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Solid Waste Disposal:State why we should reduce solid waste or find ways of managing it:
It is harmful to people, plants and animals. Solid waste attracts germ and disease carrying creatures, which may transfer diseases to people. If it rains and the waste substances get wet, the water seeps through the layers of rubbish. The poisonous liquid may seep into the soil and contaminate the soil, ground water and surface, causing soil pollution and water pollution. Dumpsites are also becoming too full and are environmentally unfriendly, therefore, we need to find a more efficient and environmentally friendly why to store solid waste. The dangers associated with open dumpsites: If dumpsites are located too close to a city, the fumes and smells that they give off would negatively affect people living or working nearby. Methane gas that is given off by the dumpsites can build up and can cause fires that are difficult to control. Solid waste attracts germ and disease carrying creatures, which may transfer diseases to people. If it rains and the waste substances get wet, the water seeps through the layers of rubbish. The poisonous liquid may seep into the soil and contaminate the soil, ground water and surface, causing soil pollution and water pollution. Ways in which dumpsites can be managed for rehabilitation and prevention of soil and water pollution: The dumpsites should be as far as possible from water sources or permeable rock to reduce pollution on the environment. The bottom of the landfill site should have a natural clay lining or a layer of thick plastic lining to stop any liquids from seeping into the soil or ground water. If seepage does happen, there should be series of wells and underground dams to collect the poisonous liquids. These liquids could then pumped out of the wells and dams before they reach the ground water. The dumpsites should also have pipes to collect methane gas. The use of methane from dumpsites for domestic use, such as heating and lighting: The methane that is produced by the landfill sites can be collected. It is collected by a special system of pipes that are buried in the landfill site. Methane is combustible, which means that it can burn. The collected methane can be allowed to burn off as it escapes into the air. Alternatively, a network of pipes can take it to a power plant where it is burned to make steam. The steam turns a turbine that generates electricity. The electricity is then used for heating and lighting in peoples homes. In some landfill sites, the electricity generated from methane is used to drive some of the equipment such as tractors and trucks. The need for recycling: Recycling is a way of making new objects from old ones, aka reusing products. Therefore, recycling reduces the amount of waste produced and so less waste is sent to landfill sites, which will help to improve the atmosphere and water quality. The more waste we keep out of landfill sites, the longer they will last. For example, if we recycle more paper waste, it might not be necessary to cut down as many trees. If there are more trees, the biodiversity would remain as it is or even improve The need for safe disposal of nuclear waste: Nuclear waste is waste that is radioactive and extremely toxic, and so therefore it is very dangerous to the environment and to human health. Nuclear wastes are very dangerous to the environment because they can remain radioactive for millions of years. Nuclear wastes are also extremely dangerous to human health, and can cause genetic defects, cancer and even death. References: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8732.html P. Ayerst, R. Langley, P. Majozi, A.Metherell, D.Smith. (2012) Top Class life sciences grade 11. Shuter and Shooter. Cape Town |
Interview Questions
The following questions were asked in an interview in order to help us understand the complexities of our chosen context.
All of the questions were answered and adapted by Colette Lowe, the shop owner.
All of the questions were answered and adapted by Colette Lowe, the shop owner.
- What attempts of environmental sustainability have Rootbar taken ?
- What is the waste that is being produced? Is it plastic, is it glass, is it mainly food scraps?
- What recycling methods do you have in place for these waste products?
- And if it can’t be recycled, where does it go? Does it go to general waste and land up in landfills?
- Is there a substantial amount of meals listed on the menu that require oil to be cooked?
- What does Rootbar do with the excess amounts of cooking oil? (You can’t put it down a drain as it clogs the drain)
Interview Recording
interview_recording_3.mp4 | |
File Size: | 1358 kb |
File Type: | mp4 |