Volume 4 Issue 1
Every year, Earth Day serves as a reminder for us to appreciate our planet and take action towards protecting it. As we continue to face environmental challenges, managing sustainability has become more important than ever. Earth Day seeks to inspire individuals and communities to take action towards a more eco-friendly way of living by conserving natural resources, reducing carbon footprint and also reducing waste.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 and since then it has become a global movement that brings together individuals, communities, and organizations to take action towards protecting the planet.
Let us focus on the 3Rs - Reducing, Reusing and Recycling waste and explore the proper waste disposal method to ensure we fully utilize the natural resources.
In Europe, Switzerland has a record of good disposal systems in place. In Asia, South Korea has also successfully moved towards sustainability. South Korea has implemented several policies to address the issue of food waste and promote sustainable practices. One of the most notable policies is the mandatory composting scheme or “pay-as-you-throw” system, which requires residents to use designated yellow plastic bags to dispose of their uneaten food. These bags are printed with the words "designated food waste bag" and cost about 20 cents apiece. In Seoul, automated bins weigh food waste and charge residents via their ID card. Some districts in Seoul use a more high-tech variant for apartment complexes, which has seen even better results. In large metal waste receptacles outfitted with measuring scales and a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip reader, residents can deposit their waste directly, bag-free. The machine calculates the fee by weighing the amount, and residents pay by swiping a card in front of the scanner. Over the last six years, Seoul's Songpa District reduced a total of about 47,000 tons of food waste with the RFID machines.
South Korea recycles more than 95% of its food waste, which is a significant increase from less than 2% in 1995. Koreans are also well known for their use of compost and fertilizer produced from food waste in agriculture and horticulture, making it a sustainable resource.
In addition to these policies, South Korea has also made changes at the individual level to reduce food waste by using proper planning of meals as well as portion control. For example, the dining experience in South Korea is unique because of the wide selection of banchan (side dishes) that are served with almost any meal. However, people are now being encouraged to take only what they can eat and not waste food. Furthermore, they are also encouraging use of leftover food to create new dishes like bibimbap which is made from leftover rice. This approach has been successful in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to dining.
As the rest of our in Asia, we might not have the mandatory system to help us counter food wastage, however, we could easily use the right contain to keep leftover or food for near future consumption.
Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting material, making it a popular choice for sustainable products. Unlike plastic, stainless steel does not release harmful chemicals when heated, making it a safer option for microwaving food. Lexngo's Stainless Steel Containers use SUS316L stainless steel together with leak proof food grade PP lids, which is a high-grade stainless steel that is lighter and more durable as well as being able to be safely used in a microwave.
Stainless steel containers are reusable, meaning less waste is generated - the principle in Lexngo product development.
Apart from using stainless steel containers, we can also support sustainable businesses by choosing eco-friendly products and services. As consumers, we have the power to drive demand for sustainable products, encouraging more businesses to adopt sustainable practices. If you are interested in exploring more sustainable ways to save the Earth, check out the 52 earth-day tips.
On Earth Day, let us all take a moment to reflect on our impact on the planet and consider ways to manage sustainability. By choosing sustainable alternatives like stainless steel microwavable containers, we can make a small but significant step towards a more eco livable environment. Let us all take action and protect the planet we call home.