| For those staying in urban and suburban areas, we | | | | away materials that could contain chemicals, such as |
| enjoy the regular collection of waste and recyclable | | | | batteries and electronics. These home wastes are |
| materials. However, what most of us are not aware | | | | part of the hazardous waste brought to dumps each |
| is the waste that is brought to dumps is actually | | | | day. |
| many times more toxic than it was 30 years ago. | | | | Hazardous Waste In Overwhelmed landfills |
| Hazardous Home Wastes | | | | In many countries, the problem of hazardous waste |
| It is surprising just how toxic our world has become | | | | is compounded by the crisis of overwhelmed landfills. |
| in just a few years. Synthetic chemicals didn't even | | | | The danger from this waste getting loose in the |
| exist in any significant numbers before the turn of | | | | environment is even more serious and precarious |
| the 20th century. In the past, home furnishings were | | | | than ever. Increased danger of containment systems |
| made of natural materials, such as carpets, pillows, | | | | being breached is very real. |
| curtains, bath items and towels. The things that are in | | | | As pressure on forest and agricultural lands mounts, |
| the most and close contact with us each day, | | | | erosion due to major storm events could unleash |
| especially those made before 1980, were made of | | | | these toxins into the ecosystems that is already |
| sustainable and renewable resources. | | | | fragile and damaged. Hazardous waste is becoming an |
| However, this is no longer true today. Every time | | | | acute problem beyond management in many |
| when we replace our furnishing, we are trashing | | | | countries. |