The growing problem of e-waste (Core Case Study) and
other topics discussed in this chapter represent the problems
of maintaining a high-waste society. The challenge is to make
the transition from a high-waste, throwaway mode to a lowwaste,
reducing-reusing-recycling economy.
Such a transition will require applying the four scientific
principles of sustainability. Shifting from reliance on fossil
fuels and nuclear power (which produces long-lived, hazardous,
radioactive wastes) to greater use of renewable solar energy,
wind, and flowing water will reduce our outputs of solid and hazardous
waste, as will reusing and recycling materials by mimicking
nature’s chemical cycling processes. Integrated waste management
(Figures 21-5 and 21-17), using a diversity of approaches
with emphasis on waste reduction and pollution prevention, is
another useful way to mimic nature. Reducing the human population
and the resources used per person would also decrease the
demand for materials that eventually become solid and hazardous
wastes.