Meaning of Waste:

Waste is any substance which is discarded after primary use, or is worthless,

defective and of no use. Waste is something that is thrown away because it is
no longer useful. Waste is refuse or garbage. Waste can pollute our
environment. It should be properly disposed to ensure a healthy environment.
Types of Waste:
Wastes can be put into three categories or groups: which are

I Liquid waste
II. Gaseous waste
III. Solid wastes

Man’s activities are bound to generate a lot of waste but without proper waste
management strategy, it will result in environmental degradation which
endangers the life of living organisms. It is our duty to ensure that the waste
that results from our activities are properly disposed of.

There are two types of waste, namely: REFUSE and SEWAGE

Refuse: This is the solid dry waste materials such as papers, pieces of wood,
broken bottles, waste foods and plastic containers. Some of these refuse can
be decomposed by moulds and bacteria while others cannot. Those that can
be decomposed are called biodegradable refuse example food, meat, paper.
Those that cannot be decomposed are said to be non-degradable examples
plastics, rubber, polyethylene etc.

Sewage: This is liquid wet waste. This kind of waste includes faeces, urine, and
mineral salts, wastewater and other domestic and industrial waste in liquid
form. Sewage can be turned to fertilizer if treated and well managed.

Both forms of waste are very dangerous as they both contain germs and other
vectors of diseases.

Lesson 2
Ways to Maintain a Healthy Environment

Maintaining our environment keeps it healthy. The following are ways to do so.

Planting of trees (Afforestation)

Conservation of natural resources (i.e. wise use of natural resources)
Promotion and maintenance of game reserves and parks.
Having an effective waste management system
Engaging in general environmental sanitation such as cleaning of drainage,
clearing of bushes etc.
Having sanitary inspectors to monitor and inspect this environmental
sanitation from time to time.
Provision and maintenance of social infrastructure that will help to maintain a
healthy environment. E.g. good road network, gutters and drainage facilities
and culverts.
Discourage deforestation

Agencies involved in Environmental management are

Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA)

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Ministry of Environment (MOE)