5. Domestic waste.

Domestic waste is another environmental problem. “Throwaway” products such as drink cans and plastic bags are all avoidable sources of domestic waste. Domestic waste is either burned in large incinerators or buried in landfill sites. Both these processes cause environmental damage. Burning garbage produces carbon dioxide, toxic fumes, soot and other airborne particles as well as an unpleasant smell. Burying garbage in landfill sites can contaminate the soil with toxic products, which then enter the water supply.

When people learn of the irresponsible dumping of industrial waste into rivers and oceans, they are usually horrified. But on a smaller scale, most of us are just as irresponsible with our own waste. About 80% of all our domestic waste can be recycled. Most developed countries now have recycling centers for glass, paper, aluminum cans and plastic. But we are often too busy or too lazy to sort our trash for recycling. If we do not change our philosophy of “live now, pay later,” our children will bear the burden of our throwaway lifestyle.

2. Environmental policies in russia and the usa

1. Overview of the environmental policy in russia.

1. Environmental policy and Environmental Management System.

Russia’s environmental policy is based on a number of environmental laws and codes: Land Code (2001), Law on Environmental Protection (2002), Urban Planning Code (2004), Water Code (2006), Forestry Code (2006), Law on State Environmental Expertise (2006) and others.

Until recently, Russia had not yet adopted environmental protection as a national priority. Instead there had been a mixed response to serious environmental issues. Prior to mid – 2008, Russian environmental policy was set by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and separate agencies which carried out functions such as technical inspections, enforcement and monitoring. But the 2008 reorganization eliminated these agencies and placed them under the renamed Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology (MNRE).

Given the cost and consequences of environmental pollution on public health Russia’s political leadership made a strategic decision to improve the country’s environmental situation and strengthen the Environmental Management System (EMS) which includes operating procedures, incentives to improve and manage air and water pollution, solid and hazardous wastes, industrial chemicals and all other aspects of environmental management.

The government proposed short-term EMS modernization and long-term reforms that align with contemporary international trends. If successfully prepared and implemented, these changes would increase the effectiveness and performance of Russia’s EMS. Following the decisions of the RF President and Security Council, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology proposed the Concept of Long-Term Social and Economic Development 2020. The Concept highlights the following four directions to align national economic development, environment protection, and environmental standards that contribute to human health and quality of life: Industrial environment; Human environment; Environmental business; Nature conservation.

Modernizing and reforming Russia's EMS would require many preconditions, among the most critical are the following: A strategy and action plan; Public and analytical support; Resources and institutional support; Decentralized process of EMS modernization and reforms; Developing international cooperation in environmental protection.