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Reviving Kentucky: Pioneering the Circular Economy Revolution

The circular economy, nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed

Columbia recycling

This maxim, attributed to Antoine Lavoisier, a 18th century chemist, could be the summary of the circular economy. This concept, which is part of a sustainable development approach, aims to reintegrate objects into the production circuit in order to limit the quantity of waste and production, and thus save water and energy resources.

The use of the product thought out since its creation to its ending up in the landfills of Kentucky, this is the waste management conundrum!

The circular economy is opposed to the linear economy, a consumption system set up with the industrial revolution of the 19th century and which is based on the scheme: extract, manufacture, consume, throw away, with poor waste management practices.

The issues at the time were very different: the world population was smaller then than today, natural resources were important and industrialization enabled the economic development of societies.

Today, faced with the depletion of non-renewable energies and natural resources, but also with global warming and the increase in the world population, the linear economy seems insufficient to meet the environmental and societal challenges of Kentucky.

What is exactly the circular economy

The circular economy, for its part, proposes to experience consumption differently. The end of life of a product is included from its design and its reuse or recycling must be considered during its creation.

It is also to manufacture a product in a logic of sustainable development, using raw materials that respect the environment, by limiting the consumption of resources but also by promoting local and fair trade…until use, re-use and end of life

The circular economy favors the repair of products or their reuse, rather than throwing them away, and fights against planned obsolescence. This logic is also part of the principle of the collaborative economy, but also in the social and solidarity economy.

At the end of its life, thanks to the way it was created, the product can be easily recycled or destroyed, without having any negative impact on the environment.

The government of Kentucky and the city of Louisville in particulate illustrate this principle on their website with the example of the ideal circular economy t-shirt: the ideal t-shirt is, initially, made with organic cotton from Fair trade. The used garment is then recovered to be used in the manufacture of sofa upholstery, which is itself transformed into insulation wool for the building. Ultimate stage, the cotton fibers (which have not undergone any chemical treatment) can return to nature.

The government has made the circular economy one of the pillars of the Energy Transition Act, in particular through its recycling goal: a waste recycling target raised to 60% by 2025 and better product design to limit their environmental impact and increase their lifespan.

The cost of renting a dumpster in Louisville, KY

The cost of renting a dumpster in Louisville, Kentucky can vary significantly depending on several factors. One of the most important factors that influence the cost is the size of the dumpster you need. Smaller dumpsters, such as 10-yard or 20-yard containers, are typically more affordable than larger ones like 30-yard or 40-yard dumpsters.

Additionally, the duration of your rental will impact the cost. Dumpster rental companies in Louisville often offer daily or weekly rates, so the longer you need the dumpster, the more it may cost. Some companies may also charge extra fees for exceeding weight limits or extending your rental period.

The type of waste you plan to dispose of can also affect the cost. Some materials, like hazardous or toxic waste, may require special handling and disposal, leading to higher rental fees. Delivery location is another important consideration. If your location is remote or difficult to access, it may result in higher delivery fees.

In Louisville, the average cost for renting a 10-yard dumpster for a week ranges from $250 to $350, but prices can go up or down based on the factors mentioned above. To get an accurate quote, it’s best to contact local dumpster rental companies (see this website) and discuss your specific needs. Keep in mind that comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find the most cost-effective option for your project.

Waste Management Issues in Columbia, SC

Columbia recycling

The state of pollution in South Carolina

South Carolina is a beautiful state with a rich natural heritage, but like many places around the world, it is not immune to the effects of pollution. The state is home to a number of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and energy production, which can all contribute to pollution in various ways. In recent years, there have been several significant sources of pollution in South Carolina that have raised concerns about environmental and public health.

One of the most significant sources of pollution in South Carolina is coal ash. This toxic waste product is generated by coal-fired power plants and contains a range of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, including arsenic, lead, and mercury. There are several coal ash ponds in South Carolina, including one at the Winyah Generating Station in Georgetown, that have been identified as posing a significant risk to local waterways and communities.

Another source of pollution in South Carolina is industrial agriculture. The state is home to a significant number of hog farms and poultry farms, which generate large amounts of animal waste. This waste can contain harmful pathogens and chemicals, which can contaminate waterways and contribute to air pollution. Additionally, the use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture can also contribute to pollution in the form of runoff and chemical drift.

