The Waste Disposal Chain: Using Tech, Print Media To Make It Effective
For two years, Idealoyal GhaClean team have been researching on the pragmatic measures to eradicate filth caused by solid waste materials. In the root cause analysis with the help of analytical thinking, we realized that solid waste material can cause filth mostly if it drops on the ground.
Hence until the attention is focused on how to prevent waste materials from dropping or having the tendency to drop on the ground, we’ll continue to organize occasional “clean up exercises”. Unfortunately, “clean up exercises’ have proven to be ineffective to prevent filth or eradicate existing filth. Doesn’t this warrant the need to look for a better option?
Brief Explanation of the Waste Disposal Chain
Inasmuch as we wouldn’t want to criticize a system of waste management that has been in operation since time immemorial without giving an alternative solution, Idealoyal GhaClean has coined a phrase “Waste Disposal Chain” (WDC) to help eradicate filth without reoccurrence.
The WDC is a mechanism which involves the chronological activities and actions required to manage waste from its inception to its final disposal. It operates in such a way that no one deliberately puts any waste material of any kind – including a match stick, toffee wrapper or tip of a pencil – generated by human activities (individuals or institutions) on the ground with the aim to sweep later.
The process or the mechanism include Originator of Waste, Temporary Waste Storage Devices (Waste Bins/Bags), Waste Collectors, Waste Transfer Sites, Recycling Sites, Incineration Sites, and Landfill Sites. These processes have been thoroughly explained in the articles, “The Fight Against Filth: Waste Disposal Chain – Part 1, 2 & Final”.
The Waste WDC has proven and continue to prove why it’s the most effective mechanism to eradicate filth. Technology has evolved our way of life and therefore, it’s about time we let all and sundry become aware of the WDC mechanism and practice it accordingly with the use of outputs or devices derived from technology.
Main Purpose of the Article
This article focuses on the use of the various print media: newspapers, magazines, journals, flyers, newsletters, books, etcetera to help people to practice the waste disposal chain in order to eradicate filth. We shall lay emphasis on four (4) functions – inform, educate, entertain and report – of print media with respect to how they can be related to the WDC.
Information
Most of the print media seek to communicate knowledge to readers or followers. Hence, they serve as avenues through which people can get to know that the first site for dumping any waste generated is waste bin/bag. This vital information can appear at the front pages of newspapers, for instance, the Daily Graphic and Junior Graphic, so that everyone (whether a child or an adult) will be abreast with it.
Moreover, there can be textbooks and other learning materials at schools and other learning centers, like religious institutions, that have been designed to provide basic and adequate information on WDC to students as well as readers in general. In fact, knowledge about the WDC should be readily accessible and widely spread across all spheres of our endeavors.
Education
Some of the print media seek to develop readers or followers mentally, morally, or aesthetically by giving instructions. In this regard, the process of the WDC should be described with images and diagrams in various newspapers, magazines, textbooks, and etcetera.
Specifically, children should be given such training through reading or learning materials at various institutions: schools, colleges, churches, mosques, homes, and so forth. This will go a long way to change the attitude of the next generation towards waste management. It’s apparent that a child who gets training on the WDC today will grow to live with it.
Entertainment
The print media that are established to entertain readers or followers also fit the narrative of making the WDC known. There are newspapers, magazines, books or flyers that talk about the lifestyles, performances, achievements, opinions, and etcetera of celebrities. Because those celebrities have fan bases, their opinions on the WDC can be written or described in the print media for their supporters or fans to practice.
For instance, Glitz Africa Magazine can publish that Sarkodie, arguably the biggest musician in Ghana, has advised Ghanaians to desist from indiscriminate littering by adopting the attitude of “unless I see a waste bin, I ain’t dropping waste material anywhere”. The fan base of Sarkodie called SarkNation and all music lovers will adhere to such advice to help eradicate filth.
Reporting
Some people will be much knowledgeable about the WDC, and even though adequate waste bins and all other mechanisms will be in place, recalcitrant individuals or institutions will litter indiscriminately. Such people might need mental health care or need to be punished to serve as a deterrent to others.
However, there are some people who will practice the WDC to achieve its objective of eradicating filth without reoccurrence. Obviously, such people need to be commended and rewarded to encourage others to emulate.
Also, there can be tremendous initiatives like the manufacture of waste bins with different kinds of materials, purchase of recycling plant, and construction of community/municipal incineration sites by the government, firms or individuals.
In view of that, the print media can be used to give detailed accounts or reports of what happens on a periodic basis as far as the WDC is concerned. Those reports will be talking points for days, weeks or months.
Conclusion
Practising the Waste Disposal Chain (WDC) to achieve desired results is a collective responsibility. The contributions of the various print media are needed in the efforts to eradicate filth with WDC.
About The Author
Harry Sarfo Diko, popularly known as Jamigy Harry, is the sole proprietor of Idealoyal Enterprise – a registered business (with GhaClean as one of its objects of business). He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting & Finance) Degree from the University of Cape. He’s much enthusiastic about Entrepreneurship and solving societal problems.
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sarfo-diko-1a392317b
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarfo.jamigyharry
Twitter: @jamigyharry
