Week 12 Flashcards
Consumption & Waste (11 cards)
U.S. Consumption (Trends, Global Comparisons)
The U.S. has among the highest per-capita consumption and waste globally. It uses more resources and energy per person than most countries.
Waste Management Hierarchy
A ranked system for managing waste sustainably:
1. Reduce → 2. Reuse → 3. Recycle → 4. Recover (e.g., energy) → 5. Landfill/Dispose. Prevention is top priority.
The Waste Stream
The flow of all materials discarded as waste, from source (homes, businesses) through collection, treatment, recycling, or disposal.
MSW Data, Trends, Breakdowns
MSW = Municipal Solid Waste (trash from households & small businesses). U.S. generates over 4.5 lbs/person/day. Largest categories: paper, food, plastics.
U.S. Recycling Rate (Global Comparisons)
U.S. recycling rate is ~32%, lower than many developed countries (e.g., Germany ~67%). Rates have stagnated or declined in recent years.
Role of Plastics
Plastics are durable but slow to degrade; many are single-use. They dominate global waste and are major contributors to pollution and climate change.
Waste Equity Issue
Low-income and minority communities often bear the burden of waste (landfills, incinerators, pollution), raising issues of environmental justice.
Modern Waste Management Strategies
Include composting, recycling upgrades, waste-to-energy, product redesign, extended producer responsibility, and zero waste planning.
UVM Campus Waste Operations
UVM aims for zero waste through composting, recycling, education, and centralized waste stations. Tracks waste data and promotes behavior change.
Linear vs. Circular Economy
Linear: Take → Make → Use → Dispose (wasteful).
Circular: Design waste out, keep materials in use, regenerate natural systems.
Zero Waste
Goal to redesign systems so that 90%+ of waste is diverted from landfill or incineration. Focuses on reduction, reuse, composting, and redesign.