South Carolina’s coast is also vulnerable to pollution, particularly from offshore drilling and oil spills. In recent years, there have been several proposals to expand offshore drilling along the Atlantic coast, which has raised concerns about the potential for oil spills and other environmental disasters. Additionally, the state’s beaches and waterways are often impacted by marine debris and plastic pollution, which can harm wildlife and pose a risk to human health. Dumpster rentals are often hired to clean SC beaches.

Despite these challenges, there are also positive steps being taken to address pollution in South Carolina. The state has implemented several programs to monitor and reduce air and water pollution, and there are ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and clean energy.

Additionally, community organizations and advocacy groups are working to raise awareness about pollution and advocate for stronger environmental protections. By working together to address the sources of pollution in the state, South Carolina can continue to protect its natural resources and ensure a healthy future for its residents.

Sustainability in the city of Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC has made significant strides towards sustainability in recent years. The city has implemented a number of programs and policies aimed at reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. One of the most notable initiatives is the City of Columbia Recycling Program, which encourages residents to recycle materials such as paper, plastic, and metal. The program has been successful in diverting a significant amount of waste from landfills, which in turn reduces the city’s environmental impact.

Another way that Columbia has focused on sustainability is through its transportation infrastructure. The city has invested in public transportation options such as buses and bike lanes to reduce the number of cars on the road. This not only helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also improves air quality in the city. Additionally, the city has implemented a bike-sharing program, which allows residents and visitors to rent bicycles for short trips around the city.

Columbia has also focused on sustainable energy sources in recent years. The city has installed solar panels on several public buildings, including the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center and the Columbia Water Treatment Plant. These solar panels generate clean energy and reduce the city’s dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, the city has worked to promote energy efficiency in buildings through its Green Building Program, which encourages builders to incorporate sustainable design features into new construction projects.

The city of Columbia has also made strides in sustainable food practices. The city hosts a number of farmers markets throughout the year, which promote the consumption of locally sourced and organic produce. Additionally, the city has implemented a food waste reduction program, which encourages restaurants and other food service providers to donate excess food to local charities instead of throwing it away. This program not only reduces waste, but also helps to address food insecurity in the community.

Finally, Columbia has worked to promote sustainable lifestyles through education and outreach. The city has partnered with local schools and community organizations to educate residents about the importance of sustainability and provide resources for individuals to reduce their environmental impact. Through these efforts, the city has fostered a culture of sustainability that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

How to get a dumpster rental in Columbia, SC

If you’re in need of a dumpster rental in Columbia, SC, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the right dumpster for your needs. The first step is to determine what size dumpster you need. This will depend on the amount and type of waste you need to dispose of. Most dumpster rental companies offer a range of sizes, from small 10-yard dumpsters to larger 40-yard dumpsters.

Once you know what size dumpster you need, you can start looking for rental companies in the area. A quick online search will reveal several options, but it’s important to choose a reputable company with good customer reviews. Look for a company that offers transparent pricing, clear rental terms, and reliable delivery and pickup services.

Before you rent a dumpster, you should also check to see if there are any regulations or permits required in your area. Some cities and towns require permits for dumpster rentals, especially if the dumpster will be placed on public property. Your rental company should be able to help you navigate these regulations and obtain any necessary permits.

When you’re ready to rent a dumpster, contact the rental company to schedule delivery and pickup. Be sure to discuss any specific needs or requirements you have, such as the placement of the dumpster or the types of materials you plan to dispose of. With a little planning and research, renting a dumpster in Columbia, SC can be a straightforward process that allows you to efficiently and safely dispose of your waste.

The Ban Of Single-Use Plastics

What Are Plastics That You Only Use Once

Plastics meant to be used only once and then thrown away are called “single-use.” plastics They are objects that can be thrown away, like plastic straws, water bottles, cutlery, and most food packaging. 

In the food, health care, and personal care industries, single-use plastics are often, but not always, used. Many things that say “one-time use only” can be used more than once. Most of the time, the situation determines what is single-use. When you are out and about, you are more likely to use something once and then throw it away than when you are at home.

What Are Some Examples Of Common Plastics That Can Only Be Used Once

Goods that can only be used once should be thrown away after usage, such as:

Earbuds, party balloons, cups and lids for coffee, containers made of polystyrene or foam, cigarettes, paper plates, and other things, tissues, toilet paper, cleaning gloves or medical gloves, most of the packaging for food and non-food products, straws, plastic plates and cups, plastic bags for shopping covers made of disposable plastic for hot drinks, water in plastic bottles, takeout boxes, and cups for drinks, sleeves for food, bottle’s tops, or stirrers.

