Humans Can Be Better Recyclers, Like Bacteria

Nature has a repertoire of creatures that are ‘recyclers’ by job.  This means that they are nature’s ‘cleaners’ by vocation and hence wake up every day to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’. They live to disintegrate anything that is no longer alive and functional in nature's course so that an equally good or better alternative can come into existence. “Recyclers in Nature” are the ones running ‘earthly processes’ that too with a well maintained balance. They ensure that the source is never depleted and make arrangements for the restocking, so all the natural cycles keep running smoothly on earth. Humans on the other hand, have been known to agitate the natural balance time and again via their ‘anthropogenic activities’ that involve fossil fuel ignition, water contamination and soil deterioration. Humans must learn to be better at keeping a balance when it comes to their interests interfering with the natural processes.  And for that we humans can take inspiration from nature's recyclers such as snails, slugs, beetles, earthworms, mushrooms, lichens, algae and most importantly bacteria. Bacteria are the extremely diverse and stubborn ‘cleanup crew’ performing their job in moderate and in extreme climates such as arctic frosts and thermal vents.  They decompose dead plants or animals by enzymes that break down the organic matter into simpler substances, which are taken up by the bacteria or released into the environment. They even clean the environments where no oxygen is present such as the ocean floors and forest floors.  Following are some of the bacterial ways that humans must acquaint with, to be better recyclers. 

Bacteria make best of the waste

The ‘bacterial digestion’ is an act of ‘recycling’ i.e. they efficiently consume dead matter in nature, to their advantage. Here’s a strategy of using discarded waste to one's benefit, which we can at least try! Let’s begin by repurposing glass, plastic and cardboard containers and by converting old sheets, towels and clothing into wash rags. We must keep a check on the plastic bags and think of ways to reuse the newspaper at home.

Bacteria seek help to recycle

Some of the bacteria form symbiotic relationships with plants to recycle carbon and nitrogen in the environment; so forming associations and ‘seeking help’ from other species when faced with complex recycling challenges is another probable approach that humans can try at hand.  Have you heard of thrift shops, food banks, garage sales and gifting hand-me-downs? These practices are a ‘recycling blessing’ in disguise. There are now apps to support such habits and businesses which are connecting people with a sole purpose of reducing waste by recycling.

Bacteria unite to recycle

Bacteria would literally stick together in harsh conditions than making a compromise on their recycling activities.  So they form tough protective ‘colonies’ known as biofilms with other bacterial species, fungi or algae. They bring on recycling in different ecosystems such as in streams and lakes, where leaves are first conditioned by biofilms and then made available for use to the invertebrates in water. We humans must have a collective approach towards reducing waste, and for that global organizations such as the ‘Global Recycling Foundation’ functioning under UN Environment are very crucial to reduce waste in the developing countries by providing aid, framework and expertise in the field of recycling.  

 Let’s try to be more like bacteria, when it comes to recycling!