Accidents & Waste Minimization

Waste because of the nature of living processes is a natural consequence. Within the schema of living cell frameworks, the ability to generate waste is considered a clear indication of a “living” system. Waste is a necessary by-product of any work function even if it is heat, light, or some other form of energy by virtue of the intrinsic inefficiencies associated with the utilization of “fuel” or raw materials. For example, even a newborn that is fed on breast milk, a ideal natural food source for babies, does not simply produce a non-material, i.e., heat/energy dissipation, waste product. The problems associated with waste including inherent inefficiencies with using resources are how it builds up and affects the quality of the environment. In general, we cannot prevent waste because everything is subject to entropy.

The crux of the problem associated with waste boils down to safety. As alluded to in the Prezi example above, rust can cause material fatigue or loss of integrity that can compromise functionality. Additionally, chemical processes that produce waste need to adhere to the three general “R”s of Green Chemistry.