All of these are everyday objects that can hurt the environment. To live a clean life, you must pay attention to the plastic packaging you buy for your things and promise not to buy anything with single-use plastic.

What’s Wrong With Plastics That Only Need To Be Used Once

Most fossil fuels make plastics that can only be used once. It takes a lot of time and work to get these materials from the ground, process them, and turn them into packaging and other one-time-use items.

After all this work, they are just thrown away. We should avoid single-use plastics for many reasons, such as the fact that most plastic items that are only used once are not made to be recycled. This creates a big waste management problem in the USA, and dumpster rental service companies are required to clear the mess.

Many disposable plastics lack a polymer identification code. This means that if the item ends up at a recycling plant, there is no way to tell what kind of plastic it is. Because of this, we can’t recycle many of these things at the curb. If you put something that doesn’t belong in a recycling machine, it can get stuck. Many items that you throw away are made of more than one layer of material. 

Most of the time, there isn’t any equipment to separate the materials, which makes recycling hard. If you leave single-use plastics in the environment, they won’t break down. Instead, they will break up. 

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic broken down over time by heat and sunlight into smaller pieces. When these polymers break down, the chemicals used to make them could end up in the environment or the bodies of animals.

The Ban On Single-Use Plastics

Plastic waste is a very big problem in the world. Plastic trash is all over the place. Our lakes, rivers, and oceans all have it. Our parks, gardens, and streets all have it. 

It can be in both the food we eat and the water we drink. We have a problem with plastic that needs to be fixed. Eliminating plastic bags that can only be used once is a huge step forward. 

The ban of single-use plastics is part of a global effort to protect the environment by reducing and eventually getting rid of single-use plastics. The idea came from the alarming rise in plastic pollution. Plastic doesn’t break down in nature and can take up to a thousand years to break down if it’s thrown away. 

Even if this program only has a small effect on plastic pollution, the ban on single-use plastics means that the government has banned polluting items such as straws and plastic bags. To protect the environment, the government has decided to put limits on single-use plastics. 

This means that people will use a lot fewer plastic bottles and bags. The ban includes plastic straws, cutlery, and drink stirrers that are only used once. The ban also applies to products made with polymers that break down when exposed to oxygen. Even if these plastics break down into small pieces, they could still hurt the environment.

What Can You Use Instead Of Single-Use Plastics

The ban on single-use plastic will spur innovation, especially for plant-based things that break down quickly. Similarly, bioplastics are becoming more and more common. Bioplastics are made out of biomaterials, either all of them or some of them. 

Use straws made of metal, paper, or bamboo instead of plastic. We can also advertise straws that you can eat, like pasta straws and rice straws. We can encourage people to use reusable water bottles from the tap instead of buying water in bottles. 

Encourage people to use bamboo cutlery that can be washed and eaten. Use a reusable cloth bag instead of a bag you have to throw away. Use twine or a holder to keep the balloons in place. You could use tissue balls, paper flags, ribbons, or kites. 

Try to get people to stop smoking, but until that happens, use biodegradable filters and cigarettes. Scrubbers can be used with sponges and dish towels made from natural fibers. 

Use bamboo or paper cotton swabs that you throw away instead of plastic cotton swabs, or use cotton swabs that you can use repeatedly. Use wet wipes made of biodegradable materials, diapers made of washable cloth, and diapers with no plastic.

A ban on single-use plastics would be great for the environment. This is a positive turn of events. These plastic items don’t belong in the world’s landfills, where they would pollute the water and add to the huge amount of trash that is already there.

Pollution In South Carolina

Pollution in South Carolina is a serious issue in the state. A greater number of people are killed in the US each year by drinking contaminated water than by all acts of war and terrorism put together.

However we have a shortage of potable water: According to estimates, access to less than one percent of the world’s freshwater supply is a major problem. The predicted global demand for freshwater is expected to be one-third higher than it is currently, making it that much more difficult to overcome the issues if nothing is done.

What Causes And Contributes To South Carolina’s Water Pollution Problem

As a very permeable medium, water is especially vulnerable to pollution. More chemicals can be dissolved in water than in any other liquid on Earth, earning it the moniker “universal solvent.” This is the scientific explanation for both Kool-Aid and bright blue waterfalls.

It’s also a contributing factor to water’s susceptibility to contamination. Water contamination occurs when harmful substances from farms, cities, and industry mix with water and get dissolved.

