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

5. 3 Ways individuals can recycle
Buy recycled products & recycle
Recycle materials like aluminum, copper, paper, cardboard, glass & plastic bottles
Compost yard and kitchen wastes

6. Other 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.

7. 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.

8. Composting

9. How are plastics used?