Background
Years ago, before the sanitation services were as efficient at they now are, it was commonplace for a householder to dispose of some household and garden waste by burning it. While it may have been seen as a nuisance back then, one could argue that choices of disposal were limited.
Fast forward 20 years..our sanitation service levels have increased by leaps and bounds, and recycling and composting are viable alternatives. We also have neighbourhoods which are more populated and the number of persons with respiratory ailments is increasing daily.
What's wrong with backyard burning?
Air pollution
Burning household and garden waste produces smoke – especially if that waste is green or damp. This will emit harmful pollutants including particles and dioxins. Burning plastic, rubber, foam cushions or painted materials creates noxious fumes that give off a range of poisonous compounds.
Health Effects
Air pollution can have damaging health effects, and people with existing health problems are especially vulnerable, e.g. asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions, children and the elderly.
Annoyance
Smoke, smuts and smell from backyard fires have long been a source of a significant number of complaints to local authorities every year. Smoke prevents neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads. Empty house lots near homes can cause problems if land owners persistently burn green waste, and leave fires smouldering.
Safety
Fire can spread to cane fields, pastures, other lots, buildings or fences and can scorch trees and plants. Exploding bottles and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned. Piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by rodents. We have heard callers on the radio and seen letters in the newspaper written by people who say that have been cursed and threatened when they try to speak to offenders and this causes others to consider it a lost cause and suffer in silence.
By signing this petition, you are supporting the call for a ban on this inconsiderate act which is perpetrated by some and which results in an unpleasant experience for many. Please support this cause.
Updates
November 15, 2011
The stories coming in about worsening respiratory issues are a clear reminder of why this ban is urgent. Email your local representative to demand this change today. We need to keep the pressure on these ministries until they acknowledge the health risks in our neighborhoods.
November 15, 2011
We hit our first major milestone today and the momentum behind this ban is undeniable. Post this petition on your Facebook timeline right now to keep the pressure on the ministries. Email your local representative to demand they prioritize clean air in our neighborhoods.
Reached 100 supporters
November 15, 2011
6 Comments
So tired of the constant fumes. People have asthma and children in this area and they just dont care about anyone else.
The sanitation trucks come by plenty now. No excuse for burning plastic in the yard anymore.
Its toxic. The smell is awful and it stays in your clothes and hair. BAN IT NOW.
it is 2017 why is this still happening? get with the times barbados. use the bin.
My son has really bad allergies and the smoke makes his chest tighten up every time they start a fire next door.
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Background
Years ago, before the sanitation services were as efficient at they now are, it was commonplace for a householder to dispose of some household and garden waste by burning it. While it may have been seen as a nuisance back then, one could argue that choices of disposal were limited.
Fast forward 20 years..our sanitation service levels have increased by leaps and bounds, and recycling and composting are viable alternatives. We also have neighbourhoods which are more populated and the number of persons with respiratory ailments is increasing daily.
What's wrong with backyard burning?
Air pollution
Burning household and garden waste produces smoke – especially if that waste is green or damp. This will emit harmful pollutants including particles and dioxins. Burning plastic, rubber, foam cushions or painted materials creates noxious fumes that give off a range of poisonous compounds.
Health Effects
Air pollution can have damaging health effects, and people with existing health problems are especially vulnerable, e.g. asthmatics, bronchitis sufferers, people with heart conditions, children and the elderly.
Annoyance
Smoke, smuts and smell from backyard fires have long been a source of a significant number of complaints to local authorities every year. Smoke prevents neighbours from enjoying their gardens, opening windows or hanging washing out, and reduces visibility in the neighbourhood and on roads. Empty house lots near homes can cause problems if land owners persistently burn green waste, and leave fires smouldering.
Safety
Fire can spread to cane fields, pastures, other lots, buildings or fences and can scorch trees and plants. Exploding bottles and cans are a hazard when rubbish is burned. Piles of garden waste are often used as a refuge by rodents. We have heard callers on the radio and seen letters in the newspaper written by people who say that have been cursed and threatened when they try to speak to offenders and this causes others to consider it a lost cause and suffer in silence.
By signing this petition, you are supporting the call for a ban on this inconsiderate act which is perpetrated by some and which results in an unpleasant experience for many. Please support this cause.
Updates
November 15, 2011
The stories coming in about worsening respiratory issues are a clear reminder of why this ban is urgent. Email your local representative to demand this change today. We need to keep the pressure on these ministries until they acknowledge the health risks in our neighborhoods.
November 15, 2011
We hit our first major milestone today and the momentum behind this ban is undeniable. Post this petition on your Facebook timeline right now to keep the pressure on the ministries. Email your local representative to demand they prioritize clean air in our neighborhoods.
Reached 100 supporters
November 15, 2011
6 Comments
My neighbor burns junk every Sunday and the smoke comes right into my lounge. Cant even open the windows. Put a stop to this nonsense.
So tired of the constant fumes. People have asthma and children in this area and they just dont care about anyone else.
The sanitation trucks come by plenty now. No excuse for burning plastic in the yard anymore.
Its toxic. The smell is awful and it stays in your clothes and hair. BAN IT NOW.
it is 2017 why is this still happening? get with the times barbados. use the bin.
My son has really bad allergies and the smoke makes his chest tighten up every time they start a fire next door.
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My neighbor burns junk every Sunday and the smoke comes right into my lounge. Cant even open the windows. Put a stop to this nonsense.