Typical Sources of Water Contamination in South Carolina’s Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Consumed Water Is Considered Waste water. It comes from domestic plumbing fixtures like bathtubs, sinks, and toilets, and from commercial, agriculture, and industrial operations. Rainfall washing away impermeable surface and into our rivers is known as stormwater runoff, and it includes the discharge of road salts, oil, chemical, grease, and debris.

The United Nations estimates that more than ten percent of wastewater worldwide is released into the environment without being treated or reused; in some underdeveloped countries, this number is as high as ninety-five percent. Each day, wastewater treatment plants in the United States process about 34 billion gallons of wastewater. Sewage pre-treatment plants reduce the concentration of pathogens, nitrates, and phosphates in the water supply, as well as the concentration of heavy metals and hazardous compounds in industrial waste, before discharging the water into nearby bodies of water.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that approximately 850 billion liters of untreated wastewater are discharged annually from the United States’ ageing and easily overwhelmed sewage treatment facilities.

Does Oil Harm Water Quality

The media focuses on massive oil spills, yet daily leaks from cars damage many seas and lakes. The majority of the estimated one billion million tonnes of oil which enters marine environments annually does not come from tanker mishaps but rather from land-based source like businesses, farms, and towns. Tanker accidents account for 10% of all oil lost at sea, while other marine operations (both legal and illegal) account for the other 30%. Also known as “seeps,” these fractures can be found on the ocean floor and are a common entry point for oil.

About a third of a oil in the ocean comes from the ordinary operations of the maritime industry (including both legal and illegal discharges), while the remaining 10% comes from tanker mishaps. Oil can also be released naturally through seeps, which are cracks in the ocean floor through which petroleum can seep.

Nuclear Materials

Radioactive waste refers to any type of pollution that releases radioactive particles at a rate greater than that of the surrounding environment in South Carolina. Uranium mining and nuclear power plants are two of the most damaging industries, alongside the production and testing of weapons and medical facilities that use radioactive elements in diagnostics and treatment.

Radioactive waste has an extremely long half-life in the environment (up to a thousand years), making it difficult to safely dispose of. Toxins that have been inadvertently released or improperly disposed of represent a threat to surface water, groundwater, and marine areas.

The Effects Of Polluting Water

There were 1.8 million deaths attributed, per studies published in The Lancet. Contaminated water is another potential source of illness. More than a billion people are ill each year because of water contamination. Additionally, low-income communities in South Carolina such as Rock Hill are disproportionately at risk because their homes are typically situated near polluting businesses.

According to the Environmental Defence Fund, the recent lead contamination tragedy in South Carolina is giving locals a first hand look at the potential dangers of chemical and other industrial contaminants in their drinking water.

The problem isn’t only limited to Rock Hill, and it’s not just lead; there are many different kinds of chemical contaminants that are making their way to public water systems, from pesticides to nitrate fertilisers. When ingested, these substances can cause everything from hormone imbalances to cancer. Infection is especially dangerous for young children and pregnant women.

The health of a person can be jeopardised by even swimming. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that annually 3.5 million people in the United States get illnesses like rashes, pinkeye, lung infections, and hepatitis after swimming in coastal waters that have been contaminated by sewage.

Orange Park Junk Disposal

Production and characteristics of household waste in Orange Park

Household waste is understood to mean all the rubbish generated in households, such as as food or meal preparation waste, sweepings, household items, newspapers and various papers, small metal packaging, bottles, paper or plastic packaging, rags and other textile residues, etc. We include also plant waste from the maintenance of gardens, yards, etc.

Very often, we also assimilate to household waste other garbage in the insofar as they are similar in nature to household waste and produced by individuals in relatively close proportions. We can cite for example the w aste from offices, shops, crafts, administrations, halls,fairs, markets, communities such as canteens, maintenance of green spaces and roads as well as all objects and corpses of small animals abandoned on the public highway.

This enumeration formally excludes waste construction sites and public works (excavation, rubble, rubble, debris, etc.); industrial waste (in particular bulky metal, toxic or dangerous) and commercial products that do not meet the above criteria; hospital waste and other objects likely to convey bacteriological or medicinal pollution; all waste which, due of their size, weight or nature, could not be loaded in dumpster collection vehicles.

