Pollution vs waste - Revision history

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energy>Ethan.boechler at 19:26, 10 September 2021

2021-09-10T19:26:21Z

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	[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]		[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]
			[[Category:Translated to French]]
			[[fr:Pollution vs déchets]]
	<onlyinclude>The distinction between '''pollution vs waste''' is subtle. However, there are ways to look at each to distinguish between the two. First, a quick look at the definitions:		<onlyinclude>The distinction between '''pollution vs waste''' is subtle. However, there are ways to look at each to distinguish between the two. First, a quick look at the definitions:

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	From the definitions above, waste is fairly general, no connotation of negative consequences. For any processes in the universe, waste (byproducts) will ''always'' be created. For example, a byproduct of [[hydrocarbon combustion]] is [[carbon dioxide]] which is attributed to the [[greenhouse effect]] and [[global warming]]—clearly a negative example of waste. Water is another byproduct of combustion, that rarely has negative consequences, but it is waste. As a different example, [[oxygen]] is a waste product of [[photosynthesis]], but humans and animals require it to breathe—clearly a positive example of waste.		From the definitions above, waste is fairly general, no connotation of negative consequences. For any processes in the universe, waste (byproducts) will ''always'' be created. For example, a byproduct of [[hydrocarbon combustion]] is [[carbon dioxide]] which is attributed to the [[greenhouse effect]] and [[global warming]]—clearly a negative example of waste. Water is another byproduct of combustion, that rarely has negative consequences, but it is waste. As a different example, [[oxygen]] is a waste product of [[photosynthesis]], but humans and animals require it to breathe—clearly a positive example of waste.
	Waste ~~dependends~~ on perspective. Growing levels of carbon dioxide are increasing the strength of the greenhouse effect, but some concentration of carbon dioxide is needed because plants need it to survive. However, the large amounts that humans release from [[fossil fuel]] use means that carbon dioxide has negative impacts.		Waste depends on perspective. Growing levels of carbon dioxide are increasing the strength of the greenhouse effect, but some concentration of carbon dioxide is needed because plants need it to survive. However, the large amounts that humans release from [[fossil fuel]] use means that carbon dioxide has negative impacts.

	Unlike waste, pollution '''always'' means that there are negative consequences. Pollution is defined as the harmful effects of an activity, which is the main difference between pollution and waste. All process create waste, but not all will create pollution. Since not all waste is harmful, not all waste is pollution. When waste is indeed harmful, it would then be classified as pollution.		Unlike waste, pollution ''always'' means that there are negative consequences. Pollution is defined as the harmful effects of an activity, which is the main difference between pollution and waste. All process create waste, but not all will create pollution. Since not all waste is harmful, not all waste is pollution. When waste is indeed harmful, it would then be classified as pollution.

	In summary:		In summary:
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	*Waste always depends on perspective. If one process deems the substance as useless, for another it may be useful!		*Waste always depends on perspective. If one process deems the substance as useless, for another it may be useful!

	Reducing waste often reduces environmental impact, either from the disposal, or from the creation in the first place. This leads to the popularity of alternative disposal methods—like compost, recycling or ~~evening~~ reusing a product—rather than filling landfills.		Reducing waste often reduces environmental impact, either from the disposal, or from the creation in the first place. This leads to the popularity of alternative disposal methods—like compost, recycling or even reusing a product—rather than filling landfills.

	==For Further Reading==		==For Further Reading==

Jmdonev: 1 revision imported

2019-01-04T18:15:24Z

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2dev>Jmdonev at 18:21, 2 January 2019

