ABSTRACT
Reuse and recycling of different important resources is becoming increasingly essential due to several factors triggered mainly by population explosion and modern lifestyle, increasingly exploiting world’s natural resources such as materials, land, water, and energy. Used resources usually turn into waste. Earlier, mother earth had enough space and capacity to accommodate or recycle such wastes, generated by a smaller population with a “lower” lifestyle. Natural recycling is at its best in the water cycle of nature, now pushed to the point of breakdown by unforeseen problems such as global warming. So, we propose to extend existing advice of 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) to 4 Rs (Restore, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle), stressing the need to Restore natural recycling processes. For example, in addition to highly needed artificial recycling or purification of water, serious efforts must be made to preserve and restore nature’s water cycle. Some priority steps for these 4 Rs have been explored. However, implementation of the concepts through public initiative and government laws is as important as the development of recycling technologies that are economically viable and safe. Here, we look for a solution to the health hazards of ship breaking and recycling of some electronic items and batteries. Fuels burnt in industry and transport sectors generate pollution and green house gases (GHGs). Increased global warming due to GHGs has endangered water cycle of nature threatening life on earth. Planting more trees, developing green technologies and banking on green energy sources including nuclear power are discussed as best possible ways to combat global warming and pollution. Recycling of spent nuclear fuel and thorium fuel cycle are discussed as long term solution to growing energy need of India and the rest of the world.
