Treasure or Trash? Learning Technology Grant

1
Treasure or Trash?Learning Technology Grant

• Debra Hendry
• dhendry_at_schools.nyc.gov
• JHS 144 Michelangelo
• Bronx, NY

2
Trash or Treasure?

• One mans trash is another mans treasure.

3
Litter Facts

• Littering is a personal choice that can stem from
  a lack of personal responsibility for ones
  actions and surroundings litterers may also have
  a sense of entitlementa 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-cause
  s-and-effects-of-littering/

4
PROBLEM

• Litter and garbage are harming the Bronx
  community.

• Aesthetics

• Environment

• Public Health

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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.

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Whats 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-stati
  stics
• www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/plastics.htm

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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/iden
tify.html
10
Current Laws Policies

• Research current laws and policies with regard to
  litter and garbage. Information about NYC laws
  is available at http//www.nyc.gov/html/nycwastele
  ss/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.

• Complete the worksheet at the link below
• http//www2.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/TIPS/existing.h
  tml

There aren't many things that are universally
cool,and it's cool not to litter. Id never do
it.- Matthew McConaughey
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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.ht
  ml

12
Problem solved?

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