Textbook Solutions: Garbage In, Garbage Out | Eureka Plus Class 6: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

I. Write the correct word to represent each of the following: 

1.
Ans: Biodegradable waste

2.
Ans: Non-biodegradable waste

3.
Ans: Recycling

4.
Ans: Landfilling

5.
Ans: Compost

II. 

Ans: Segregate the waste items given below as biodegradable waste and non-biodegradable waste:

• Biodegradable waste: dry flowers, dead insect, cotton cloth, used tissue paper, broken wooden bat, torn ball of natural rubber, spoilt wheat grains, overripe mango, worn coir mat, torn jute bag, broken bamboo flute, used notebook
• Non-biodegradable waste: plastic part of a computer, iron nail, used cardboard box, broken glass jar, spilled groundnut oil, electric switch, plastic mobile-phone cover, used paper envelope, pencil shavings

III. Read each sentence carefully. Convert the circle into a smiley () if you will do it.

Put a cross (X) if you will not do it and a question mark (?) if you are uncertain. 
1.
Ans: I will segregate waste that can be recycled. ()

2.
Ans: I will discard paint in the toilet drain. (X)

3.
Ans: I will decompose kitchen waste to make compost. ()

4.
Ans: I will always carry a shopping bag. ()

5.
Ans: I will not reuse glass bottles in which jam or pickle was bought. (X)

6
Ans: I will stop using plastic spoons, straws and plastic water bottles at home. ()

7.
Ans: I will make paper bags from newspaper and use them to purchase vegetables. ()

8.
Ans: I will use paper napkins instead of a handkerchief. (X)

9.
Ans: I will not carry my own water bottle, but will always purchase mineral-water bottles while outdoors. (X)

10.
Ans: I will never purchase new plastic containers to store food. ()

IV. Answer the following questions in one sentence. 

1.
Ans: Pineapple peel is biodegradable because it can be broken down by soil microorganisms into simpler substances over time.

2.
Ans: Plastics are non-biodegradable because they do not decompose naturally and accumulate in the environment for an extended period.

3.
Ans: Kitchen waste, vegetable waste, fruit peels, dry leaves, dry flowers, grass, weeds, and waste paper can be used to make compost.

4.
Ans: Redworms (earthworms) are used to make vermicompost.

5.
Ans: Recycling of used paper involves converting old paper into new products, reducing the need for cutting down trees and minimizing waste.

6.
Ans: A piece of land produces harmful methane gas when organic waste decomposes without proper management, such as in landfill sites.

7.
Ans: Plastic items like certain containers, straws, and plastic bags may be difficult to recycle and contribute to environmental pollution.

V. Answer the following questions in three to four sentences. 

1.
Ans: Soil microorganisms, mainly fungi and bacteria, decompose plant and animal waste. This process is beneficial to plants because it converts organic matter into simple substances that enrich the soil, making it fertile and conducive to plant growth.

2.
Ans: Compost is formed by decomposing plant and animal waste through a natural process. It is rich in plant nutrients and improves soil fertility. Using compost enhances plant growth, and it is an eco-friendly way to recycle kitchen waste.

3.
Ans: Proper waste management is essential to prevent environmental pollution, maintain cleanliness, and ensure the sustainable use of resources. It helps control the spread of diseases, protect ecosystems, and promote a healthier and cleaner living environment.

4.
Ans: Segregating household waste is crucial for effective recycling. It allows for the separation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, making the recycling process more efficient and reducing the burden on waste management systems.

5.
Ans: The improper segregation and disposal of household waste contribute to the accumulation of large quantities of waste in cities. Lack of awareness, inadequate waste management systems, and non-compliance with waste disposal rules exacerbate the problem.

6.
Ans: Landfill sites can cause environmental pollution due to the decomposition of organic waste, which produces harmful methane gas. Additionally, landfill sites contaminate water tables, destroy habitats, and create long-term sources of air pollution.

7.
Ans:

• Minimize the use of plastic products.
• Avoid burning plastic waste to prevent air pollution.
• Segregate plastic waste for recycling.
• Dispose of plastic responsibly and avoid littering to prevent environmental harm.

VI. 

1.
Ans: 
Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives, serving various purposes and contributing to convenience. However, the widespread use of plastics has also led to significant environmental challenges, making it a double-edged sword.
On the positive side, plastics offer durability, versatility, and affordability. They are used in the production of numerous goods, from household items to medical devices. The lightweight nature of plastics reduces transportation costs and energy consumption. Yet, the detrimental impact of plastic waste on the environment cannot be ignored.
Plastic waste, especially non-recyclable varieties, poses a severe threat to ecosystems. Improper disposal leads to pollution of land and water bodies, harming wildlife and marine species. The slow decomposition of plastics exacerbates the problem, resulting in long-term environmental damage.
To address this issue, individuals can adopt sustainable practices such as minimizing plastic use, recycling whenever possible, and proper disposal. Governments and industries play a crucial role in developing alternatives to single-use plastics and implementing effective waste management strategies.
In conclusion, while plastics offer undeniable benefits, their improper disposal and environmental consequences make it necessary to reassess our reliance on them. Striking a balance between the advantages and drawbacks of plastics is essential to ensure a sustainable and healthier future for our planet.

Think and answer

I. Answer the following questions. 
1.
Ans: Constructing buildings on a landfill site is unsafe because landfills can be unstable. The decomposition of waste materials can cause the ground to settle unevenly over time, potentially leading to structural damage. Additionally, landfills can produce methane gas, which is explosive and can seep into buildings, posing a serious risk.

2.
Ans: Recycling paper is beneficial because it saves trees, which are important for absorbing carbon dioxide and providing oxygen. It also reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, saving space and reducing methane emissions as paper decomposes. Furthermore, recycling paper uses less energy and water compared to producing new paper from virgin wood pulp.

3.
Ans: Products with multiple layers of packaging contribute to environmental pollution by increasing the amount of waste that needs to be managed. They often use non-biodegradable materials like plastics, which persist in the environment and can harm wildlife and ecosystems. Reducing packaging minimizes waste and conserves resources.

4.
Ans: Recycling waste has numerous advantages. It conserves natural resources, reduces the need for raw materials, and often uses less energy than manufacturing new products from scratch. It also decreases emissions from waste disposal, reduces pollution, and supports the economy by creating recycling-related jobs

II. Give reasons. 
1.
Ans: A landfill must be lined to prevent the leaching of toxins and contaminants into the surrounding soil and groundwater. This lining, typically made of a waterproof material, acts as a barrier to protect the environment from pollution.

2.
Ans: Segregating waste allows for more efficient recycling and waste management. It ensures that recyclable materials are not contaminated by non-recyclables, making them easier to process and repurpose.

3.
Ans: Recycling paper reduces the demand for virgin wood pulp, which is derived from trees. Saving trees means preserving forests, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance, providing habitats for wildlife, and absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

4.
Ans: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) aims to promote cleanliness and sanitation. Improved sanitation reduces the spread of diseases, enhances the aesthetic quality of public spaces, and promotes a healthier environment, thereby improving the overall quality of life.

5.
Ans: Soil fungi and bacteria play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter, enriching the soil with nutrients necessary for plant growth. They also help in nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb and use.