Treasure or Trash? Learning Technology Grant

1. Treasure or Trash?Learning Technology Grant • Debra Hendry • dhendry@schools.nyc.gov • JHS 144 Michelangelo • Bronx, NY

2. Trash or Treasure? One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

3. Litter Facts Littering is a personal choice that can stem from a lack of personal responsibility for one’s actions and surroundings; litterers may also have a sense of entitlement—a feeling that other people should clean up after them. As for the effects of littering, there are obvious environmental consequences, but the cost of this national behavioral problem may surprise you. According to KAB, litter costs the US $11.5 billion every year. Plastic litter has increased by 165% since 1969. http://www.cereplast.com/littering-facts-the-causes-and-effects-of-littering/

4. PROBLEM • Litter and garbage are harming the Bronx community. • Aesthetics • Environment • Public Health

5. Is the Mayor right? • Mayor Bloomberg has proposed banning Styrofoam cups and fast food containers.

6. Climate Change & Litter – is there a connection? Many people suggest that litter and garbage contribute to climate change. Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper, plastic, newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

7. What’s the evidence? • Gather statistics and plan an experiment to quantify the problem at school and in your neighborhood. Complete the Evidence worksheet at http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/worksheet2.doc

8. RESOURCES: • http://environment.about.com/od/reducingwaste/a/no_plastic_bags.htm • www.epa.gov/recyclecity/things.htm • www.greenecoservices.com/littering-facts-and-statistics • www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/plastics.htm

9. What causes the problem? • Brainstorm with your group to identify causes of the problem. As you compile ideas, begin to consider how many of the causes might be subject to government regulation. Complete the worksheet available on the link below http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/identify.html

10. Current Laws & Policies Complete the worksheet at the link below: • http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/existing.html • Research current laws and policies with regard to litter and garbage. Information about NYC laws is available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/home/home.shtml • Investigate public education campaigns such as Keep America Beautiful as well as civil laws to develop an understanding of the impact of public opinion and attitudes on behavior and public policy. There aren't manythings that are universally cool,and it's cool not to litter. I’d never do it.- Matthew McConaughey

11. Can the problem be fixed? • Develop a list of three possible solutions to the problem and evaluate the solutions using the worksheet at • http://www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/bestsol.html

12. Problem solved? • Create a poster that explains and illustrates the problem and proposed solutions investigated in this project.