incineration 407
mass burn 408
municipal landfill 405 		municipal solid waste (MSW) 402
recycling 411
source reduction 409
 		On-line Flashcards
      What do you do with the oil rigs that are no longer in use? One way to decrease the amount of material headed for a landfill or for recycling is to use these huge structures as artificial reefs.       Take a look at the Oil rigs as Artificial Reefs case study for an alternative disposal method.
Review Questions
  1. How is lifestyle related to our growing municipal solid waste problem?
  2. What four methods are incorporated under integrated waste management?
  3. Describe some of the problems associated with modern landfills.
  4. What are four concerns associated with incineration?

  1. Describe examples of source reduction.
  2. Describe the importance of recycling household solid wastes.
  3. Name several strategies that would help to encourage the growth of recycling.
  4. Describe the various types of composting and the role of composting in solid waste management.
Critical Thinking Questions
  1. Why do you suppose consumers were so quick to adapt the "use it once, then throw it away" lifestyle after World War II? What values, beliefs, and perceptions does this reveal?
  2. How can you help solve the solid waste problem?
  3. Given that you have only so much time, should you spend your time acting locally, as a recycling coordinator for example, or advocating for larger political and economic changes at the national level, changes that would solve the waste problems? Why? Or should you do nothing? Why?
  4. How does your school or city deal with solid waste? Can solid waste production be limited at your institution or city? How? What barriers exist that might make it difficult to limit solid waste production?
  1. It is possible to have a high standard of living, as in North America and Western Europe, and not produce large amounts of solid waste. How?
  2. Often environmental costs are hidden from view, and the "correct" response to an environmental problem is not readily apparent. Read the Issues & Analysis section of this chapter. Which alternative do you prefer? Are there other alternatives?
  3. Incineration of solid waste is controversial. Do you support solid waste incineration in general? Would you support an incineration facility in your neighborhood?