waste minimization

An exploration of waste minimization, covering ways to reduce waste, the plastic problem, composting, related careers, and more. Includes audio, videos, activities, weblinks, slideshows, transparencies, maps, quizzes, and supplementary resources.

Concerned for our planet, a young child and her friends band together as the Earth Patrol and advocate for re-usable trays at their school.

"What happens to our trash? Why are our oceans filling with plastic? Do we really waste 40 percent of our food 65 percent of our energy? Waste is truly our biggest problem, and solving our inherent trashiness can fix our economy, our energy costs, our traffic jams, and help slow climate change-all while making us healthier, happier and more prosperous. This story-driven and in-depth exploration of the pervasive yet hard-to-see wastefulness that permeates our daily lives illuminates the ways in which we've been duped into accepting absolutely insane levels of waste as normal. Total Garbage also tells the story of individuals and communities who are finding the way back from waste, and showing us that our choices truly matter and make a difference. Our big environmental challenges - climate, energy, plastic pollution, deforestation, toxic emissions-are often framed as problems too big for any one person to solve. Too big even for hope. But when viewed as symptoms of a single greater problem-the epic levels of trash and waste we produce daily--the way forward is clear. Waste is the one problem individuals can positively impact-and not just on the planet, but also on our wallets, our health, and national and energy security. The challenge is seeing our epic wastefulness clearly. Total Garbage will shine a light on the absurdity of the systems that all of us use daily and take for granted--and it will help both individuals and communities make meaningful changes toward better lives and a cleaner, greener world"--.

"Why is recycling important? Ignite kids' growing curiosity about the environment with an inquiry-based approach to reducing waste. Includes infographics and back matter to support research skills, plus table of contents, glossary, and index"--Provided by publisher.

"All over the world, people are joining the low-waste movement and getting tough on their trash. Maybe you've heard the reports of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch swirling in the ocean. Maybe you've seen the photos of whales and sea birds with trash in their bellies. Or maybe you've heard that only 9 percent of our plastic waste actually gets recycled. We can all do our part for the planet by creating less garbage. Young readers will discover how to avoid waste in the first place, reduce how much they use and reuse what they can, before they recycle and rot (compost) the rest. With small, simple actions we can become part of the circular economy. Find out how you can join the low-waste movement and get your friends and family on board too"--BTCat.

"Did you know that most plastic goes to landfills instead of recycling plants? Use these 10 simple steps and added hands-on activity to reduce your plastic use and waste. Find out what tips work for you and spread the word. Together, we can make a difference!"--Provided by publisher.

"Did you know the average American creates more than 4 pounds of waste per day? Check out these 10 easy ways to cut your trash output, plus an activity to help you do so. Find out what tips work for you and spread the word. Together, we can make a difference!"--Provided by publisher.

"Almost everything we do makes some kind of waste. Find out what happens to our waste, how it is harming the environment, and what we can do [to] help some the problem"--Back cover.

"We can all make good choices to do our part to care for Earth. Read about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling, as well choosing items that can be used over and over"--Provided by publisher.

"Garbage tells us a lot about how humans have lived in the past, how we're living now, and the impact our waste disposal has on the environment. To create a more sustainable future, it's important that little eco-warriors know about the different types of waste and how to create less garbage!" -- Amazon.com.