There are usually three fractions in household waste.
• The biodegradable fraction includes materials that can be degraded by the action of microorganisms in a determined period of time: plants, waste food, fruit, cellulose products and biodegradable plastics.
• The inert fraction includes materials which cannot be degraded by the action of microorganisms over a determined period of time: glass, stones, ceramics, non-biodegradable plastics, synthetic textiles, rubber, etc. This fraction causes more nuisance than chemical pollution.
• Contaminants are materials that release chemical contaminants (for example heavy metals) in the environment and which are not or only slightly biodegradable: batteries, non-ferrous metals, solvents, paints, oils, inks, materials (plasters, etc.) containing sulphates, etc.

In general, official statistics on production and composition of household waste in Orange Park are difficult to obtain and remain approximate. They are often based on non-exhaustive censuses of the population and summary assessment of the quantity and quality of waste collected. For to be reliable, the quantification of waste requires an organization based on a regular collection and systematic weighing of trucks and skips.

However, in certain urban areas, particularly those with low incomes, the collection waste, as long as it is effective, is not regular. Residents are not always aware that throwing waste in a dumpster can be a convenient and cheap way to discard their old junk and reduce polution. Added to this is the frequent absence of a weighbridge at the entrance to landfills, generally not controlled.

Likewise, the composition of the waste must be assessed while respecting strict sampling criteria to avoid extrapolating biased results, and therefore poorly forecasting waste management. In any case, these criteria must take into account the standard of living of waste producers as well as the season.

Waste management in academia

If the environment has occupied a tiny and belated place for researchers of geography, the trend has changed in recent years, as work academics and degrees focused on the environment are on the rise. Even though diplomas oriented towards this field amounted to less than twenty diplomas, only 7% for the Earth and Life Sciences, the environment is the set of living biotic factors likely to have effects on other living beings, especially humans. Universities in their scientific fields (Earth Sciences, Biology), Literary (Geography) and Law / Economics offer training courses focused on the environment.

What do you learn by studying waste management?

The study of waste helps understand how people live and carry out their vital functions (consumption, diet, health) and cultural (leisure, various activities), or professional. This is not divination: by studying the trash cans, we can establish trends in behavior, based on typologies carried out on the basis of analyzes of contents of garbage cans carried out over several years.

Such analysis is somewhat similar to other fields of study which aim to study the relationships that men had with their waste from one society to another. But how do you define the word waste?

The variety of household waste

First, appeared in the 14th century, the word “waste” comes etymologically from the verb “to decline” and expresses a general notion of depreciation. Common usage qualifies waste as a rejected product because without recognized possibility of use; dumped in the trash and left in the dumpster as garbage, it is intended for disappearance by burial in a landfill or by cremation, destruction in an incineration plant in the manner of a corpse.

A product qualifies as waste only from the moment it is deposited in the trash, i.e. from the moment its market value or social ceases to exist. This is the result of a loss of use.
It is also appropriate to note the various definitions of this term which are listed in dictionaries, such as “decrease in quantity or value (there is waste in the melting of the currency) or what is lost in the use of a material (meat waste, wasteo).

In 1972, the dictionary gave an unclear definition of the meaning of this word: “discredit, decrease”. Another definition of 1988 states “what falls from a material we work on, waste wool. Loss, part irrecoverable of something: fruit crates where there is waste. No one morally and physically degraded, a waste of humanity “. These definitions have given the term “waste” a pejorative connotation that also conveys the term “junk” and the idea that we have of waste is fundamentally negative: it is something that no longer serves any purpose, that encumbers.

Pluralized, waste is defined as follows: “debris, food scraps that are unfit for consumption or use (throw waste in the trash); materials rejected as not of immediate value or left as residue from a process or operation. Non-combustible and unnecessary products from metabolism of living cells, intended either to be rejected (carbon dioxide, excreta, urine, sweat …), or, especially in plants, to be accumulated separately general circulation (latex, oleoresins, alkaloids, etc.) ”. Dictionaries certainly define this term, nevertheless the definitions provided are hardly explicit.

Waste Management in Georgia


Waste management companies in Georgia are the leading providers of waste and environmental services in North America. These companies tailor their services to meet the needs of each customer group and to ensure consistent, superior service at the local level. They are committed to ensuring the safety of both their customers and employees while providing superior service. For everyone in the Atlanta region impacted by a storm, they want to assure you the Operations Team is working diligently to resume operations. Waste management providers serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers through landfill operations, curbside collection, dumpster, recycling, and other waste collection services.

