OVERVIEW, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Societies past and present have produced trash and continue to be challenged with its reduction and disposal. Waste management has always been, and will continue to be, intricately linked with other important environmental concerns, such as the depletion of natural resources, air quality, water quality, land use, loss of habitat, climate change and other quality of life and human health issues.
The generation of solid waste has risen steadily in New Jersey, as well as nationally, since the mid-1990s. Of this, it's relevant to note that the average New Jersey citizen produces almost two pounds more of waste per day (6.4 lbs. average - 2003 statistics, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection) than the average person at the national level (4.4 lbs. average - 2001 statistics, Environmental Protection Agency). In addition, private residences, along with small businesses and agencies, currently produce about half of the state's solid waste by weight and volume, while industry produces the other half.
Another concern is that the state's recycling rate has dropped significantly in New Jersey during the past several years, from a high of 61% in 1996 to a level of 54% in 2002.
Since the late 1970s state and federal government have established and achieved much regarding solid waste management in New Jersey and nationwide. Yet, government and private interests continue to grapple with complex issues related to increasing waste quantities, economics and markets, legislative support, pollution and disposal, transportation and land use.
Underlying these issues is one consistent fact: every resident generates and disposes of waste daily, no matter their age, education, income level, occupation, location, ethnicity, or hobbies. People can and do exercise individual control regarding their choices, purchases, decisions and actions, many of which effect what and how much they dispose of, as well as how they dispose of it.
Waste reduction occurs when one becomes more aware of, as well as involved with, purchasing decisions and choices and what can be reduced, composted, re-used or recycled, instead of just being thrown out. More than ever, it is important for people to understand that such needs, actions and behaviors have consequences and do make differences.
The goal of Here Today, Here Tomorrow - Recycled! is to nurture, through education and active, local participation, a sense of responsibility in students regarding their contributions to New Jersey's waste stream and what is within their power to reduce, reuse and recycle, as well as to purchase in terms of recycled products.
This curriculum supplement is divided into four theme-based sections that explore DEP's priority waste management hierarchy. They are:
Section I: Exploring Waste
Section II: Waste Reduction and Re-use
Section III: Recycling
Section IV: Landfills, Transfer Stations and Resource Recovery Facilities
Each section includes background and content information for the teacher as well as grade-specific lessons and worksheets. The lessons are presented in an easy-to-use format and lesson objectives have been correlated with the revised New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards and progress indicators. The Here Today, Here Tomorrow - Recycled! curriculum supplement also includes a glossary, additional resources and copy pages.
Through participation in Here Today, Here Tomorrow - Recycled! lessons and projects students will gain an understanding of, as well as practical skills or experiences related to:
The quantities and types of waste that students generate, along with the quantities and types of waste produced at home and at school by family members, faculty and friends;
Their roles as consumers of goods and services;
Procedures in place for the safe removal of solid and household hazardous wastes produced within their communities;
Waste reduction priorities and how they are/or can be implemented locally and individually (i.e., reduction, reuse, composting and recycling); and
Methods of waste disposal and related needs and issues (landfills, transfer stations and resource recovery facilities).
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