As is displayed in the graph, the amount of garbage produced in China has skyrocketed from 395 million tons in 2013 to 469million tons in 2018, with the large- and medium-sized cities contribute to a staggering number. The production of garbage and waste is a huge problem not only in China but also throughout the planet.
The overflow of trash creates many problems. The creation of waste depletes critical natural resources and its disposal usually creates additional harmful pollution. Also, the disposal of waste is often an environmental justice problem as landfills, incinerators and transfer stations are often situated in low-income communities. More worryingly, trash can travel throughout the world's rivers and oceans, accumulating on beaches and deep in oceans.
There are things we can do as individuals to tackle this problem. The best way to deal with garbage is to avoid creating it in the first place. For example, we can look for ways to buy food with minimal packaging, especially plastic packaging. Besides, garbage classification can make a real difference. For example, Shanghai has already taken actions, requiring people to sort trash into four categories and individuals who fail to do so may be fined.
