Question

Students in a school listened to the news read in the morning assembly that the
mountain of garbage in Delhi, suddenly exploded and various vehicles got buried
under it. Several people were also injured and there was traffic jam all around. In the
brain storming session the teacher also discussed this issue and asked the students to
find out a solution to the problem of garbage. Finally they arrived at two main points
– one is self management of the garbage we produce and the second is to generate
less garbage at individual level.

(a) Suggest two measures to manage the garbage we produce.

(b) As an individual, what can we do to generate the least garbage ? Give two
points.

(c) List two values the teacher instilled in his students in this episode.

Answer 1

a) The two measures that can be undertaken  to manage garbage are-

• The waste materials should be separate into biodegradable and non biodegradable. Biodegradable waste materials can be used for making compost,manure etc., while non-biodegradable materials can be recycled.

• The 3 R's principle should be follow which is Reduce,Reuse and Recycle. All the non-biodegradable wastes should pass  through these 3 stages and only then should go into waste.

b) As an individual we can help to generate least garbage-

• There should be minimal use of plastic bags, disposable products like plastic cups, cans etc.
• Kitchen wastes can be used as compost which can be used in plotted plants and fields for increasing the soil fertility.

c) The teacher instilled his student that there should be sense of responsibility towards the environment. He also made them aware of how they can handle any environmental issues at an individual as well as community level.

Answer 2

a. Measures to Manage Garbage

•    Incineration
•    Waste compaction
•    Biogas generation
•    Composting
•    Segregation and safe disposal
•    Vermicomposting

b. What can you do to generate less garbage

•    Reuse of empty bottles, books, etc.
•    Reduce the use of non-biodegradable substances like polythene, thermocol, etc.

c. Awareness about environment, scientific attitude, concern for community health and personal health