All Flashcards
How can reducing waste help protect the environment?
Minimizes resource depletion, reduces pollution from manufacturing and disposal, and conserves energy.
How can reusing items help protect the environment?
Reduces the need for new products, conserves resources, and lowers waste generation.
How can recycling help protect the environment?
Converts waste into new materials, reducing the need for raw materials and lowering energy consumption.
How can improving sewage treatment help protect the environment?
Removes pollutants from wastewater, preventing contamination of waterways and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
How can protecting wetlands help protect the environment?
Provides natural filtration of pollutants, supports biodiversity, and helps control flooding.
What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?
It governs the "cradle-to-grave" disposal of hazardous materials.
What is the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)?
Also known as "Superfund," it provides for the cleanup of abandoned toxic waste sites.
What is the Clean Water Act (CWA)?
It makes it unlawful to discharge waste into waterways without a permit.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
The EPA sets health standards for drinking water sources.
What is the Delaney Clause?
Carcinogens that cause reasonable harm cannot be added to food or drugs.
What are the steps of sewage treatment?
Primary treatment (physical removal of solids), secondary treatment (biological breakdown of organic matter), and tertiary treatment (advanced removal of specific pollutants).
What are recycling processes?
Collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing into new products.