The Solid Waste Management Program is organized into the following units: The Environmental Monitoring Unit is responsible for reviewing groundwater, surface water, methane monitoring, remediation, and corrective action plans and site suitability reports; analyzing groundwater, surface water, and methane monitoring data; and conducting compliance inspections for methane and groundwater pollution.

You can get temporary dumpster rental for Atlanta, GA by calling a junk removal provider. Let these waste management specialists provide just the right size dumpster for your project. With 24/7 online pricing, ordering and scheduling, you can have your dumpster professionally delivered or picked up in no time. Atlanta dumpster rental services can easily be found but consulting the Web. Remove the junk at your home or office to reduce waste and pollution.

Planning requirements for local governments recently changed significantly. Local government solid waste management plans, whether local, multi-jurisdictional or regional, must at a minimum: provide for 10 years of collection capability and disposal capacity from the date of completion of the plan.

At US Waste & Recycling, they provide comprehensive waste management solutions for customers across the country. They’ve become a leader in commercial waste management because they are detail oriented and always work closely with their clients every step of the way to ensure the logistics and details are all in order.

Waste management services can also be found in Augusta, GA. Environmental Alternatives is a full service waste management company specializing in customer satisfaction. their mission is simple: offer combined services of waste management and chemical exchange alternatives to industry using the experience of yesterday’s and today’s TSDF managers whom many of you know and trust.

There are links to Georgia’s environmental rules as published on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website and to corresponding laws on the LexisNexis® website, the official publisher of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.). Please note that rules recently adopted by the Board of Natural Resources, but not yet published on the Secretary of State’s website, are available online as well.

Government and businesses that generate or store hazardous waste are regulated by the Hazardous Waste Management Programs of the Land Protection Branch. These Programs also investigate spills and releases involving hazardous waste and determine the impact to soil and water. The Hazardous Waste Programs administer the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund, also called the State Superfund, which is used to fund recycling and waste management efforts.

After assessing local needs and capabilities, ICMA will establish CityLinks™ partnerships between municipalities in Georgia and cities or counties in the United States that can provide expertise and share innovative and practical approaches to environmental management, including solid waste collection and disposal, landfill siting, and recycling.

They’re proud of their work to keep Georgia communities both clean and safe. Check below to find out where they provide waste and recycling services in Georgia. Thy offer the trash removal, recycling and yard waste removal services to residents in Georgia. Commercial waste disposal services include dumpster rental, roll-off containers and trash ..

The Division of Waste Management works closely with the department’s district offices to implement state and federal laws to protect the environment from the improper handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. This includes regulatory programs for waste facilities and pollutant storage systems, and non-regulatory activities such as financial and technical assistance

Chicago pollution from construction sites

water pollutionAs Chicago and the surrounding areas continue to suffer from problems associated with aging water lines, increased flooding, and stormwater pollution, the construction, finance, and real estate must get their act together to save the local environment.

The Chicago government safeguards environmental quality, consistent with the social and economic needs of the State, so as to protect health, welfare, property and the quality of life in the region.

Recently workers pumped a slurry of water and sediment into the Chicago River from the construction site at 110 N. Wacker Drive. Manganese pollution in the Southeast Side yards prompted new concerns with the dangers that all construction sites in the city can bring to the people’s health.

Water pollution is another problem from construction sites, and it is caused by the run-off of debris, dirt, diesel, oil, paints, and other harmful chemicals into the drains if in an urban site, or into a local waterway if the construction site is more rural.

Chicago’s unusual wastewater disposal history was conditioned by the location of the city at the juncture of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. Initially, the city used the lake to supply water and to dispose of wastes. Beginning in the 1850s on an informal basis, and in 1871 on a formal basis, Chicago flushed its wastewater into the Lake. The Chicago River, which was once a polluted eyesore, saw its fortunes improve significantly at the turn of the 20th century when engineers reversed its flow to send pollution away from Lake Michigan and into smaller streams.

The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, historically known as the Chicago Drainage Canal, is a 28-mile-long canal system that connects the Chicago River to the Des Plaines River. It reverses the direction of the Main Stem and the South Branch of the Chicago River, which now flows out of Lake Michigan rather than into it.

Water pollution illegally dumped from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s three sewage treatment plants and combined sewer overflow pipes has created a plume of harmful impacts stretching from Chicago all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, according to notice of a suit delivered to the MWRD.

Four companies have been sued for allegedly violating water pollution laws after workers were caught on social media pumping filthy water from a Wacker Drive construction site directly into the river.

