Transcript Trash or Treasure?

Treasure or Trash?
Learning Technology Grant
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Debra Hendry
[email protected]
JHS 144 Michelangelo
Bronx, NY
Trash or Treasure?
One man’s
trash is
another
man’s
treasure.
Litter Facts
Littering is a personal choice that can stem from a lack of
personal responsibility for one’s actions and
surroundings; litterers may also have a sense of
entitlement—a feeling that other people should clean
up after them. As for the effects of littering, there are
obvious environmental consequences, but the cost
of this national behavioral problem may surprise you.
According to KAB, litter costs the US $11.5 billion
every year. Plastic litter has increased by 165% since
1969.
http://www.cereplast.com/littering-facts-the-causes-and-effects-of-littering/
PROBLEM
 Litter and garbage are harming the
Bronx community.
Aesthetics
Environment
Public Health
Is the Mayor right?
 Mayor Bloomberg has proposed
banning Styrofoam cups and fast
food containers.
Climate Change & Litter – is there
a connection?
Many people suggest that litter and
garbage contribute to climate change.
Do your part to reduce waste by choosing
reusable products instead of disposables.
Buying products with minimal packaging
(including the economy size when that
makes sense for you) will help to reduce
waste. And whenever you can, recycle
paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and
aluminum cans. By recycling half of your
household waste, you can save 2,400
pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
What’s the evidence?
 Gather statistics and plan an
experiment to quantify the problem
at school and in your neighborhood.
Complete the Evidence worksheet at
http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/worksheet2.doc
RESOURCES:
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http://environment.about.com/od/reducingwaste/a/no_plastic_
bags.htm
www.epa.gov/recyclecity/things.htm
www.greenecoservices.com/littering-facts-and-statistics
www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/plastics.htm
What causes the problem?
 Brainstorm with your group to
identify causes of the problem. As
you compile ideas, begin to consider
how many of the causes might be
subject to government regulation.
Complete the worksheet available on the link below
http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/identify.html
Current Laws & Policies
Research current laws and policies with regard to litter and
garbage. Information about NYC laws is available at
http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/home/home.shtml
Investigate public education campaigns such as Keep America
Beautiful as well as civil laws to develop an understanding of the impact
of public opinion and attitudes on behavior and public policy.
Complete the worksheet at the link below:
 http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/existing.html
There aren't many things that are universally cool,
and it's cool not to litter. I’d never do it.
- Matthew McConaughey
Can the problem be fixed?
 Develop a list of three possible
solutions to the problem and evaluate
the solutions using the worksheet at
 http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/
TIPS/bestsol.html
Problem solved?
 Create a poster that explains and
illustrates the problem and proposed
solutions investigated in this project.