The hidden value in waste: Sweden uncovers it

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The hidden value in waste: Sweden uncovers it


Hey guys, happy valentine’s day in arrears!!!

To those who celebrate it of course…
Silence: wait for it!
Source: Pinterest


Do you remember how in our last post, I mentioned that Greta Thunberg, the teen environmental activist is of a Swedish Nationality. Well, it turns out that just like this lady, the people of Sweden, as well as its government take the issues of the environment very seriously.
Greta Thunberg
Source: Pinterest

Now, they are not just talking, but they are also doing. They invest in wastes!!! This might not come as a surprise to you, but to me it does. I mean, at the local level, I know people buy and sell wastes. What I didn't know was that this could also be done at the national level. Imagine a whole country having a budget for the importation of wastes! I'm sorry, it just baffles me. I mean, do they not have enough? But they do. With a population of 10, 075, 815, I don't see how they need more waste. 10 million people may seem small, but if an average American, according to the EPA, produces 4.40 pounds daily on an average, then how about ten million people? But, they still invest in wastes! 
Source: Pinterest

Do you know what it means for a whole country to invest in the importation of wastes? Yes, wastes. Sweden buys wastes from other countries and converts these wastes into electricity and heat. In 2016, they imported 1.4 million tonnes of wastes at 36 £/Tonne. Now 1 ton can be compared to a light duty truck (picture shown below). So in American dollars, they pay approximately $39 per ton. Small? Multiply that by 1.4 million. Yes, $54.6 million on waste, besides the ones they obtain from their citizens.
A 1 ton truck
Source: DSV

“
100,000 people benefit from heat, and 200,000 people benefit from the electricity we provide from processed waste.

My point? They treat waste as a commodity. They understand the benefits that they could derive from them. They know just how much money they’ll be saving by investing in wastes. Now, don't get me wrong, so many other countries are doing the same. Countries in Asia, now use recycled wastes for the construction of roads, in building construction, in textiles, aerogels and the list could go on and on. So why Sweden? It's Greta's place! Ok, ok, I actually stumbled on this video and was instantly fascinated by their approach to wastes. You should check it out below.
Source: Pinterest

For countries that haven’t ventured into the use of wastes. My advice? Start! Otherwise, in a few years, your wastes will be used to make other countries richer and better. They face challenges, but then again, when do you not face challenges. However, the benefits that they get over-compensate for these issues. Sweden started in the ‘70s, so this might seem daunting. However, in some parts of Italy, it’s taken them about 2 to 3 years to achieve near Zero waste. 

Let's go green

Source: Pinterest

What to do?

Engage people not just to sit and discuss these issues, but in doing as little as the guy in the video I’m about to share did. I just couldn’t not share this video. It just explains so much.


So click on the video below, and send your comments. I’ll honestly like to know what you think about it. Also, don’t forget to share this post, and follow us  on Instagram @sgreencycling and on Twitter @Sgreencycling.


Author:

Bibitayo Omidiora is a content creator, and like so many people in this world, has only just begun to understand the need to partake in the fight to save the earth.

As such, in conjunction with Stac Green Club, we will not stop until we all see the value in what is deemed nonsense.

Don't forget to join us again next week. Adios!!!

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