1. Solutions to the Solid Waste Problem

2. Why reduce waste? Reduces cost of disposing of the waste Reduces the cost of packaging Reduces pollution Reduces mining and use of resources Recycling is more energy efficient

3. What is recycling? - making a new product from a used product - saves energy: 95% less energy to recycle aluminum cans! - reduces pollution from mining - recycling save water

4. Candy Question… How much energy can be conserved by recycling aluminum?

5. How does recycling work? 1)Items are collected & sent to recycling centers 2)Items are cleaned and prepared to be made into new items 3)Raw material is sent/sold to companies that use the materials to manufacture other materials

6. 3 Ways individuals can recycle 1)Buy recycled products & recycle 2)Recycle materials like aluminum, copper, paper, cardboard, glass & plastic bottles 3)Compost yard and kitchen wastes

7. 2 consumer issues: 1) Overpackaging: Items packaged in several materials are difficult to recycle Reduce or do not buy products that are overpackaged. Buy items in bulk.

8. 2) Plastics - are not biodegradable - are petroleum products - can be recycled - * “photodegradable plastics”: will break down in to smaller pieces when exposed to sunlight - degradable materials could be used in many instances where plastics are used.

9. Candy question… List 1 item that is overpackaged (that I did NOT mention).

10. Composting- solution for biodegradable items

11. Candy questions… List 3 things that SHOULD go in the compost pile. List 2 things that SHOULD NOT go in the compost pile.

12. How are plastics used?