The All Saints' Day period is a time when cemeteries in Poland become the site of many visits. Although remembering the dead is a beautiful tradition and an expression of respect, the visits lead to a serious problem - the production of cemetery waste. Plastic flowers, disposable candles and packaging are the main sources of this waste. So how do we manage cemetery waste responsibly? The key is to use segregation, reduce waste and reuse available resources.
Segregation of waste in cemeteries - the foundation of GOZ
Waste segregation is one of the most important elements of responsible waste management in cemeteries. Correctly sorting waste enables it to be recycled and raw materials recovered, reducing its negative impact. In cemeteries, it is particularly important to distinguish several key groups of waste:
- Glass - Glass candles are recyclable and reusable, reducing the need for new raw materials.
- Plastic and metal - Artificial flowers and plastic packaging should go into plastic and metal bins to be recycled.
- Bio-waste - Natural flowers and other biodegradable items can be composted, reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.
By segregating waste in cemeteries, valuable raw materials can be recovered, which has a positive impact on the closed loop economy (GOZ). Segregation in cemeteries is not only a matter of environmental care, but also a growing need in Polish cities and municipalities, where environmental education about cemetery waste is becoming increasingly popular.
Green alternatives - less waste, more nature
Alternative, eco-friendly cemetery decorations can effectively reduce waste. By choosing natural decorations, you can reduce the production of plastic waste:
- Natural flowers instead of artificial ones - is a natural alternative that expresses the memory of loved ones
- Reusable candles - Glass or metal candles with replaceable refills reduce waste.
- Biodegradable decorations - Wood, wicker and dried plants are alternatives to plastic, which fits in with sustainable waste management and the GOZ concept.
Reuse and refurbishment of candles
Another step that contributes to reducing waste is the reuse of candles. Simply cleaning them thoroughly and replacing the refill is enough to reuse them. Refurbishing candles not only saves money, but also reduces the amount of waste and raw materials needed to produce new cemetery decorations. Reusing available resources is a key part of the GOZ, which aims to reduce waste as much as possible.
Thoughtful shopping - the key to reducing waste
Conscious purchasing can reduce cemetery waste. Small candles are cheaper, but burning them quickly leads to generating more waste. Biodegradable decorations that can be easily composted after Christmas are an excellent choice.
Shared responsibility - how education and involvement influence waste management
Cemetery waste is a problem whose solution requires the cooperation of the whole society. Environmental awareness and education about segregation and recycling of cemetery waste can bring long-term benefits. In Poland, more and more cities are organising information campaigns reminding people of the principles of segregation and the benefits of reusing resources. In this way, education about GOZ reaches an increasingly wide audience, supporting the creation of responsible habits.
On this special time of All Saints' Day, dedicated to remembrance and reflection, may shared moments with your family be an expression of care for your loved ones. As we return to our daily business, we look forward to supporting you in your efforts for a sustainable future, continuing our mission at EKOPRO Group
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