Waste

I guess most of us would have either heard or seen how 'clean' the streets of the developed world are. On the same note, we would have heard smart comments on how 'filthy' how our own backyards are in India. We usually don't stop to think beyond this point of open admiration of the western world and criticism of ourselves regarding this cleanliness factor. A little further thinking makes us think about the final destination of all the waste that the western world generates. After all, anything and everything is packed in the developed world. The only thing that is not packed in large scale in the west is the air we breath. Every time one goes to Safeway or Wal-mart for a regular purchase, one ends up with atleast 7-8 plastic bags. Apart from this, every single item that is purchased is packed with plastic and carboard. Every eatable has a sticker on it. From the apples to bananas to onions, every single item has a sticker on it. Every food item has to be bought. Be it milk, butter milk, water or juice. Every time there is a party, hundreds of water bottles are consumed. Every time you go to have a cup of coffee, you use two coffee cups, a plastic lid for the cup, two small paper packets for sugar and a wooden stick for stirring the coffee. Obviously, such a lifestyle is going to produce tremendous amount of garbage. Above all, all garbage bins are covered with plastic bags. Once the bin is full, the plastic bag is removed, tied and left in the backyard for the waste management to pick it up. If this is the case, where do all this waste go? Why don't the people in the western world see the garbage in the streets as the people in the under-developed world?

The first answer given when this question is raised is that the waste management organizations in the west are efficient and dedicated, people in the developed world are cultured and hence they don't throw plastic bags on the streets and recycling, the purported panacea for all environmental atrocities, is being pursued rigorously in the developed world. As a result all the waste that is generated by western life styles is taken care of and hence is no seen in human colonized areas. How I wish this were true!!! Unfortunately, the reality is far from this. There are few facts that one needs to be aware of if we are to understand why.
1.) Every environment has a very limited waste sink capacity
2.) Waste management in the west is a corporate activity. This means that actions are driven by profits and by no other motive.
3.) Rules and regulations in the developed world prevent incineration of many types of waste

As a result of the above three, the waste management companies find it difficult to handle beyond certain levels of garbage profitably. They've almost run out of landfills to bury the accumulated waste. So they find it cheap and convenient to 'export the waste'. So, tonnes and tonnes of waste generated by the western life style is being transported to third world cities in africa, south america and asia where disposal cost is low due to lax administrative and safety procedures. Usual targets in asia are Indonesia, India and China. A new distinctive type of outsourcing, along the lines of software development, call centres, legal and education - waste disposal outsourcing, has blossomed. Refer to [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5] to find examples of this. I don't think it is necessary to even talk about the health and environmental hazards that this poses. Any person with even little intellect will know that improper disposal of waste will cause all sort of problems to the health of environment and the health of the living creatures in that environment.

So, is preventing this waste disposal outsourcing the solution. Or, is it to have proper disposal mechanisms in place in these asian countries. Yes and No. With a very short term perspective both of these need to be adapted. But, to get a reasonably long term solution, we need to think out of the box. Years of tutoring that more is good and more material possession means good prevents us from doing us. When cars cause environmental degradation, we only talk about fuel efficient engines and catalytic converters, but never do we talk about the reducing the usage of cars. Its about time we start thinking and acting in this direction. Waste reduction is the most important step in waste management. IMHO, a large quantity of waste can be easily limited by individuals themselves. I am not going to give a list titled the top 10 ways to reduce garbage. No amount of listing of such procedures can help us. These steps have to come from within for it to last. As most people in the western world are 'educated', once one realizes the seriousness of what ones lifestyle, and the consequent garbage, does to the environment, one is automatically pushed towards finding ways to reduce the garbage one generates.

Obviously, individual action alone cannot accomplish anything. Without significant changes to the organization of societies very little results can be achieved. But that is no excuse to generate mountains of garbage. It is not enough to call rivers as 'ganga matha' and 'cauvery matha'. We should'nt be feeding our mothers (mathas) with nickel, lead and cadmium. We should start doing things that discourage the generation of garbage at our household level. Individual efforts is the precursor to a larger social change. That is the right thing to do. Ideally, we as humans should act based on analysis of right and wrong. But off late, humans as a society have taken an evolutionary step backward. Instead of basing our actions on rights and wrongs, we base our actions on personal benefits, which is an animal characteristic. In this case of waste creation and disposal, it is not just right to produce less garbage, it is also in our interest to produce less garbage. The danger of many households having a malformed baby due to exposure of the mother to toxic chemicals is very real. So at least from the perspective of rational egoism, one needs to take steps to reduce garbage that one produces.

