Beyond Population

While population growth undeniably strains waste management, it's not the sole culprit behind overflowing landfills. Our consumption habits play a major role. The prevalence of single-use items, excessive packaging, and planned obsolescence all contribute significantly to municipal solid waste. Additionally, economic factors like income inequality and limited access to recycling infrastructure can exacerbate the issue. Addressing this crisis requires a holistic approach that tackles not just population size, but also consumption patterns, economic disparities, and the development of robust waste management systems.