Module 1: Introduction to Waste Management

In this module, we will explore the fundamentals of waste management, including an overview of different types of waste and the environmental impact of improper waste management. Understanding these basics is crucial for developing effective waste reduction strategies and fostering sustainable living practices.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to…

Identify different types of waste (e.g., organic, recyclable, hazardous).
Explain the environmental impacts of improper waste management.
Practice basic composting techniques at home.
Understand local recycling practices.

Humans and the Environment

Humans and the Environment | Essentials of Environmental Science – YouTube, uploaded by Hot Mess, 2020.

Overview of Waste Types

Infographic: Composting at Home

The image is an infographic titled “Composting at Home.” It features a beige textured background color with various green headings and sections detailing information about composting. At the top center is a title “COMPOSTING AT HOME” in large green capital letters. Below it, there is an illustration of a wooden compost bin filled with organic waste like vegetables and plants.

The infographic is divided into three main sections:

What Is Composting?

Green heading “What Is Composting?”. Text below it states: “Composting is the process of recycling organic waste, like food scraps and yard waste, into nutrient-rich soil.”

Benefits of Composting

Green heading “Benefits of Composting”. Three bullet points highlight the benefits:

Reduces landfill waste
Enriches soil
Lowers greenhouse gas emissions

This section includes small illustrations of a sprout growing from soil and two leaves.

How to Compost

Green heading “How to Compost”. Two sub-sections: “Ingredients” and “Avoid Adding”.

Ingredients:

Carbon-rich (“browns”): dry leaves, twigs, shredded paper
Nitrogen-rich (“greens”): fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds
Water and air

Avoid Adding:

Meat, fish, dairy, oily foods (attract pests)
Herbicide-treated plants, diseased plants, pet waste

This section includes small illustrative icons corresponding to the ingredients and items to avoid such as meat, fish, and a bottle of milk crossed out.

Steps for composting listed as follows:

Collect and store browns and greens
Build or buy a compost bin
Layer greens and browns, starting with bulky browns
Maintain moisture and turn pile for aeration
Harvest finished compost in 3-5 months

At the bottom, a source is mentioned: “Source: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home“.

Activity: Exploring Local Recycling Guidelines

Instructions:

Research Local Guidelines: Visit your local government or waste management website to find recycling guidelines for your area.
Identify Recyclable Materials: Make a list of materials that can be recycled based on the information you find.
Verify Special Handling: Check how to handle items like batteries, electronics, hazardous materials, or chemicals that require special disposal.
Reflect and Share: Reflect on what you've learned. What did you learn about your local recycling guidelines that you didn't know before?

Welcome Page: Green Mindset Course

Module 2: Fundamentals of Recycling