2019-01-02T18:21:22Z

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	[[Category:Done ~~2015~~-07-24]]		[[Category:Done 2018-12-10]]
	<onlyinclude>~~Determining what is~~ '''pollution vs waste''' ~~can be somewhat confusing~~, ~~however~~ there are ways to look at each ~~and~~ distinguish ~~easily~~ between the two. First, a quick look at the definitions:<ref>Google definitions. (Accessed July 29, 2015). Available: https://www.google.ca/search?q=pollution+definition&oq=pol&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.588j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8</ref><ref>Google definitions. (Accessed July 29, 2015). Available: https://www.google.ca/search?q=pollution+definition&oq=pol&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.588j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8#q=waste+definition</ref>		<onlyinclude>The distinction between '''pollution vs waste''' is subtle. However, there are ways to look at each to distinguish between the two. First, a quick look at the definitions:

	*'''~~[[Pollution]]~~''': the ~~presence~~ in ~~or introduction into~~ the ~~[[environment]]~~ of a ~~substance or item that has harmful or poisonous effects~~.		*'''Waste''': substances which are the by-products of a process. Essentially, any unwanted products made in the process of making a wanted, intentional product.<ref name = "oxford">N. Jelley, A dictionary of energy science. Oxford</ref>
	*'''~~Waste~~''': ~~material~~ that ~~is not wanted;~~ the ~~unusable remains or byproducts of a process.~~		*'''[[Pollution]]''': substances that are deemed harmful to animals and/or the environment<ref name = "oxford"/></onlyinclude>
	</onlyinclude>

	From the definitions above, waste is fairly general, ~~with~~ no negative ~~connotation~~. ~~Waste is~~ ''~~anything~~'' ~~that is a byproduct of a process, whether it is good or bad~~. For example, a byproduct of [[hydrocarbon combustion]] is [[carbon dioxide]] which is attributed to the [[greenhouse effect]] and [[global warming]] ~~- clearly~~ a negative example of waste. ~~On the other hand~~, [[oxygen]] is a waste product of [[photosynthesis]], ~~and~~ humans and animals require it to ~~breathe - clearly~~ a positive example of waste.		From the definitions above, waste is fairly general, no connotation of negative consequences. For any processes in the universe, waste (byproducts) will ''always'' be created. For example, a byproduct of [[hydrocarbon combustion]] is [[carbon dioxide]] which is attributed to the [[greenhouse effect]] and [[global warming]]—clearly a negative example of waste. Water is another byproduct of combustion, that rarely has negative consequences, but it is waste. As a different example, [[oxygen]] is a waste product of [[photosynthesis]], but humans and animals require it to breathe—clearly a positive example of waste.
			Waste dependends on perspective. Growing levels of carbon dioxide are increasing the strength of the greenhouse effect, but some concentration of carbon dioxide is needed because plants need it to survive. However, the large amounts that humans release from [[fossil fuel]] use means that carbon dioxide has negative impacts.

	~~Now to compare this to~~ pollution~~. There~~ are ~~various types of pollution, yet none of them can be classified as having a positive effect~~. ~~This is because pollution~~ is defined as ~~being~~ harmful, which is the ~~first~~ difference between pollution and waste. Since not all waste is harmful, not all waste is pollution. ~~Some~~ waste is indeed harmful ~~and~~ would then be classified as pollution, however '''not all waste is necessarily pollution'''. Another example where waste is not pollution is a family upgrading their television: their old TV is technically waste to them, however to another family it may be desired (one's trash is often another's treasure).		Unlike waste, pollution '''always'' means that there are negative consequences. Pollution is defined as the harmful effects of an activity, which is the main difference between pollution and waste. All process create waste, but not all will create pollution. Since not all waste is harmful, not all waste is pollution. When waste is indeed harmful, it would then be classified as pollution.

	~~Also, just like waste is not always pollution, pollution is not always waste.~~ In other words, pollution is not always unusable or a byproduct of something, and can often be preventable. An example of this would be with the evaporation of [[volatile organic compound]]s from pumping [[gasoline]] into a vehicle. Volatile organic compounds are a type of [[pollutant]], and they are most definitely not a waste product in this case: ~~they are usable, they are not a byproduct of any process, and they are indeed wanted in order to provide [[energy]] to the vehicle.~~		In summary:

	'''~~In summary~~''':		*Pollution is ''always harmful'' and doesn't need to come from a [[pollutant]]
			*Waste is ''not always harmful'', but it often times can be, especially when disposed of improperly
			*Waste always depends on perspective. If one process deems the substance as useless, for another it may be useful!

