Before you start Reading the text listen to the following

information on “Changes in the Environment” ( click on

the blue sentence)

What’s in our trash?

Each year, we generate millions of tons of

trash in the form of wrappings, bottles, boxes,

cans, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, phone

books, and much, much, more.

Durable goods (tires, appliances, furniture) and

nondurable goods (paper, certain disposable

products, clothing) account for several million

tons of the solid waste stream.

Container and packaging waste is a significant component of the

waste stream as well. This material includes glass, aluminum,

plastics, steel and other metals, and paper and paperboard. Yard

trimmings such as grass clippings and tree limbs are also a

substantial part of what we throw away.

In addition, many relatively small components of the national

solid waste stream add up to millions of tons.

What Can We Do?

Since we all produce garbage, we are all part of the problem.

But we can also be part of the solution. Of all the environmental

issues we face today, garbage is one each of us can (and should)

do something about. It's all about making wise choices.

The choices we make every day affect the amount and types of

garbage we toss. When we rethink the way we live, reduce what

we buy, reuse things instead of getting new ones, recycle and

compost; we not only make less waste, we also save valuable

natural resources and energy, and create less pollution.

Take responsibility for the waste you produce. Make a

difference at home, school and when shopping. It's easy and

every little bit helps! The Problem Is Too Much Trash!!!

Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging.

Adopt practices that reduce waste toxicity.

Tips for Reducing Solid Waste

Reusing products is just one way to cut down on what we throw

away.

Consider reusable products.

Maintain and repair durable products.

Reuse bags, containers, and other items.

Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently.

Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out

Choose recyclable products and containers and

recycle them.

Select products made from

recycled materials.

Compost yard trimmings and some

food scraps

Educate others on source reduction

and recycling practices.

Be creative - Find new ways to

reduce waste quantity and toxicity.

Look at the picture on the right.

Does it suggest something to you?

Try to design one and participate in

the class competition.

Draw types of recycle bins.

Rachel Carson (1907 - 1964)

Books can open closed minds. The books by Rachel Carson helped

to open the minds of government regulators, executives in the

chemical industry, and the general public about the environment

and the dangers of insecticides and herbicides. Just as mighty

forests spring from tiny seeds, Rachel’s powerful books sprang

from her childhood fascination with nature

Rachel grew up loving nature and exploring its wonders. She thought

that everybody should enjoy nature. Rachel wrote:

"The pleasures, the values of contact with the natural world are

not reserved for the scientist. They are available to anyone who

will place himself under the influence of a lonely mountain top – or

the sea – or the stillness of a forest; or who will stop to think

about so small a thing as the mystery of a growing seed."

STORY TIME

In this part of the unit you will work with “power point” or

“movie maker”, it’s up to you!

Your project will be based on Rachel Carson’s life, who has

contributed to save the environment or at least has helped doing

it.

Good luck!!!