GOLDEN WEST COLLEGES

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY

GROUP 2 – WASTE REDUCTION

WASTE REDUCTION

 Also known as source reduction, is the most preferred way to deal with waste.
It’s about consuming less and throwing away less stuff. This practice aims to
minimize the amount of waste generation and conserve natural resources by
using less material and energy in the first place.
(Ang waste reduction ay pag babawas ng mga nagagamit ng mga kalat na
pwedeng makasira sa ating environment sa ating pang araw-araw. Kasama sa
waste reduction ang pag gamit ng mga alternative na mga kagamitan, imbes na
plastic o non-biodegradable na mga materyales ang ginagamit, pino-promote ang
pag gamit ng mga biodegradable gaya ng mga paper bags, paper cups, at
reusable na mga gamit gaya ng mga water bottles, eco-bags at marami pang
iba.)

FACTORS OF WASTE REDUCTION

 Individual Behavior: This refers to the choices that people make about how
much to consume and how to dispose waste. (pag gamit ng mga reusable
shopping bags, pag iwas sa mga disposable plastics, and pag gamit nang tama
sa mga nabubulok na mga basura gaya ng mga balat ng prutas at gulay)
 Product Design: This refers to how products are designed and manufactured.
(Products that are designed to be durable, repairable, and recyclable are less
likely to end up in landfills.)
 Consumption Patterns: This refers to the amount of stuff that people buy and
use. (We can reduce waste by consuming less overall, and by choosing products
that are made from recyclable materials.)
 Government Policy: Governments can play a role in waste reduction by
enacting policies that encourage recycling and composting, and by banning or
taxing certain types of waste.
 Education Awareness: People are likely to reduce waste if they understand the
environment and economical impacts of waste disposal. (Educational campaigns
can help to raise awareness of the issue and promote waste reduction practices.)

CAUSES AND EFFECTS

CAUSES

 Environmental Concerns: Overflowing landfills, plastic pollution in oceans,

and the general stain on resources have all highlighted the problems with
excessive waste. (People are becoming more environmentally conscious and
seeking solutions.)
 Resources Depletion: Raw materials are finite, and waste reduction helps
conserve them. (Recycling paper reduces the need to cut down trees.)
 Economic Benefits: Waste disposal can be expensive. Reducing waste saves
money for businesses and municipalities that would pay for collection and
disposal.
 Technological Advancements: New technologies are constantly emerging that
allow for more efficient use of materials and better recycling processes.
EFFECTS

 Environmental Benefits: Less waste means less pollution of air, water, and
soil. (Landfills take up less space, and there’s a decrease in the harmful
emissions associated with waste incineration.)
 Conservation of Resources: By reducing waste, we use fewer raw materials,
which helps to conserve natural resources like trees, waters, and minerals.
 Cost Savings: Waste reduction saves money for individuals, businesses, and
governments. (Less waste means less spending on collecting, transportation, and
disposal.)
 Energy Efficiency: Recycling processes often require less energy than creating
new products from scratch. This translates to lower energy consumption and
reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
 Innovation: A focus on waste reduction spurs innovation in product design,
packaging, and recycling technologies.

HOW TO MANAGE WASTE REDUCTION?

1. Reduce at the Sources: This is the golden rule of waste management. It’s
about preventing waste from being created in the first place. Here’s how to
achieve this:
a. Planning and Purchasing: Buy only what you need. Plan your meals to
avoid food waste. Purchase items with minimal packaging, or choose
products made from recycled materials.
b. Durable and Reusable: Invest in durable products that can be repaired
and used in a long time. Opt for reusable shopping bags, water bottles,
and food containers.
c. Composting: Compost food scraps and yard waste instead of throwing
them away. This creates nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden
and diverts organic waste from landfills.
2. Reuse and Repurpose: Give items a second file before discarding them. Here
are some ideas: Donate clothes, furniture, or appliances in good condition to
charities or thrift stores.
3. Recycle Responsibly: Recycling is important, but it’s only effective if done
correctly. Here’s what to do:
a. Understand your local recycling program.
b. Only put accepted materials in the recycling bin to avoid contamination.
c. Rinse and clean recyclables before placing them in the bin.
d. Learn about different types of plastics and recycle them accordingly by
checking recycling symbols on products.

HOW TO REDUCE DAILY USAGE OF WASTE?

IN THE KITCHEN

Plan your meals: This helps avoid impulse purchases and food spoilage.

Embrace storage containers: Pack leftovers in reusable containers instead of

plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Shop smart: Buy loose fruits and vegetables whenever possible to minimize
packaging waste.

Compost food scraps: Kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee
grounds can become nutrient-rich compost for your plants.

On-the-go essentials: Invest in a reusable water bottle, mug, and shopping

bags. Keep them handy to avoid single-use options.
 Pack your lunch: Packing lunch allows you to control portion sizes and avoid
unnecessary packaging from takeout.

Say no to straws and utensils: Unless absolutely necessary, politely decline

plastic straws and utensils offered at restaurants or coffee shops.

Mindful shopping: Quality over quantity.

Packaging matters: Choose products with minimal packaging, or those from

recycled materials.

Embrace secondhand: Check out thrift stores or online marketplaces for pre-
loved clothes, furniture, or other items.

Go digital: Reduce paper clutter by opting for e-bills and digitals receipts
whenever possible.

General habits: Learn basic repairs for clothing, appliances, or furniture to

extend their lifespan.

Get crafty with repurposing: Repurpose jars, bottles, or fabric scraps for
creative projects.

Educate yourself: Stay informed about local recycling guidelines and

composting options in your area.

Spread the word: Talk to friends and family about waste reduction and inspire
them to adopt sustainable habits.

HOW TO PROPERLY DISPOSE WASTE

1. Segregate your waste: Separate waste into categories like recyclables,

compostables, landfill waste, and hazardous materials.
2. Know your waste types
a. Recyclables: Paper products, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, and
some plastic containers.
b. Compostables: Food scraps, yard waste, and eggshells.
c. Landfill waste: General trash can be recycled or composted, such as
soiled tissues, plastic wrap, and food-contaminated paper products.
d. Hazardous materials: Batteries, paint, medication, and cleaning
chemicals.
3. Prepare your recyclables and compostables: Compostables should be free of
contaminants like meat, dairy, or oil.
4. Dispose accordingly: Place your segregated waste and designated bins.

WHAT CAN WE CONTRIBUTE AS A STUDENT AND A RESIDENT OF EARTH?

AS A STUDENT:

 Academic Excellence: This equips you with knowledge and skills to solve
problems facing society and the planet.
 Innovation and Creativity: Be curious, explore new ideas, and contribute your
unique perspective in class projects and discussions.
 Lead by example: Promote sustainability within your school. Organize clean-
up drives, raise awareness about recycling, or advocate for eco-friendly
practices in the cafeteria.
 Volunteer: Dedicate some time to volunteer for causes you care about.

AS A RESIDENT OF EARTH
 Environmental Stewardship: Be mindful of your impact on the planet. Reduce
waste, conserve water and energy, and choose eco-friendly products whenever
possible.
 Spread Awareness: Educate others about environmental issues and the
importance of sustainability. Encourage them to adopt eco-friendly habits in
their daily lives.
 Support Sustainability Initiatives: Look for organizations working on
environmental solutions and support their efforts through volunteering or
donations.
 Reduce your carbon footprints: Make conscious choices to minimize your
carbon footprint. Consider using public transportation, cycling, or walking
whenever possible.