Lastly, it is not good to simply point hands on the western world. Many asian cities are also becoming tremendous waste sources. Chennai and Bangalore are obviously producing far more waste these days than what they produced 10 years ago. Thanks in no small part to 'globalization'. Also, wal-mart is now entering india and is planning to setup large number of shopping complexes all over the country. This is definitely going to increase consumption and hence waste generated by the cities. We need to stop being stupidly euphoric that wal-mart has condescended to come to India. We need to analyze the actual cost of this. I guess, as many people in the indian cities, whom wal-mart targets, are 'educated', this is not a terribly complex task, provided the will to find out is present. 'Development' can never be an excuse to create waste. No amount of 'development' will change basic human requirements of clean food, water and air to survive. If 'development' impacts these, we need to take a long hard look on the need of things that affect this.

For further information, refer to chapter 7 of the book Confronting Consumption [6]. I would actually suggest interested readers to read the whole book, preferably by borrowing it from someone and not by purchasing it. I thought a corollary to Moores law would be apt to conclude this post as most people who read this blog have something to do with computers. It would be that, "The amount of e-waste that is generated approximately doubles every 24 months". For some startling information on e-waste refer to [7].


References

[1] www.things.org/~jym/greenpeace/where-recycled-plastics-go.html
[3] http://multinationalmonitor.org/hyper/issues/1993/12/mm1293_08.html
[4] www.ban.org/ban_news/haitian_ash.html
[5] www.ban.org/ban_news/illegal.html
[6] www.ban.org/ban_news/outcry.html
[6] www.amazon.com/Confronting-Consumption-Thomas-Princen/dp/0262661284
[7] www.computerworld.com/news/2000/story/0,11280,44380,00.html

The story of Puviyoor and its slave

Puviyoor was an idyllic little place and had many families living there. Each person did his/her job and everyone managed to live reasonably happily. All families grew and greatly assisted each other to grow. They all understood that no one of them was better than any other person and had truly achieved interdependece. Though the community and its setup had its shortcomings, it was still a good place to live.

The success of their setup primarily relied on a commonly owned slave who toiled day and night to get Puviyoor functioning. He was a slave in the true sense of the word. He would never say a word against the command of his masters and would always perform as the master wished him too. This slave was thus extremely selfless and the only thing he expected from the residents of Puviyoor was a means for him to survive. Even this desire arose out of his understanding that the welfare of Puviyoor's residents is inextricably linked to his welfare. He didn't feign welfare for the residents but truly wished them good and did his best to ensure that the demands of every member of every family was met with a smiling countenance. He prepared their food, treated them when anyone was ill, helped every family grow and took care of all the basic necessities of the community. This, he hoped would allow the rest of the community to spend their time in higher pursuits. All families realized the cardinal role the slave played in their lives and hence ensured that their requirements did not seriously harm the slave. Though they got the slave to do many of their jobs, each family had an internal law that limited the maximum extent a member of the family could push the slave. The slave was strong enough physically and mentally to meet all the requirements of him and ensured he met all their demands in a pretty competent fashion.

A few years of such wonderful existence passed. Then, a new family migrated to Puviyoor. They were the distant relatives of an existing family. The slave was as kind to this newcomer as he was to other families in Puviyoor. Initially this new family behaved well and used the services of the slave effectively to further itself. Some members of the new family were extraordinary and immediately recognized the importance of the slave. They even went to the extent of proclaiming that the slave was actually their god. A few other people agreed but mostly everyone decided to ignore this proclamation for all practical purposes. Some of them also ridiculed the proposition of the slave being god. They actually proposed other gods. Lots of members proposed lots of gods. None of these affected the slave. Neither was he gratified when he was proclaimed god nor was he upset when he was called a slave. It just did not matter to him and he continued to provide the residents with his services. There were a few other people in this new family who, despite the slaves presence in front of their very own eyes, blatantly denied his existence. They argued that as the slave did not talk, listen or respond in a way that they could understand, the slave has no life. Some also insinuated that the slave can be treated in any way as one liked so as to increase one's happiness. Many people in the family bought this idea. It was not clear though what members of other families thought of this new idea. But, true to his nature, even such a preposterous suggestion did not bother the slave.

