Pollution and Waste Production in Home-Based Enterprises in Developing Countries: Perceptions and Realities

Abstract

Using mainly qualitative data from a four country case study, this paper describes the nature of home-based enterprises (HBEs) and the wastes that they produce. It finds that most only generate material similar to domestic wastes, but in greater quantities. While some are undoubtedly generating dangerous wastes, they are only a small proportion of all HBEs and tend to be aware of at least some of the problem and take mitigating steps. The paper argues that the encouragement of clean processes should replace the usual negative views about HBEs that are held by policy makers.

Notes

In one example, operators of small lead-smelting units in Calcutta, India, installed inappropriate, costly and ineffective pollution control equipment when they were required to reduce emissions (Dasgupta, 1997).

This includes genuine access to housing and business opportunities which enable people living in poverty to break free.

Environmental Effects of Home Based Enterprises, DFID Research No. R7138, 1998 – 2001. The UK Department for International Development (DFID) supports policies, programmes and projects to promote international development. DFID provided funds for this study as part of that objective but the views and opinions expressed are those of the author alone.

The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following in the data collection and analysis for the main study from which this work arises: Justine Coulson, Peter Kellett, Nina Laurie, Maggie Anderson in Cochabamba, Alpana Bose in New Delhi, and teams at CSIR, Pretoria and ITS Surabaya.

Gokhale (1992) found in Pune, India, that street food tended not to be more contaminated than restaurant food because it had usually been prepared in a home. Yasmeen (2001) discusses the growing importance of snack and prepared food for households where all adults are in employment.

Tests for respiratory particulates during cooking showed that wood and charcoal generated significantly more than kerosene, LPG and electricity. Exposure to CO during cooking is also a matter for concern and is much greater for wood and charcoal than for the modern fuels.

Cutting by hand the long threads left by the machine-stitchers on finished garments.

Whatever they are. Indian planners have a definition to work to; most others just attach the word to housing they do not think is acceptable. For the rest of us, the Global Report on Human Settlements for 2003 (UN-Habitat, 2003) has reintroduced the use of the word into the mainstream as shorthand for inadequate housing despite the protestations of some of those who wrote it!

Of course, in 1988 a ban on smoking was much more unlikely than it might be in 2005 when bans on smoking in public places are well established in the political agenda.

The definition of a home occupation (HBE) in the local home occupation ordinances in the USA may be as simple as any activity carried out for financial gain by a resident conducted as an accessory use in that resident's dwelling.