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Source reduction and recycling are
the keys to waste management
Source reduction involves reducing
the amount and toxicity of waste produced and subsequently discarded.
Recycling
is a system of collecting, processing, and remanufacturing materials
into new products. Once these recycled materials have been purchased
by consumers, the recycling loop is closed.
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REDUCE!
REUSE!
RECYCLE!
Garbologist
Dr. William Rathje is a strong proponent of source reduction.
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 Composting
converts yard waste into a valuable soil amendment for gardening. It's
recycling.naturally. 
Reusing
is using a product again, either for its original purpose, or in a completely
different way. For example, a can could be used for watering plants,
or as a pencil holder.
 Recycling
is the process of making new products out of used materials. When aluminum
cans are recycled, the aluminum is melted, pressed into sheets, and
reformed into a new product.
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Don't forget
another option:
Some items
can be REPAIRED!!!
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Personal choices and the
decisions that are made by each person can have a significant impact
on resource consumption, waste generation, and the environment.
YOU can:
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Practice
precycling by reducing the amount of waste at the source (This includes
buying items that can be reused or have minimal packaging. Almost
$1.00 of every $10.00 spent for food and beverages in America pays
for packaging. Packaging contributes about 30% of the weight and
50% of the volume of household waste.); |
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Reuse products
as much as possible ; |
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Close the
recycling loop by buying goods made from or packaged in recycled
products; and |
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Help establish
and maintain a community recycling program and encourage participation.
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Click on box for
streaming video!
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Vocabulary:
trash
waste
reduce
composting
reuse
recycle
landfill
waste stream
garbage
debris
litter
garbologist
hazardous
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