Disposal Drama

Q: Dear GoGreenInStyle,

Is using my garbage disposal good for the environment?

Signed,

Lynn

A: Dear Lynn,

A garbage disposal is the not the environment’s friend. Stuff we run through our garbage disposal or flush down the toilet goes straight to the waste water treatment facility. At the treatment facility, the water is separated from the waste.  The waste is separated off and incinerated to ensure that it is not harmful, toxic, and [insert any other word meaning dangerous to human health]. Incineration uses a lot of energy and it spews lots of yukky stuff into the air.  After incineration, the waste is sent to the landfill (to live forever).

Consider composting so you can avoid the landfill all together.  I also suggest reading the following article to learn more about this topic:

Garbage disposal guilt – disposal vs. the trash can for perishable wastes

Vegetarian Times,  Jan, 1996  by Jeanne Rattenbury

Mandy