Chapter 16 Garbage In, Garbage Out

(a) Garbage is of two types: biodegradable and non- biodegradable.

The garbage can be decompose by microorganisms are called biodegradable waste like banana peel, paper, vegetable waste etc. On the other hand, the garbage that cannot be decomposed by microorganisms are called non- biodegradable waste. For example: plastic etc. plastic, bottles, broken bangles are some of the example of non – biodegradable waste which cannot be converted into compost by earthworms.

(b) Yes, there are many other organisms beside earthworms like beetles, bugs, spiders etc. which decompose the organic waste to compost and clean the environment.

1. No, garbage disposal is not only the responsibility of the government. It is the responsibility of every citizen to make the environment clean because it is the responsibility or essential for everyone to make a clean environment around themselves. If the proper disposal is done by every citizen then the diseases will not occur and spread. So, it is necessary to make an healthy environment.
2. Yes, it is possible to reduce the problems related to the disposal of garbage. We can solve this problem by using only biodegradable materials which get decomposed easily. By avoiding plastic bags we can solve the problems related to the disposal of garbage.

1. If the food is left after eating then it must be use again or if it is left then we give it to someone else. I never throw the food in garbage.
2. I would prefer banana leaf platter at the party because it decompose easily in the environment whereas plastic is a non- biodegradable substance which cannot be decomposed by microorganisms. It accumulates in the environment. So, as far as possible we should avoid plastic material.

1. Papers like card board, aluminum sheets, plane paper etc. all kind of papers can be recycled except the paper which is made up of plastic and aluminum sheet also because micro- organisms cannot decompose this.
2. Yes, there is a lot of difference between a new sheet of paper and a recycles paper. The new sheet is soft and translucent type. But the surface of the recycled paper will be rough and it is thicker than the new sheet of paper.

(a)

1. Paper pocket: used for keeping light weight items.
2. Cardboard pocket: used to keep crockery and other heavy items.
3. Glass cover sheets: it is used to decorate or used as show pieces.
4. Wooden box: it is used to keep delicate items like fruits etc.
5. Iron box: it is used to keep clothes and any other items.

(b) Packaging could be reduced in clothing, toys and shoes because sometimes packaging of some materials are heavy according to the requirements of packing of items. So, it can be reduced. We can simply use paper bags instead of using plastic bags.

(c) Packaging increases the amount of garbage. We use packing materials as to wrap gifts, clothes, shoes, vegetables and many more examples are there. After using the item we just throw that wrapped papers in the dustbin; after this which is no use. If we are shifting somewhere then we pack our whole crockery, clothes and other things in the plastic bags and after using we just throw them. So, here we can see that the amount of garbage increases due to packing. We should avoid this as far as possible.

Yes, it is excellent to use compost at the place of chemical fertilizers because compost is made up by natural decomposition of garbage in environment. It keeps the soil strong and healthy. Compost increases the soil fertility and water retaining capacity of the soil.