The Trump International Hotel and Tower is a skyscraper condo-hotel in downtown Chicago, Illinois.The building, named after businessman and current U.S. President Donald Trump, was designed by architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. Even such a landmark has created controversy recently due to the way their are reportedly not paying attention to how they pollute their surroundings this the mismanagement of their waste.

But Chicago pollution is on the radar screen of the local government and it you are living there or plan on moving there, you should not be too worried as things are not as bad as this article makes them sound. Lake Michigan is a huge water reserve next to the city, and it helps preserving the environment. You can even get a flat overlloking the lake with a great view, if you use the services of a quality local Chicago agent with a good supply of luxurious properties.

The risk of pollution from landfills

bacteria in landfillsThe waste materials gathered in junk removal processes and reaching landfills can be approached differently depending on their properties. Their classification can be done according to their physical state (solid, liquid, gaseous), their source (household waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste), their treatment (primary, secondary, ultimate) or their dangerousness ( inert waste, ordinary waste, special waste).

Intuitively, humans, like animals, deposit their waste away from their places of life, for various reasons, among which there are health concerns (protection against odors, parasites, physical attacks and infections).

In fact, in the strict sense of the term, the rational management of urban waste consists in evacuating garbage outside the city because their deposit in inhabited areas pollutes the environment and deteriorates the quality of life. Unfortunately landfilling is a problem in many countries including the USA.

Any organic matter of animal or vegetable origin will sooner or later, depending on the physico-chemical conditions such as temperature and humidity, be colonized by microorganisms. They will find material to feed on and develop while producing gases and substances with a negative effect (toxic substances or substances inhibiting negative effects on humans) on the surrounding environment. In a landfill the phenomena that develop, following the biodegradation of organic matter, will be all the more complex as the volume of waste will be heterogeneous.

Uncontrolled landfills involve various types of waste (low or fast biodegradable materials, plastics, metals, glasses and ceramics) and mixed populations of endogenous microorganisms (which originate from waste, the surrounding atmosphere or the sub-soil of the landfill). Heterogeneity, the presence of biodegradable materials and the influence of external parameters, such as rainfall and temperature, are at the origin of chemical, physical and biological processes that influence each other and generate flows of gases and liquids.

Liquids from a landfill are commonly known as leachate. The gases for their part are called biogas. Since microorganisms are responsible for most changes in the physicochemical properties of leachate and biogas, the uncontrolled discharge is often thought to be a biochemical reactor or bioreactor. The flows entering this landfill correspond to the entry of water as well as the supply of waste during the dumping of waste. Water the element that has the greatest influence on the evolution of waste, comes from three main sources: runoff arriving at the landfill, precipitation and water constitutive of waste.

The leachates or leachate liquids of the landfill are charged bacteriologically and especially chemically with both mineral and organic substances. They can mix with surface water as well as with groundwater and thus constitute a pollutant element as well by their quantitative aspect as qualitative (ecotoxicological elements). The water passing through the layer of waste will be charged with pollutants such as soluble organic matter resulting from the biological activity of the uncontrolled discharge, inorganic constituents such as heavy metals (especially from batteries) and germs that can be dangerous for health and the environment.

It is difficult to predict the composition of leachates precisely because it depends on the nature of the waste, the volume of precipitation, and the stage of degradation reached. The greatest risk associated with leachate production is contamination of the water table. This would pollute drinking water wells and thus deprive the population of a vital element in its survival. It should also be noted that the pollution of drinking water reserves by pathogenic micro-organisms is likely to cause epidemics.

How People With Metabolic Syndrome Can Benefit From Resistant Starch


In a newly concluded research, it was found out that adding starch to the regular diets of individuals with metabolic syndrome is a great idea. This can result in the improvement of bacteria in the gut, and these changes decrease inflammation linked to obesity. Also, this can lead to lower bad cholesterol. According to the research from South Dakota State University, the real secret is found in the flour, but its impact or effect lies in the gut.

An estimated 34% of Americans or roughly 47 million people have metabolic syndrome based on the data collected by the American Heart Association. Metabolic syndrome is a not a new type of diseases. In fact, it was identified less than two decades ago. American Heart Association mentioned that almost 1 out of 6 people have it.

Metabolic syndrome runs in families. Usually, it is very common in Asians, African-Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics. As a person ages, the risk of developing this condition increases. Certainly, it seems that many people have it, but only very few know it very well. Many experts are debating about it, and not all of them recognize that this should be considered as a distinct condition.

