What exactly are Climate Change and Waste Management and what can we do about it? Climate change at its core is the long term change in global climate patterns caused by increases in greenhouse gases from human activity resulting in rising Earth’s average temperature. This means that humans have been the drivers of climate change and it is up to us to make changes in our behaviour and consumer habits to ensure we have a bright and sustainable future.

Myanmar undoubtedly has a problem with the production of greenhouse gases caused by the huge amounts of organic waste (Food Waste) in landfills and the frequent burning of waste. While the solution to Myanmar’s complex waste management problem is an ongoing process, as individuals your actions can still make a difference in the fight against climate change. Proper waste management is a part of it with 70% solutions for a circular economy.

Firstly, choosing alternative methods of transportation such as walking, cycling, and taking the bus instead of driving, taking taxis and flying via plane.

Secondly, being more conscious of energy consumption, such as using more environmentally friendly electrical appliances, turning off air-conditioners, fans, lights, computers, laptops etc when not in use.

Most importantly, the 5 R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle should be practised in all aspects of daily life including refusal of plastic bags and drinking straws and other single-use plastics. Instead of using reusable shopping bags, food containers, wooden/metal/glass straws etc. But the 5 R’s are not just applicable to plastics, but also to things such as food waste, consider Reducing the amount of food purchased to only an amount you know you can consume and compost excess food.

Remember, no change is too small, every bit counts and your contribution to the fight against climate change and waste management can make a big difference. Let’s start Recycling!