Waste

When we throw stuff away we may think that once it leaves the curb, it's gone. But the waste we generate also generates greenhouse gases, in a number a ways. Greenhouse gases are released as waste is transported from our homes to the landfill, as waste decomposes in landfills, and in some areas of the country, as garbage is incinerated.  Every year, the United States generates over 240 million tons of municipal solid waste -- nearly 5 pounds of garbage per person per day!  Reducing, reusing, and recycling keeps garbage out of landfills, and greenhouse gases out of the air.

In this section students will learn about the connections between waste and climate change, and how using less and recycling more can help protect the climate.