Introduction

According to a study through Duke University, the average person generates about 4.3 pounds of waste per day, which is 1.6 pounds more than the average produced in 1960. At this rate, each of us produces over 1,500 pounds of waste on average each year. Look at the chart below from the EPA that displays an estimated breakdown of waste in 2013. Where does all of this waste go?

In this lesson, you will learn about the different types of solid wastes, whether waste is biodegradable or not, and alternative, environmentally friendly methods of managing waste.

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Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Identify the forms of solid waste.
  • Distinguish biodegradable waste products from non-biodegradable waste products.
  • Determine alternative methods of managing solid waste.

Enduring Understanding:

  • Being a developed country, US citizens have a large footprint when it comes to using up resources and trying to discard the wastes resulting from the use of these resources.  We are running out of room for these wastes and alternative means need to developed.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Environmental Science 14

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standard: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10, W1, W2, W3, W4, W6, W9, and W10

 

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