Should you be worried about this mysterious syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, is not a disease in itself. Actually, it is a cluster of risk factors, which include high blood sugar, high blood pressure, abdominal fat, and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Apparently, having any of the risk factors is not great. But when all of them are combined, they simply set the stage for severe problems.

These double a person’s risk of blood vessel and heart disease, which may lead to strokes and heart attacks. Also, their combination can increase an individual’s risk of diabetes by 5 times.
The lighter side of metabolic syndrome is it can be controlled, mostly with lifestyle changes.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the American Heart Association, there are 5 risk factors that make up this syndrome.

Until today, health experts are not certain why this develops. It is not a single disease, but a group of risk factors. It is possible that this syndrome has many different causes.
These are some of the factors of metabolic syndrome:

● Obesity (especially abdominal obesity). According to experts, this syndrome is becoming more widespread because of the increasing rates of obesity. Moreover, having added fat in the belly seems to increase a person’s risk.
● Hormonal imbalance. Hormones have a big role. For example, polycystic ovary or PCOS is connected to both hormonal imbalance and metabolic syndrome.
● Unhealthy lifestyle. Not getting sufficient exercise and eating loads of unhealthy processed foods can play a role.
● Insulin resistance. In people with insulin resistance, the insulin does not work well. Their bodies keep producing more and more of it to adapt to the rising glucose level. Sooner or later, this will lead to diabetes. Insulin resistance is closely related to having extra weight in the belly.

The Dakota State University study has been the first ever to analyze the prebiotic effect of resistant starch type 4 also known as RS4 in people with metabolic syndrome. This is a nondigestible and chemically modified wheat fiber.

Moul Dey, an associate professor of the Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, explained that the RS4 is not the same with the regular starch because it works as a functional fiber. The gut bacteria ferment the RS4 in the colon because it is not broken down in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This activity makes new substances, like short-chain fatty acids, that have health-related functions.

Prof. Dey said that the human bodies contain more bacterial cells than their own and as a result, what a person eats is not just for him but also for his bacteria. She added that how well a person feeds his bacteria contributes to how well they take care of him, and RS4 can help here.

The National Institutes of Health, MGP Ingredients and the U.S. Department of Agriculture funding through the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station supported the research. The outcomes were published in a Nature Publishing Group academic journal called the Scientific Reports.

How To Use the Ingredient In Real Food

The study included 8 men and 12 women with metabolic syndrome from 2 Hutterite colonies in eastern South Dakota. These people had abdominal obesity associated with 2 of 4 other conditions – high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high blood pressure, low levels of good cholesterol, and high level of triglycerides in the blood stream. Twelve of them were undergoing medications for 1 or more of these conditions.

The starch was added into the intervention flour of the group. Every meal is prepared from scratch and each contains 1 or 2 flour-based items.

The participants did not even realize that they were doing anything new or different, yet they experience improvement with their health. Prof. Dey and his co-researchers hypothesized that adding RS4 in the diet makes bacteria feel good and increases the health benefits of the food that people commonly eat. The best part of this study is that it demonstrated that this is probable in a real-life setting.

Unlike most diet intervention research, the researchers incorporated a “free-living community environment” and created little modifications to the habitual diet of the participants.

A healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet can lower the threats associated with metabolic syndrome. But, changing permanent habits and sticking to the diet guidelines, in the long run, is hard. This is where RS4 and other stealth ingredients make a lot of sense. She pointed out that making healthy options is really critical.

The research intervention was done in 2 twelve sessions with a 2-week hiatus. This gave enough time for the researchers to switch the intervention and the control groups so that every group worked as its own control. Blood and stool sample were collected. A DXA was used to assess body composition before and after the intervention.

How lower cholesterol improves the condition of gut bacteria?

The use of resistant starch lowers all types of cholesterols. The baseline cholesterol levels of all participants were not high. Partly, this happened because of the medications there were having. Nonetheless, the participant’s average cholesterol dropped considerably after the intervention. Additionally, the team of researchers observed a little drop in the body fat percentage and waist circumference.

The stool samples’ DNA analysis through the use of an advanced sequencing illustrated a change in the “gut bacterial community structure after the intervention.” Basically, consuming RS$ helped the balance of gut bacteria, some of which linked with improved indicators of metabolic health and rising short chain fatty acid levels.

At present, RS4 is only accessible to food manufacturers to serve as a fiber ingredient. The researchers are optimistic that one day the consumers have the capacity to buy RS4 fortified flour.