Turning Trash to Treasure: A Comparison of Efficient Resource Management

Studies show that, on average, each US citizen is responsible for generating 7.1 pounds of waste per day. In 2013, Americans produced 254 million tons of trash. Only about 87 million tons of this material was recycled or composted. This creates a national diversion rate of 34%. The EPA recommends source reduction, which aims to eliminate extraneous materials such as packaging, recycling, and composting as primary objectives to counter this issue. As some cities in the US struggle to reach this average, others have pioneered innovative and effective methods to deal with waste.

San Francisco, California is leading trash diversion in the country with a current rate of 80% diversion. This is an astounding figure when compared to a meager 10% rate in 1989. The first major city to announce an ambitious Zero Waste plan. Once the city announced this plan, they hired research consultants to conduct a Waste Characterization Study. The study showed that only 32% of what was being thrown away was actually trash. Even more importantly, the study identified the major contributors to landfills which in turn led to pilot tests for policies. One of the first tests the city conducted was a pay-as-you-throw policy for hotels and restaurants. The city used weight to determine pricing. A micro-study done on the Hilton Hotel revealed a monthly savings of $200,000 just by composting. In four years the rate of waste decreased by 18%. The next target area was Construction and Demolition. The city created a comprehensive Debris Recovery Program, charging companies deposits on projects, to ensure a certain percentage of recycling. If companies did not follow through, the city would keep the deposit, which became a source of revenue for the Zero-Waste Program. Another key action taken was the creation of Recology, a company that sorts through the city’s waste to find reusable and recyclable materials. The city still continues pilot tests and simultaneously orchestrates routine checks on success rates of certain programs.

At first glance, Uganda seems to be at the opposite end of the spectrum in character when it comes to waste. Each resident in urban areas is on accountable for only a pound of trash per day. In rural areas, this figure is far less. In wet months, the waste produced in Kampala consists of 88.5% organics, while in dry months the rate is even higher at 94.8% organics. Since Uganda employs over 82% in the farming industry, and agriculture is 90% of vthe country’s GDP, it is a safe assumption to say that there is potential in this industry for material sourcing. By-products of the agriculture industry are often composted or used in to make other revenue generating products. For example, cottonseed is used to create oil or animal feed. However, other plant fibers like banana fiber have yet to be fully explored.

Many studies have been organized to investigate how natural fibers can be used in construction. Many studies have proved plant fiber as a strong reinforcement in concrete and other composites. These studies include: coir, sisal, jute, Hibiscus cannabinus, eucalyptus grandis pulp, malva, ramie bast, pineapple leaf, kenaf bast, sansevieria leaf, abaca leaf, vakka, date, bamboo, palm, banana, hemp, flax, cotton and sugarcane. Fortunately, a number of these products are grown in Uganda. Another use for plant fiber prove in studies is insulation. Finally, fabrics and twines are a more traditional use of plant fiber that can be utilized for shelter creation.

By integrating the idea of a comprehensive waste management system with a method of sourcing construction materials, the potential for sustainable, efficient, cheap, and durable housing arises. The use of organic plant fibers and other agricultural by-products in Uganda may aid in the refugee crisis as well as green materials that are healthier for inhabitants and he surrounding ecological systems.