Time passed by and the new family integrated well into Puviyoor. They adapted themselves so well that they started to dominate other families. A few families resisted this but this new family was all powerful and managed to easily subdue everyone else. This went to the extent of murdering members of other families for no reason. Now, the slave started to get upset. To him, all masters were important. The physical and mental capabilities of a master did not matter to him. He provided his services to all masters with no discrimination whatsoever. So, whenever some family got destroyed, he got upset. He did not react violently then but he did show his displeasure. Due to this, all families were upset. They pleaded to the new family to mend their ways but the new family, inebriated with power, was in no mood to listen. They argued that the slave should not show dissidence. They also contended that since they were the masters, they could control every single action of him. They also thought they could train him to behave in a way they liked. They also thought that the other families were also their slaves and started to blatantly deny that they were relatives of some other families in Puviyoor. So they said and they treated the other families like slaves. Though the other families dissented, they were powerless against this new family.

A few years passed and then the new family made a dastardly new invention. This new invention was never ever seen in any other family. The social setup of Puviyoor was such that when a new invention was made by some family, all other families tried and inherited some variant of the invention in due course of time. But this new invention was so bad that no other family could even understand its purpose. All other families were horrified at this new invention but almost all members of this new family were extremely proud of this. For the first time in the history of Puviyoor, a hierarchy was established within a family. Till this time, all members of a family were equal. But now, any person with more of this new invention was deemed to be better than the rest. So, almost everyone wanted to own more of this new invention. Though this new invention was available in plenty, some members of the new family hoarded a lot of it and thereby deprived many of their family members of the new invention. This created a lot of trouble and resulted in another first for the new family. The social setup of Puviyoor was such that no person caused intentional harm to any of his relatives. But the new family, thanks in no small part to the new invention, managed to break this unwritten law. They started killing each other and members of other families for the sake of this new invention. The madness did not stop there.

The slave was engaged full time by every member of the new family to enable him/her to own more of this new invention. Though the slave was upset due to this, he still managed to find ways to satiate this craze amongst the members of the new family. But, the situation only deteriorated. Though the slave possessed tremendous reserves of energy, it was not infinite. He could only do so much. The slave was made so busy that he did not have time to serve members of the other families. Members of other families were unhappy and the slave was upset but they had no choice. The new family also truly regarded the other families as slaves and used them to accumulate this new invention. Slowly, the other families started to become weak and one by one they started to migrate out of Puviyoor. The slave was trying his best to keep up to the wishes of the new family. Despite the phenomenally huge reserves of physical and mental strength that the slave possessed, he started to falter. None of this affected most of the members of the new family. A handful of people in the new family realized the importance of the slave and started crying for the slave. A few others tried to protect the slave and reasoned with their relatives to stop overworking the slave. A few others understood that the new invention was only a fad and was totally insignificant. They even tried to educate their relatives about the same. But, alas, none of this was heard and the slave was over worked relentlessly.

The funnniest part of all this was that the new invention was totally useless. It could not be eaten as food or medicine. It could not give one peace of mind. It could not give true happiness. It could not relieve one of suffering. Despite knowing this and many other properties that it possessed, even many well meaning individuals started to do ridiculous and totally insignificant things to obtain it. Some people got smart and adviced others to limit ones possession of the new invention by singing songs. But the irony of it was that the person who told others to limit ones possession of the new invention himself took home a lot of the new invention for saying what he said. It was not all funny. Lot of sad things also happened in the wake of this new invention. Almost all members of the new family started developing a number of vices that was hitherto unknown in other families. These vices caused a lot of suffering to the members of the new family, members of other families and the slave. A few enlightened members of the new family asked others to drop these vices. But, ironically, other people developed new vices and enhanced old vices in the name of these enlightened members of the new family. It is not clear what the slave thought of the new invention or of the new vices in the members of the new family. But, he was coninuing to toil to satisfy everyone's needs.

Now, after years of exploiting the slave, a good number of members of the new family are noticing that the slave is tired of their demands. They are inventing new ways of keeping the slave happy. They also identify things that can help the slave help them to obtain the new invention. They think they are trying to improve the slaves position. The refuse to see the stupidity in helping the slave to help them to make more of the new invention. They simply don't understand that its their demands that has tired the slave. Even people who understand it a little and want to make the slave happy, don't want to reduce their demands. There are some enlightened members of the family who advice others that their demands are seriously affecting the slaves plight. These enlightened folks shout that everyone is on the road to perdition. But, no one listens to them. What more, everyone mocks at these enlightened souls. Most members of this new family don't realize that the slave cannot be made happy if he is not allowed to serve all families. They don't realize that only by reducing their demands and by not monopolizing the slave can they make the slave better. They don't realize that the slave is common property and is owned by all the families. They don't realize that the other families are also masters of the slave. They don't realize that its not the slave who is dependent on them, it is actually they who are dependent on the slave. They don't realize that the slave is actually not their slave but is indeed their master and could possibly be their god too. They don't realize that unless they realize all of this fast and act accordingly, they and all the other families are doomed.

