All Flashcards
How can source reduction promote sustainability?
By minimizing the amount of material used, reducing resource consumption and waste generation.
How can reuse contribute to sustainability?
Reduces the need for new products, conserving resources and energy.
How does composting support sustainable agriculture?
By producing nutrient-rich soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
How can green procurement help protect the environment?
By promoting the purchase of eco-friendly products and reducing packaging waste.
How can waste-to-energy policies promote sustainability?
By converting waste into energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
How can recycling mandates promote sustainability?
By increasing recycling rates and reducing landfill waste.
How can education and awareness promote sustainability?
By informing people about waste reduction methods and encouraging responsible waste management practices.
How can product take-back programs promote sustainability?
By ensuring that manufacturers are responsible for their products' waste, encouraging them to design products that are easier to recycle or reuse.
How can anaerobic digestion promote sustainability?
By converting waste into biogas, a renewable energy source, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
How can bioremediation promote sustainability?
By using microbes to break down pollutants, reducing the need for more invasive and costly cleanup methods.
What are the steps in recycling?
Collection, processing, manufacturing into new products.
What are the general steps in composting?
Collect organic waste, mix with bulking agents, maintain moisture and aeration, allow decomposition, and use the compost.
What are the steps in anaerobic digestion?
Collection of organic waste, digestion by microbes without oxygen, biogas production, and digestate use.
What is the process of landfill bioreactor operation?
Waste is placed in the landfill, liquid is added to enhance decomposition, biogas is collected, and leachate is managed.
What is the waste management hierarchy?
Reduce > Reuse > Recycle. Reducing waste is the most effective.
Why is source reduction the most effective waste reduction method?
It minimizes the amount of material used, leading to less waste created initially.
How do recycling and reuse contribute to a sustainable future?
They conserve resources and reduce environmental impact by decreasing the need for new products.
What is the role of microorganisms in biological waste treatment?
Microorganisms break down organic waste, reducing waste volume and creating useful by-products.
Why are waste policies important?
Governments set rules to manage waste, protect the environment, and ensure fair practices.
What is the significance of landfill regulations?
They control where and how landfills are built and operated to minimize environmental impact.
What is a circular economy?
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
Why is radioactive waste management so critical?
Radioactive waste needs special attention due to its potential harm to the environment and human health.
What is the difference between low-level and high-level radioactive waste?
High-level waste is much more dangerous and requires long-term storage, while low-level waste is less dangerous.
What is the goal of zero waste policies?
To eliminate landfill waste by maximizing waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting efforts.