	*Pollution is ''always harmful''		Reducing waste often reduces environmental impact, either from the disposal, or from the creation in the first place. This leads to the popularity of alternative disposal methods—like compost, recycling or evening reusing a product—rather than filling landfills.
	*Waste is ''not always harmful'', ~~but it often times can be~~, ~~especially when disposed~~ of ~~improperly~~
	*Pollution does not always arise from unusable substances, ~~therefore it is often ''preventable''~~

	~~So next time you are about to dispose of something as "waste", ask yourself~~: ~~"''is this also pollution?''" If so, think about alternatives such as proper disposal methods like putting it in the trash rather than littering, using compost or recycling, or even reusing it.~~		==For Further Reading==
			*[[Pollution]]
			*[[Waste]]
			*[[Pollutant]]
			*[[Photosynthesis]]
			*[[Hydrocarbon combustion]]
			*Or explore a [[Special:Random\|random page]]

	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist}}		{{reflist}}
	[[Category:Uploaded]]		[[Category:Uploaded]]

J.williams: 1 revision imported

2015-08-26T21:31:32Z

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J.williams at 16:58, 12 August 2015

2015-08-12T16:58:35Z

New page

[[Category:Done 2015-07-24]]
<onlyinclude>Determining what is '''pollution vs waste''' can be somewhat confusing, however there are ways to look at each and distinguish easily between the two. First, a quick look at the definitions:<ref>Google definitions. (Accessed July 29, 2015). Available: https://www.google.ca/search?q=pollution+definition&oq=pol&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.588j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8</ref><ref>Google definitions. (Accessed July 29, 2015). Available: https://www.google.ca/search?q=pollution+definition&oq=pol&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l4.588j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8#q=waste+definition</ref>

*'''[[Pollution]]''': the presence in or introduction into the [[environment]] of a substance or item that has harmful or poisonous effects.
*'''Waste''': material that is not wanted; the unusable remains or byproducts of a process.
</onlyinclude>

From the definitions above, waste is fairly general, with no negative connotation. Waste is ''anything'' that is a byproduct of a process, whether it is good or bad. For example, a byproduct of [[hydrocarbon combustion]] is [[carbon dioxide]] which is attributed to the [[greenhouse effect]] and [[global warming]] - clearly a negative example of waste. On the other hand, [[oxygen]] is a waste product of [[photosynthesis]], and humans and animals require it to breathe - clearly a positive example of waste.

Now to compare this to pollution. There are various types of pollution, yet none of them can be classified as having a positive effect. This is because pollution is defined as being harmful, which is the first difference between pollution and waste. Since not all waste is harmful, not all waste is pollution. Some waste is indeed harmful and would then be classified as pollution, however '''not all waste is necessarily pollution'''. Another example where waste is not pollution is a family upgrading their television: their old TV is technically waste to them, however to another family it may be desired (one's trash is often another's treasure).

Also, just like waste is not always pollution, pollution is not always waste. In other words, pollution is not always unusable or a byproduct of something, and can often be preventable. An example of this would be with the evaporation of [[volatile organic compound]]s from pumping [[gasoline]] into a vehicle. Volatile organic compounds are a type of [[pollutant]], and they are most definitely not a waste product in this case: they are usable, they are not a byproduct of any process, and they are indeed wanted in order to provide [[energy]] to the vehicle.

'''In summary''':

*Pollution is ''always harmful''
*Waste is ''not always harmful'', but it often times can be, especially when disposed of improperly
*Pollution does not always arise from unusable substances, therefore it is often ''preventable''

So next time you are about to dispose of something as "waste", ask yourself: "''is this also pollution?''" If so, think about alternatives such as proper disposal methods like putting it in the trash rather than littering, using compost or recycling, or even reusing it.

==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]