Trash or Treasure?
Is an empty milk carton trash or treasure?
Treasure (recyclable)!
What does “Reduce” mean in the 3 R’s?
Using less waste to begin with.
What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?
A massive floating collection of plastic waste in the ocean.
What is the process of turning plastic waste into new plastic products called?
Recycling!
What country has a "pay-as-you-throw" system to encourage less waste?
South Korea.
Is a used paper coffee cup trash or treasure?
Trash (most are lined with plastic and not recyclable).
What’s a simple way to “Reuse” plastic grocery bags?
Use them as trash bin liners or for storage.
How does plastic waste affect marine life?
Animals can ingest or get entangled in plastic, often leading to death.
What material is used to make "eco-bricks" for building sustainable structures?
Plastic bottles filled with compacted plastic waste.
Which Scandinavian country is known for turning trash into energy?
Sweden.
Is an old smartphone trash or treasure?
Treasure (it should be e-recycled or donated).
What’s an example of upcycling?
Turning old jeans into a tote bag or furniture out of pallets, etc.
What greenhouse gas is released when organic waste decomposes in landfills?
Methane
What company is known for making shoes from recycled ocean plastic?
Adidas.
What city in the U.S. was the first to ban plastic straws?
Seattle, Washington.
Is a glass jar trash or treasure?
Treasure (highly recyclable).
What’s a good alternative to single-use plastic water bottles?
A reusable stainless steel or glass bottle.
How does recycling help conserve energy?
It takes less energy to recycle materials than to produce new ones from raw materials.
What type of road material is sometimes made using recycled plastic?
Asphalt.
What country has a bottle deposit system where people get money back for returning bottles?
Germany (Pfand system).
What can be done with leftover food scraps instead of throwing them away?
Composting!
Name a product that is commonly made from recycled plastic bottles.
Fleece jackets, shoes, or new plastic containers.
What is one way individuals can reduce their carbon footprint?
Using public transportation, reducing waste, or switching to reusable products.
Name one way scientists are using fungi or bacteria to help with waste management.
Some fungi and bacteria can break down plastic or absorb toxins from waste.
What is the goal of the Zero Waste Movement?
To eliminate all waste by reusing, composting, and recycling everything.