Our Environment (Part 1) Class 5 Notes Science

Introduction

• The environment is the natural surroundings where living things grow, develop, and survive.
• The word 'environ' means to surround.
• The environment includes living things (like plants and animals) and non-living things (like soil, water, and air).
• It gives us everything we need to live and helps us survive.
• Every living thing depends on both other living things and non-living things in the environment.
• If our surroundings are clean, then the environment is healthy.
• A clean environment is necessary for healthy living.
• Any damage to the environment affects us and other living beings, like plants and animals.

Waste

• We throw away many things that seem useless to us.
• These unwanted and useless materials are called waste.
• Waste is made in places like homes, schools, offices, markets, factories, and farms.

Types of Waste

1. Biodegradable Waste

• The waste that easily rots is called biodegradable waste.
• It consists of organic waste which gets broken down into simpler particles (called degradation) by the action of decomposers.
• Example: Vegetable peels, paper bits, dry leaves, tissues, egg shells, fruit peels, hairs, etc

 2.  Non-biodegradable Waste

• The waste that does not rot is called non-biodegradable waste. 
• It consists of inorganic waste that cannot be broken down into simpler particles by the action of decomposers. 
• Examples: Plastic and glass bottles, old cells, batteries, polythene bags, etc.

Need to Manage Waste

Proper management of waste, especially non-biodegradable waste, is very important. The generation of waste not only looks aesthetically unpleasant, but it is also harmful to our environment.

Management of Non-biodegradable Waste

• Proper storage: To generate less waste, we should always store food items properly so that microorganisms cannot spoil them.
• Reduce: Reduce the production of waste by consumption and low wastage. For example, avoid using plastic bags; carry your own cloth bags, use both sides of the paper, buy only what you need and avoid using disposable plastic items.
• Reuse: This explains the importance of utilizing things that we no longer require for different purposes. We can use empty jam containers to keep pickles, spices, etc. Also, we should choose to buy things like bottles for soft drinks and juices, rather than metal cans.
• Recycle: This involves the production of new products from the old discarded products. Paper, glass, plastics and metals can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality.

Management of Biodegradable Waste

• Composting: Vegetable and fruit peels, egg shells, paper, jute products, hair, etc., are converted into compost in deep pits called compost pits. It is done by the action of decomposers like bacteria and fungi. 
• Vermicomposting: Vermicomposting involves the use of red earthworms instead of fungi and bacteria. Earthworms are added to the waste and they break down the organic matter into soil-like material, called vermicompost.
•  Biogas: The biogas is produced in a biogas plant. Cow and buffalo dung along with agricultural remains get decomposed and produce biogas. The main constituent of this gas is methane. Methane gas acts as an excellent fuel.