The story of Puviyoor, at least as it stands now, is indeed a sad one. What was once destined to be an idyllic place is now in tatters. The most important reason was the ill treatment of the slave. It remains to be seen if a miracle happens and if the members of the new family halt their journey on the road to annihilation.

It's all about the money

Why do I write efficient software?
your company can make more money, honey.
Why do I write anti-virus?
to prevent companies from loosing money, honey.
Why do I device multicasting algorithms?
you can patent it and make money, honey.

But isn't money ridiculous and irrelevant?
No honey, money is the panacea for all problems.
Oh, Can it give me health?
it can buy you medicines, honey.
Can it give me happiness?
it can give you car, laptop and cellphone, honey.
But, all I want is happiness?
your friends will wow at your new car, honey.

Isn't it craving for money that is raping the earth now?
No honey, its called development.
Isn't money the cause for most wars?
No honey, money is the cause for most happiness.
When I have more money, don't i deprive you of it?
No honey, my life and death is not your concern.

So, is my life all about the money?
Yes honey, its the raison d'etre of your existence.
But, nature was not designed that way.
Our society is designed like that honey.
But that is wrong!!
But it is the reality!!!

Lots of stuff to post about...

but honestly very little time... So, the best I can do now is to at least mention some of the topics that I'd like to post about...

1.) Is this a valid justification?
http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/dec/05guest.htm?q=np&file=.htm

The perfect example of specious argumentation, sophistry etc... Caste based discrimination is indeed a terrible stain on the Indian society. Also, the prevalent economic disparity amongst the various castes is extremely deplorable but that can never justify violence.

2.) 40 richest Indians
http://www.forbes.com/2005/12/15/india-richest-40_05india_land.html

What does this really mean? That they are the modern day moguls who can get anything done anywhere on earth? or is it that they are amongst the most respected in their society due to this? or is it that they lead the most happiest and healthiest lives amongst their contemporaries? or, considering the fact that the total amount of money available in a society is more or less constant, do they perennially carry the stain of being a symbol of the class of people that directly / indirectly holds a huge section of humanity in perpetual hunger and poverty?

3.) Whats the big difference between the money obtained by exercising a few internal cells and a few external cells?
If all work I do is for gaining money, what is the difference between myself and a prostitute? I sell the capabilities of my internal cells and he/she sells the capabilities of some external cells? So, are both right? or are both equally wrong and despicable? or is only one of them right? If so, which one and why? I have no clue whatsoever.



With my recently acquired skills in writing a proper commentary on a topic, not basing it on assumptions and instinct, but on reasonably concrete proof and other related work, I hope to write on atleast one of the above. Mostly it will be about 2. But thats not gonna happen before the coming 20th.

IIT-ans are God's gift to the world?!

IIT - The springboard to greatness, the gateway to a global passport, the locus of the most intelligent students in India, blah blah, blah... Agreed. Obviously, one would be a fool to even debate this (No, this is not said sarcastically). I fully and whole heartedly agree that a lot of the smart people in India get themselves polished and prepare themselves for great achievements in the hallowed portals of the IITs.

A bunch of these people have gotten together and have started something called the PAN-IIT movement. Obviously, everyone has heard about this as a lot of noise is being made out of this. At the face of it, it certainly looks like a truly genuine approach and a laudable initiative. But they are making far too much noise for comfort. Anything started by IITians naturally generates a lot of curiosity and expectations as they have a proven track record of success and capability. When such is the case, its probably not a great idea to make so much noise as its only gonna hype it a bit more. It would be lot better to get the results and let the results make the noise. Only second grade marketing companies give out stupid and sensationalist slogans / messages about their product even before theyve managed to sell a couple of items.

To cap this, today, I read a ridiculous statement such as IIT-ians are gods gift to earth on rediff. What crap? Some time back I read another statement by another, so called, hi flying person that the IIT-ians have the whole world ahead of them. I wanted to comment that so is the case is every life form but I resisted my urge and attributed my reaction to a case of grapes gone sour as I couldnt get into IIT. But this one about IIT-ians being gods gift really got to me. It is totally ridiculous and stupid. I've heard of people beating their own drums now and then, but this is the height of it. Hopefully saner sense prevails and these guys walk the talk.

PS: In case you didnt know, the symbol '?!' stands for a dubious move in chess