The R's of Waste
Which of these is not an "R" of waste: Recycle, rot, react, repair
React
What is solid waste?
Solid waste is anything found in solid form.
How should you dispose of cardboard?
Cardboard should be recycled
What are the pros and cons of sending waste to the landfill?
Pros: its easy to do and can create new areas to build on
Cons: it uses energy to bury garbage. The waste doesn't break down and can pollute the ground
Which of these items is an example of hazardous waste: a mushroom, cardboard, a battery, a candy wrapper
A battery
Which of these is not an "R" of waste: Refuse, repeat, regift, reuse
Repeat
What is gaseous waste?
Anything found in gas form.
How should you dispose of a candy wrapper?
Candy wrappers should be thrown in the garbage
What are the pros and cons of incinerating (burning) waste?
Pros: it gets rid of the waste by reducing it to a gas or ash
Cons: it causes air pollution. Some gases can be poisonous
Which of these is NOT an example of hazardous waste: gasoline, medication, house cleaners, a plastic water bottle
A Plastic Water Bottle
What does rethink mean?
Before you buy another product, rethink – do I really need it?
Give an example of solid waste
Food, paper, textiles (leather, cotton), metals, glass
What types of items should be composted?
Organic waste (waste that comes from nature including plants and animals) /food waste
What are the pros and cons of recycling or recovering waste?
Pros: it prevents waste from ending up in the landfill and allows new products to be made
Cons: it takes time, money, and energy to do
What is Hazardous Waste?
Any waste that is harmful to people, plants, or animals. Toxic waste can be flammable, corrosive, or reactive (will explode easily.)
What does repair mean?
Fixing an item instead of throwing it away
Give an example of liquid waste
chemicals, storm sewage (water that runs along the ground and goes into storm sewers), sanitary sewage (Water and waste from drains and toilets)
What is composting?
Composting is the process of decomposing (breaking down) organic waste into soil with the help of decomposers like worms or fungi.
What are the pros and cons of composting biodegradable items?
Pros: it creates nutrients for plants, it keeps materials out of landfills, and its free
Cons: it takes time
What hazard symbol should be used if a product can burn your skin or eyes?
The corrosive symbol (skeleton hand)
What does refuse mean?
refusing to buy items that are overly packaged or single-use
What is an example of gaseous waste?
Car exhaust, carbon monoxide, chlorofluorocarbons (greenhouse gases)
How can you reduce the amount of waste you produce?
-Use reusable items (straws, water bottles, shopping bags, etc.)
-avoid buying products that use too much plastic in their packaging
-Use both sides of a piece of paper, and keep scrap paper to use again
-Repair items instead of replacing them
-Rethink (do I really need this?)
-Donate items you no longer use
What are the pros and cons of dumping waste?
Pros: it gets rid of the waste (but it makes it someone else's problem, and its free
Cons: it pollutes the ground, air, and water. If everyone does it, garbage will be everywhere
What does it mean if a product has a skull and crossbones hazard symbol?
The contents are poisonous