacturing facilities. Reducing, reusing and recycling save natural resources and pre...