Taxing Waste

Shoko Tanahara, OCU

The global climate has undergone many dramatic changes throughout history. These days, we continue to witness many dramatic changes. These changes are causing problems. The problems of environmental pollution are growing each year. Every year, global temperatures continue to climb, and many oceans and rivers are polluted. As a consequence, many creatures are losing their habitats and homes. These problems cause many other problems. Why can't we really stop these problems?

One reason includes the fact that people dispose of unnecessary things way too easily. The best way to stop the problem of environmental pollution is to tax waste. If waste is taxed, people won't dispose of their waste so easily anymore. They will likely be much more thoughtful about what they consume. Who produces the most waste? Broadly speaking there are two places, "Public Corporations" and "Private Homes". First, let me explain about behavior of public corporations to environment.

Many companies don't think about the environment as much as the bottom line – making money. Some factories put out flue gas, foul water, and cut down many trees head-strongly. In fact, these behaviors toward the environment have caused huge problems. For example, a company puts foul water into a nearby river. Then the river is fouled up, and this creates a very bad effect on humans who live near the river. The resulting illness is called "Minamata disease". People who are affected from this disease are still suffering today, and the disease also affects their children and grandchildren.

Recently, the Chinese economy is growing up rapidly. The government seems to be thinking mostly about how it can continue to create more of good life, regardless of the impact on the environment. Not only China but also other countries have this attitude. It is seen mostly in developing countries, for example India, Philippines and so on. These countries, like the US and Japan, also create massive waste, and that is the cause of global environmental problems. Poor people who live in these developing nations are suffering the greatest. They can't live comfortably, because there are so many bad smells and tons of toxic waste. Environmental problems are produced not only by companies but also by nations.

By the way, what about us, those who live in their private homes in other industrial nations? Do we really think about the environment? People don't usually think much about the way they live and how this effects the environment. We don't turn off the TV, lights, faucets or air conditioners. In fact, the situation of the environment in Japan has only gotten more serious. Chlorofluorocarbons are discharged from sprays and air conditioners that destroy ozone. These chemicals cause acid rain and increase the level of ultraviolet light that penetrates the atmosphere.

Illegal dumping of waste is another serious issue. A lot of things that treating is difficult and complicate throw away all over the please. For example, appliances are dumped by the side of roads and cars, motorcycles and scooters are abandoned. Proper disposal costs money, which is apparently too painful for some people, so they abandon possessions they don’t want or need. However, this behavior is also bad for the environment. Harmful chemicals from these abandoned items pollute the soil. But people keep throwing their waste away and don’t seem to notice the dangers.

This article recommends a government crackdown on polluters tied to great efforts in recycling. This is one of good idea for the earth. We should use only what we need in order to end pollution. Protecting the environment isn’t easy, but if we just buy what is necessary, instead of what we desire, we can make a contribution to the saving the earth. For those people who insist on satisfying their desires, the government can tax them.

If taxes for unnecessary waste were higher, people would become more concerned about their money, and they wouldn't throw away waste so easily. This would force people to think more about what they buy and what they throw away.