Written by Henry Chang
“TWO-DOLLAR BOBA!” A common phrase echoed almost daily across the University of California, Irvine (UCI) campus, students are constantly exposed to such simple pleasures. However, how many actually think about what happens after they drink their inescapable milk tea? Accompanied by a paper napkin, each drink distributed is comprised of a plastic cup, a plastic sealing over the top, and a plastic straw, all of which are disposed in trash bins. More than usual facilities, UCI provides an environment that encourages sustainability by minimizing the material going to landfills by reusing, reducing, recycling, and composting.
An example of how UCI provides such an environment begins with used napkins that are discarded into trash bins labeled as “compost.” This categorization signifies organic matter is decomposed with the help of biological organisms such as fungi for up to months. The end result is used as fertilizer for gardens, agriculture, and more.
Next, the plastic cup and sealing are discarded into trash bins labeled as “recyclable.” This categorization signifies material capable of being converted into reusable objects. Note that from the collected two-dollar boba, the cup, sealing, and straw are all composed of plastic but differ in how they are recycled—it is important to recognize what type of material is being dealt with, not just in its apparent form [1]. In this case, it turns out that only the cup and its sealing are readily recyclable, whereas the straw is not openly accepted at all recycling centers [2].
As mentioned earlier, the straw is not necessarily categorized simply because it is plastic—instead, it represents non-compostable, non-recyclable material. This categorization signifies material incapable of being salvaged for future use. These leftovers find themselves in landfills. This manmade assembly protects the environment from potential toxins, but the material is not readily broken down [3]. Unfortunately with the amount of trash discarded each day, landfills seem to stop short of a reliable, long-term resolution.
Despite current efforts, the present solutions to waste management still have much room for improvement. Methane gas produced during biological degradation, strong contaminants formed by decomposed trash, and airborne wastes from landfills are clear environmental threats [4]. Even recycling can be improved; ongoing investigations are gauging the cost-effectiveness of the whole process [5]. Until better methods are implemented, the available alternatives are limited.
Nevertheless, “reduce, reuse, and recycle” is a phrase repeated time and time again for good reason. Recycling everyday materials offers a means by which each person can contribute to society and can get paid too! In other words, everyone can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserve natural resources, prevent pollution, and reduce greenhouse gases, just to name a few benefits. By optimizing what is used, environmental strain can be minimized while the next best option appears. So the next time you buy a two-dollar boba, remember you are also buying the paper, the cup, and the straw.
References:
1. “Recycling at UCI – UC Irvine Sustainability.” UC Irvine Sustainability. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
2. Bailey, Kate. “FAQs and Links | Milo’s Be Straw Free Campaign.” Ecocycle.org Mobile. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
3. Freudenrich, Craig, Ph.D. “How Landfills Work.” HowStuffWorks. HowStuffWorks.com, 16 Oct. 2000. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
4. The Problem with Landfill | Environment Victoria.” The Problem with Landfill | Environment Victoria. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
5. Hutchinson, Alex. “Is Recycling Worth It? PM Investigates Its Economic and Environmental Impact.” Popular Mechanics. N.p., 25 Mar. 2015. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.