Name Class Date
19.2 Minimizing Solid Waste
Waste Reduction
1. What are the benefits of reducing the amount of waste we generate?
2. How can plastic grocery bags damage the environment?
3. What can consumers do to convince companies to produce quality goods that last a long
time, rather than using poorly made or nondurable goods?
4. Describe financial incentives used by some local and state governments to convince
consumers to reduce waste.
5. Complete the following paragraph with terms from the word bank.
There are many steps people can take to reduce in their lives every
day. People can achieve by buying items that use less
and by buying , rather than
goods. They can also support the ban of certain , such as those used to
make grocery bags, that are not and therefore will not break down
naturally. Another way to reduce waste is to return glass bottles to stores or collection facilities
instead of throwing them away.
Name Class Date
Waste Recovery
6. Fill in the boxes of the cycle diagram with short descriptions of
the three steps in the recycling process.
7. Describe the process of composting, and list two uses for compost.
8. How can municipalities and businesses benefit by recycling?
9. Why is it important for consumers to buy products made with recycled materials
whenever possible?
10. Name one limit of recycling.